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21
Salvage and Towage
21.1 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Chapter is to identify sound practices and obligations of MASS owners in
circumstances where the MASS is either the subject of a salvage operation or the recipient of towage
services.
21.2 GENERAL
21.2.1 As MASS capability becomes more prolific at sea, and also as they grow in size and complexity, they will be
subject to the same risks as their manned counterparts. The outcome of these risks may require the MASS to be
subject to either Salvage or Towage. It is assessed that the existing body of law is applicable to MASS.
21.3 MASS SALVAGE
21.3.1 Existing maritime salvage law as it applies to manned ships generally applies to MASS. MASS owners should
consider making use of the existing standard salvage contracts, such as the Lloyds Open Form (LOF).
21.3.2 MASS owners should provide salvors with information about the MASS and payload (where applicable) as
necessary for the safety of the salvage operation and in any event when such information is reasonably requested
by the salvor.
21.3.3 MASS owners should co-operate as fully as possible with salvors in conducting the salvage operation and permit
the salvor to make reasonable use of the MASS’s equipment, as appropriate.
21.3.4 MASS owners should accept redelivery of the MASS after the salvage operation when reasonably requested to
do so by the salvors.
21.4 MASS TOWAGE
21.4.1 Existing maritime towage law as it applies to manned ships generally applies to MASS. MASS owners should
consider making use of the existing standard towage contracts such as the UK Standard Towing Conditions.
21.4.2 MASS owners should disclose and provide to the towage service provider information reasonably necessary for
the safety of the towage operation.
21.4.3 MASS owners will ensure that all the requisite documentation for towing their MASS platform is in place and up
to date; e.g. towing plans.
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MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 7