A ship in danger may need outside help. Salvage is the act of rescuing a ship, its cargo, or other property from maritime peril, and the legal and commercial framework that rewards those who successfully do so.

Professional salvors provide tugs, pumps, firefighting gear, and expertise under contracts such as Lloyd’s Open Form. Reward is traditionally based on value saved and the degree of danger and difficulty. Pure life salvage is treated differently from property salvage in many systems.

Successful salvage can prevent wreck, pollution, and total loss. Disputes arise over the amount of the award and over whether a particular service qualifies as salvage. Coastal states also have powers to intervene in casualties that threaten their shores.

• Rescue of ship or cargo from maritime peril
• Rewarded under specific legal and contractual rules
• Performed by professional salvors and sometimes by other ships
• Can prevent pollution and total loss