"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
Thanks, Joe. That clears up a lot.


Well, Joe's answer was correct, but I expect otn to accuse Joe of being a
lawyer!

Anybody who rescues a vessel is entitled to "salvage".

The monetary value of the salvage is determined by fairly simple criteria.

If the rescued vessel would have been definitely lost, then the salvor will
own the salvaged vessel.


If the rescued vessel would have definitely made it safely back to port,
then the salvor will get nothing.

In other words, the salvor is entitled to be compensated for the money that
his actions have saved.


For example, if your engine breaks down 10 yards from your slip, then a
rescuer would get almost nothing, as you would be able to prove that you
would have (eventually) managed to tie up safely.


If your boat became incapacitated a mile from your base, and you were
rescued by a stranger, then all sorts of factors would come into play. If
the coastguard had been just two minutes away, then the damage that might
have occured in those two minutes would be important. OTOH, if you were
about to get smashed to pieces on rocks, the salvor might get 100% of the
value of your boat.


Regards


Donal
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