salvage

The service rendered by a person who saves or helps to save maritime property. Salvage may be the subject of an express agreement. In the absence of any agreement, a salvor is entitled by law to an award (also known as salvage), which is assessed by the court and payable out of the salvaged property, if he shows that the property was in real danger and that he acted with some skill and in a purely voluntary capacity. The award can also take account of the saving of life, but this alone gives no claim to an award as there is no property saved out of which payment can be ordered. The rules apply equally to aircraft. However, no award of salvage may be made unless the ship or aircraft is on or over the sea or tidal waters. Property saved in a nontidal river cannot be subject to a salvage claim.