International Conference on Salvage (1989) - Final Act of the Conference and Convention on Salvage

This publication sets out the regulations relating to salvage and discusses the provisions for salvors introduced by the International Convention on Salvage (i.e. the enhanced salvage award and special compensation).

The publication includes:

• Final Act of the Conference
• International Convention on Salvage, (Salvage) 1989
• Resolution requesting the amendment of the York-Antwerp Rules, 1974
• Resolution on international co-operation for the implementation of the International Convention on Salvage, 1989.

This publication contains the texts of the acts adopted by the International Conference on Salvage, which was held under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from 17 to 28 April 1989.

In addition to the Final Act, the Conference adopted the International Convention on Salvage, 1989. The Conference also adopted a Common Understanding concerning articles 13 and 14 of the Convention, and two resolutions dealing respectively with the amendment of the York-Antwerp Rules of 1974 and international co-operation for the implementation of the 1989 Salvage Convention. The texts of the Common Understanding and the two resolutions are annexed to the Final Act as Attachments 1, 2 and 3.

Final Act of the International Conference on Salvage 1989

International Convention on Salvage 1989

Attachment 1 - Common Understanding concerning Articles 13 and 14 of the International Convention on Salvage (1989)

Attachment 2 - Resolution requesting the amendment of the York-Antwerp Rules 1974

Attachment 3 - Resolution on international co-operation for the implementation of the International Convention on Salvage (1989)

IMO

As a specialised agency of the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.