Wings, Wheels and Water

Marine Salvage and towing question:

I had a question about marine salvage and towing.  One thing that always bothers me while boating is having a problem at sea and needing a tow. There is a frightening story of a boat owner who abandoned their disabled boat and opted to ride on the towboat. Seems harmless enough, but the story goes on that the person providing the tow, claims the crippled boat as salvage. Is this some sort of urban legend or can this happen?

Answer:

I have heard the same type of stories. Ultimately, there is truth to the story. Marine salvage has been around for a long time. It is a way to financially compensate or reward other boaters for helping crippled or disabled boats. Salvage laws took effect a long time ago when most of the boats on the ocean were moving cargo. The captain of a ship on a paying voyage was reluctant to go out of his way to help if there was not some sort of payment or reward.

In a quick summary, to claim salvage there are three basic requirements. The vessel has to be in peril. It has to result in a successful rescue of people and property. And the rescuer has to do the job voluntarily. In these cases, the rescuer can request payment from the owner. Usually the type of risk, size of the boat, etc. will establish the salvage reward. Typically, it is a percentage of the “salvage” value. Salvage situations like this are not just for the big boats. Almost any boat or vessel on navigable waters can be subject to this salvage claim (except if the boat is on a pond or small lake).

It is always a good idea to check into buying emergency towing coverage either through a separate policy or buy the additional coverage with your existing marine insurance policy. Typically, towing coverage is calculated on an hourly rate compared to a percentage of the salvage value. If you have time to call and contract a vessel towing service, get a copy of their agreement and what they will charge per hour to tow your vessel.

Some insurance policies will include towing coverage. Make sure the amount of emergency towing coverage in your policy will be appropriate for the locations you will be using your boat.

If you do not have emergency towing included on your policy, you should look into buying a separate policy to provide that service. The difference between marine salvage and towing is something all boaters should look into. Make sure you discuss the coverage with your agent or the organization from which you purchased the coverage.

Need a survey?

How do I find a “qualified” surveyor? If you are buying a boat that is: over 10 years old, made of wood or steel, or is over 26 feet in length, you will probably need to get a survey.  even if you are not borrowing money, a survey is a good idea.   Oh and often the insurance company will require a recent dry survey for a new purchase.

Start by looking up the organizations that certify surveyors.  Three major associations train and certify surveyors:  National Association of Marine Surveyors  (www.namsurveyors.org), U. S. Surveyors Association  (www.navsurvey.com) and Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (www.marinesurvey.org).

A good marine surveyor should not only be qualified and a member of good standing in a professional survey organization, but also a member of the American Boat & Yacht Council (www.abycinc.org).  This organization is “a not-for-profit membership organization that has been developing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair for 50 years”.  Surveyors that are also members of the American Boat and Yacht Council should be up to date on safety standards in the industry.

You can do a few things before hiring a surveyor.

The following are a few areas that a boat owner should check:

Exterior – Damage, loose rivets, leaks, delaminating, cleats, running lights, finish

Interior – Leaks, rot, access, electrical, safety

Engine – Wiring, oil, cables, bellows, fuel, filters

Drive units – Chips, damage, corrosion, propeller

Trailers – Tires, bearings, lights, wiring, pads, rollers

More than likely when you go to sell the boat the buyer will be required to have a survey.  Make sure that you keep the boat in good shape.

Take care of some of that owner maintenance yourself.  An owner should perform or have performed regular inspections of their vessel a few times each year.  If it is a trailer-able boat, check it each time it comes out of the water.  Seasonally moored vessels are checked at least at the start and end of the season (and sometime in-between).  Owner maintenance will help reduce the “gig” or repair list on a survey.  The better the maintenance on your vessel, the less the survey will find needed repairs.

Need a copy of self survey that you can use for your own maintenance review? Send em an email for a free copy.