Ship Salvage and Emergency Towing Checklist
This ship salvage and emergency towing checklist ensures compliance with SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 22 (Pilot Transfer Arrangements), SOLAS requirements for Emergency Towing Arrangements on tankers and vessels over 20,000 GT (SOLAS Reg. II-1/3-4), ISM Code emergency preparedness requirements, and International Salvage Convention 1989 operational requirements. Pre-incident planning significantly improves salvage success rates.
- Industry: Maritime
- Frequency: Semi-Annually / Per Event
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Role: Master / Chief Officer / DPA
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: SOLAS II-1/3-4 Emergency Towing Arrangements, IMO MSC.1/Circ.1309 Emergency Towing Guidelines, ISM Code Emergency Preparedness Section 8, International Salvage Convention 1989, SCOPIC Special Compensation P&I Club Guidelines
Emergency Towing Arrangement
ETA equipment readiness.
- Emergency Towing Arrangement (ETA) installed per SOLAS requirements?
- ETA equipment inspected and in serviceable condition?
- ETA plan showing equipment location and deployment procedure posted?
- Crew trained in ETA deployment - exercise conducted within 12 months?
- Emergency tow line condition and breaking strength confirmed adequate?
Salvage Contract Preparedness
LOF and salvage agreement readiness.
- Blank Lloyd's Open Form (LOF) or equivalent salvage contract on board?
- P&I Club emergency contact numbers for salvage guidance readily available?
- Flag state casualty authority contact numbers available?
- Company authorization for Master to sign LOF/salvage agreement clear?
- Coastal state rescue coordination center (MRCC) contact for affected area known?
Emergency Response Planning
Ship emergency plan.
- Shipboard Emergency Plan covering salvage scenarios on board?
- Cargo manifest, MSDS, quantity and location readily available for salvors?
- Ship's particulars booklet (GA, capacity plan, stability data) available for salvors?
- Damage stability information available for emergency flooding scenarios?
- SOPEP/SVPP ready for activation to prevent pollution during salvage?
Pollution Prevention During Salvage
Environmental protection.
- Emergency fuel oil transfer capability to minimize spill risk?
- Emergency cargo lightering plan if cargo discharge needed to refloat?
- Coastal authority/coast guard notified of casualty and pollution risk?
- On-board oil spill response equipment deployed if spill occurring?
- SOPEP shipboard oil pollution emergency plan activated?
Actual Salvage Operations
Live operation checklist.
- Company/owners approval obtained before signing salvage contract?
- Crew safety prioritized - evacuation if vessel at risk of sinking?
- Detailed deck log entries of all salvage events and actions?
- Owner's surveyor/representative attending salvage operation?
- Salvage master's refloating plan reviewed and agreed by Master?
Salvage Records
Documentation.
- Formal incident/casualty report filed with flag state?
- P&I Club casualty claim file opened and evidence preserved?
- Crew statements recorded immediately while events fresh?
- Comprehensive photographic record of damage and salvage operations?
- Salvage Operation Notes
Related Maritime Checklists
- Maritime Medical Emergency Response Checklist
- Enclosed Space Rescue and Emergency Response Checklist
- Maritime Medical Emergency Response Checklist
- Cargo Plan Approval and Pre-Loading Verification Checklist
- Port Container Terminal Daily Safety Inspection Checklist
- Marina and Boat Yard Safety Inspection Checklist
- Vessel Safety Management System (SMS) Internal Audit Checklist
Related Emergency Response Checklists
- Maritime Medical Emergency Response Checklist - FREE Download
- Enclosed Space Rescue and Emergency Response Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Ship Salvage and Emergency Towing Checklist?
This ship salvage and emergency towing checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for master / chief officer / dpa professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: semi-annually / per event.
Ensures compliance with SOLAS II-1/3-4 Emergency Towing Arrangements, IMO MSC.1/Circ.1309 Emergency Towing Guidelines, ISM Code Emergency Preparedness Section 8, International Salvage Convention 1989, SCOPIC Special Compensation P&I Club Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Ship Salvage and Emergency Towing Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Emergency Towing Arrangement, Salvage Contract Preparedness, Emergency Response Planning, Pollution Prevention During Salvage, Actual Salvage Operations, Salvage Records. It is designed for maritime operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed semi-annually / per event. Each completion takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Who should use this Ship Salvage and Emergency Towing Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Master / Chief Officer / DPA professionals in the maritime industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.