International Convention on Salvage, 1989

The International Convention on Salvage, 1989, is a treaty that sets out rules for salvage operations at sea. When a ship is in distress (like a shipwreck or grounding), salvage is the act of rescuing it or its cargo. The convention establishes the rights and responsibilities of salvors (those who perform the rescue) and shipowners, aiming to encourage salvage efforts by offering fair compensation to salvors for their work, while also protecting the environment. It emphasizes the importance of professional salvage practices and includes provisions for environmental protection during salvage operations.