Engaging an SCR The SCR must be appointed from the SCR Panel. The SCR is normally appointed by the P&I club on behalf of the owner of the ship. The SCR performs this role on behalf of all parties and their insurers, including all property interests. Similar to the salvor, the SCR is to use their best endeavours to assist in the salvage of the ship and the property thereon, and in so doing, to prevent and minimise damage to the environment. However, the salvage master remains in overall charge of the operation, makes all final decisions as to what they think is best and remains responsible for the operation.
The role of the SCR is to monitor the salvage services and liabilities and provide a final salvage report which forms the basis for settlement of any claim for SCOPIC remuneration which the salvor might have against the ship owner. Day to day the SCR will work with and scrutinise the salvage master’s plan and check the accuracy of the daily progress reports and the daily running cost sheet. An SCR should be appointed as soon as SCOPIC is invoked to ensure that they are present at the casualty from the outset. The
objective is for the SCR to be fully conversant with the operation and conditions; to be available to consult with the salvage master and to be able to comment and assist as necessary. It is expected that the SCR will be aboard during any major salvage activity.
Manifests should be provided to them at the time of their appointment so that analysis of the various International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) cargoes can commence whilst mobilising. The volatility of the various dangerous goods carried on board mega box ships can and does cause serious problems for salvors. The SCR will work closely with the salvage master to identify the potential risks from the various cargoes and ensure that suitable measures and actions are promptly taken.
Parameters of the Role The SCR has a duty to report, observe and consult with the salvage master and to endorse and circulate the salvage master’s daily salvage reports to interested parties. If the SCR disapproves of the way the salvage operation is being conducted, or the type or
number of craft, personnel and equipment being used, they should inform the salvage master in writing as soon as possible and, if not satisfied with the salvage master’s daily salvage report, publish a dissenting report to be issued to all parties. Likewise, the SCR should also endorse and circulate the final salvage report to interested parties.
However, the SCR has no power to direct the salvage master to employ more or less resources in the salvage operation and this decision must remain at the salvage master’s discretion. The SCR similarly cannot bind the owner of a ship or cargo to any particular course of action.
The SCR must not be requested by any party, nor volunteer themselves, to provide expert opinion either during the operation or subsequently which would undermine the independence of the role. An SCR can give evidence of fact with regard to salvage issues, but should not give evidence of opinion.
This article was first published published in the Standard P&I Club’s Mega Box Ship bulletin, July 2019 and is reproduced with the author’s kind permission.
80 | The Report • September 2019 • Issue 89
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