A marine casualty is a traumatic event that will affect everyone concerned, especially those on board the casualty. The main purpose of this section is to provide the Master with an aide memoire - information that is essential if shipowner and salvor are to make a sound assessment of the situation and develop and implement plans to salvage the casualty and cargo and prevent or minimise pollution.

The importance of accurate, timely information

Accurate, timely information is critical, particularly in the early stages of a casualty. There are all too many instances of inaccurate or late information resulting in significantly increased costs for salvage (and, in some extreme cases, being instrumental in the loss of vessels).

There are frequent problems with inadequate information. For example, the description of a ballast tank as “flooding” may be accurate, but doesn’t go nearly far enough. It would be much more helpful to address the following:

• Whether the tank in question was empty originally, or partially full (and, if so, to what extent?).
• The last and previous occasion the tank was sounded (or the condition noted).
• The rate of flooding, the depth of water in the tank, or whether the tank has flooded up to sea level.
  

Updating information: the need for constant vigilance

The early stages of a casualty tend to be very dynamic, with the vessel’s condition often changing rapidly. It is important that the casualty’s condition is monitored closely. All changes should be reported on a frequent, regular basis to owners and salvors.

Constant vigilance will remain very important throughout the salvage operation. It is vital to detect any significant change in the casualty’s status at the earliest possible stage. Any significant change that goes undetected could have very serious consequences.