Role of the Receiver of Wreck
The role of the receiver of wreck is typically a government official who conducts an investigation into a boat wreck for the purpose of finding the legitimate owner of the property and ensuring salvors receive an appropriate award. To understand the rights and obligations of the receiver of wreck it is advised that you see professional guidance from a consultancy firm or maritime lawyer.
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Receiver of wreck explained
The receiver of wreck is tasked with the responsibility of processing incoming reports of boat wrecks with a view to giving the owner of the wreckage the opportunity to recover their possessions. In addition, the receiver of wreck must also ensure that the salvor/salvors are awarded appropriately with a salvage award, which is usually relevant to the value of the salvage.
A boat wreck is defined under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 and is categorized into 4 different areas, namely;
- Lagan: goods cast overboard from a ship which are perished beyond salvage
- Derelict: goods which have been abandoned at sea
- Jetsam: goods cast overboard in a bid to save the vessel by lightening it
- Flotsam: goods that are lost from a sunken vessel, these goods will typically be recoverable as they have floated.
Once a boat wreck has been reported, the receiver of wreck has several responsibilities including;
- Researching the ownership of a boat wreck
- Consulting with the salvor of the wreck and the official owner
- Work in conjunction with local HM coastguards and maritime agencies
With regards to unclaimed boat wrecks, the receiver of wreck must be satisfied that any claims made to the wreck are legitimate and the person making the claim can prove they are entitled to the property found.
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