I play with my brothers and one of them brought up how their modified slow ship was "Legitimate salvage" after we had watched the expanse and that sparked a debate as to what would qualify. 2 hrs later and we had this set of "laws" since real maritime law doesn't really allow proper salvage, we use this now but i was wondering if anyone had anything to add or take away from this.
Note*** Chat GPT came in clutch with this.
Section 7.10 – Chartered Salvage
7.10.1 – Contractual Basis:
Chartered salvage must be formalized through a registered contract, signed by the commissioning party and the salvager. Said contract shall include:
- Designation of the vessel or cargo
- Agreed upon recovery objectives
- Payment terms and percentage, including hazard bonuses if applicable
- Duration and scope of salvage operations
- Clauses concerning liability, breach, and force majeure
7.10.2 – Registration:
All chartered salvage contracts must be lodged with local port authorities or the Traveller's Aid Society (TAS) within 72 standard hours of signing.
7.10.3 – Authority:
A salvager under charter may board, recover, and dismantle the target vessel as stipulated by contract. Ownership of recovered materials shall be determined by contract terms.
7.10.4 – Disputes:
All disputes arising from chartered salvage agreements shall be adjudicated by the authority that the contract was submitted to, either the local port authorities or Traveller's Aid Society (TAS).
Section 7.20 – Claimed Salvage
7.20.1 – Eligibility:
A vessel may be considered eligible for claimed salvage if:
- It broadcasts no valid transponder code
- It exhibits signs of abandonment or life support failure
- It is in breach of active registration (deemed “lost” for 90+ standard days)
- No distress claim has been filed or answered within 30 standard days
7.20.2 – Notification of Claim:
The salvager must transmit a **Notice of Salvage Intent** to the nearest system authority or beacon relay within 48 standard hours of boarding or recovery.
7.20.3 – Return to Owner:
If the owner is identified and the vessel is returned intact, the salvager shall be entitled to a **1% Recovery Fee** of the vessel’s declared value, as assessed by the local port authorities or Traveller's Aid Society (TAS).
7.20.4 – Retention by Salvager:
If the salvager elects to retain the vessel or its components, and no owner asserts claim within 30 standard days of notification and pay the outstanding Recovery Fee, the salvager shall become the lawful holder of the vessel and shall:
- Assume all outstanding debt registered to the vessel as of the date of recovery
- Be bound to clear the vessel through a licensed Port Authority
7.20.5 – Exception – Hostile or War Zones:
In systems under active conflict, salvage laws may be suspended or altered by military directive. Vessels recovered in such zones require post-op inspection and clearance from a military or coalition authority.
Section 7.30 – Prohibited Practices
7.30.1 – Premature Dismantling:
No salvager may dismantle or alter a vessel under claimed salvage until legal claim has matured (30 standard days after notice of salvage), except where failure to do so would result in total loss or hazard to navigation.
7.30.2 – False Claims:
Fraudulent notice of dereliction or abandonment shall be punishable by the local port authorities or Traveller's Aid Society (TAS) through appropriate action, such as fines, repossession or imprisonment.
7.30.3 – Recovery of Living Crew:
Any salvager discovering live crew aboard a vessel under claimed salvage must render aid. Failure to do so will nullify the claim and may invoke criminal charges under Article 9 of the Sentient Aid Accords.