With the promulgation of the OPA-90 Salvage and Marine Firefighting regulations, there is now a standard to which a salvage company must be held. Donjon-SMIT has been striving to meet these standards since they were first proposed over 10 years ago. With their finalization, it is important that the owner/operator understand the breadth and detail to which Donjon-Smit goes to fully meet each of the 15 points. These points establish the standard by which the salvage and marine firefighting responder must be judged. Your prospective salvor must:

1.       Currently work in salvage and marine firefighting.

2.       Have a documented history of participation in successful salvage and/or marine firefighting operations, including equipment deployment.

3.       Own or have contracts for equipment needed to perform response services.

4.       Employ personnel with documented training certification and degree experience (Naval Architecture, Fire Science, etc.).

5.       Maintain 24-hour availability of personnel and equipment, and a history of response times compatible with the time requirements in the regulation.

6.       Conduct an on-going continuous training program.

7.       Have a successful record of participation in drills and exercises.

8.       Have prepared salvage or marine firefighting plans used and approved during real incidents.

9.       Maintain membership in relevant national and/or international organizations.

10.   Have insurance that covers the salvage and/or marine firefighting services which they intend to provide.

11.   Have sufficient up front capital to support an operation.

12.   Have equipment and experience to work in the specific regional geographic environment(s) that the vessel operates in (e.g., bottom type, water turbidity, water depth, sea state and temperature extremes).

a.       Fast moving river currents,

b.      Deep water in excess of 15,000 feet,

c.       Shallow water,

d.      All bottom types including rock, sand, mud, and coral,

e.      Cold weather environments below 0 degrees Fahrenheit,

f.        Hot weather in excess of 90 degrees Fahrenheit,

g.       Open ocean environments with high sea states, and

h.      High turbidity environments with severely restricted visibility.

13.   Have the logistical and transportation support capability required to sustain operations for extended periods of time in arduous sea states and conditions.

14.   Have the capability to implement the necessary engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls to safeguard the health and safety of their workers when providing salvage and marine firefighting services.

15.   Have familiarity with the salvage and marine firefighting protocols contained in the local ACPs for each COTP area for which they are contracted.

NOTE: The COMPLIANCE DECISION TOOL, referenced throughout this page, is available upon request from Donjon-SMIT. Please contact your local Donjon-SMIT representative, or contact our main office at +1-703-299-0081 or by email at admin@donjon-smit.com for access to this important tool.