Waves Group’s Casualty Experience Includes three SCRs to Support Maritime Incidents
What is an SCR and why do we need them?
These are the questions being asked whenever there is a significant maritime casualty, be it a vessel running aground, a collision, fire, or other casualty situation. In the event of a maritime incident, a salvage response is typically, and best, initiated promptly to mitigate further damage. Given the time-sensitive nature of these operations, swift decisions regarding emergency response strategies, and subsequently, costs are imperative.
Maritime incidents such as these present potential threats to human life and to the marine environment, as well to the vessels and other marine assets involved. Undoubtedly, this creates the risk of substantial economic loss for the vessel owners, and their insurers, and all other parties with interests in the outcome, such as charterers, cargo interests and the local authorities. It is therefore important that the response is well coordinated and managed in the interest of all parties involved.
To answer the two questions; an SCR (Special Casualty Representative) is an independent specialist working in the interest of ALL parties, and their insurers, to provide support, technical input on the salvage operations and financial oversight, encompassing all property interests. They are typically appointed by the vessel’s P&I Club on behalf of the shipowner.
An SCR is appointed when a LOF (Lloyds Open Form) salvage contract has been signed in which SCOPIC (Special Compensation P&I Clause) has been both incorporated and invoked by the salvor. The primary duty of the SCR is to work closely with the Salvage Master (who always remains responsible for the operation) and use their best endeavours to assist in the salvage operation to prevent and minimise damage to the environment. This involves assessing the salvage plan to ensure proper implementation of remediation measures, monitoring the progress of the operation and assessing the reasonableness of the costs incurred.
On completion of the operation, the SCR will provide a comprehensive report, which serves as the foundation for resolving any claims for SCOPIC compensation (under the Special Compensation P&I Clause) between the salvor and the shipowner.
The SCR’s role has a broad remit, but one that is completely focussed on the successful outcome of the response to salve the vessel and property. The SCR is therefore an invaluable asset for supporting the successful delivery of some of the most challenging marine operations, such as marine salvage.
Waves Group’s casualty response team includes three members of the Lloyd’s SCR panel: Nigel James (a very experienced Master Mariner), Allan Stuart and Simon Burnay (both very experienced Naval Architects). They are supported by a strong team of specialist disciplines with extensive marine casualty experience, including Master Mariners, Marine Engineers, Naval Architects and Fire & HAZMAT specialists. The experience, knowledge and skills required to be on the SCR panel are also vital in other non-SCOPIC salvage cases and wreck removal operations.
Our team has worked on many well-known and high-profile salvage and wreck removal cases, as SCR and Client Representative, which is a role that represents the interests of a particular party. Recent appointments have included incidents involving vessel collisions, groundings, engine room fire and tow, major container stack collapses, vehicle carrier fires and wreck removals, including in extreme locations. Collectively, our team has managed over 250 major maritime incidents, including many salvage and wreck removal cases!
To compliment and support our SCRs, Waves Group has a team of digital experts that offer AIS tracking, VDR reconstruction, CASPAR reports – for improved situational awareness and the investigation of causation, and high resolution 3-D surveys which offer detailed assessments of a vessel or wreck’s condition and the unique ability to review wreck removal plans long before committing to an option, adding considerable value to the ITT process.
Their expertise ensures compliance with international regulations, environmental protection and maintaining the highest standards of safety and fairness for all stakeholders involved.
Our multi-disciplined team of Naval Architects, Master Mariners, Maritime Civil, Structural and Marine Engineers and digital experts, offers a one-stop shop for all maritime and offshore energy incidents. As a leading maritime and offshore engineering consultancy, having three members on the Llyod’s SCR panel increases our rapid response capabilities for marine casualties worldwide.
Further useful information on the role of the SCR can be found here: – Lloyd’s Salvage Arbitration Branch
For further information on our comprehensive range of services, including salvage and wreck removal solutions, contact [email protected] or telephone our 24/7 emergency response number +44 (0) 207 083 7266.
