An overview of Spanish Salvage

摘要

There have been calls for Spain to ratify the 1989 Salvage Convention, and for jurisdiction for salvage claims to be transferred to the civil courts. However, there are currently no signs of the Spanish legislature taking either of the above steps. It appears, therefore, that the 1962 Law will remain in force for some time and parties to salvage proceedings will continue to be in the peculiar position of having their private civil claims resolved by an administrative body. This situation can result in high costs and substantive delays. However, it can also result in quick decisions, made by experts. Parties to salvage proceedings in Spain often complain about the system, but perhaps they are overlooking the advantages that it can offer.