Public comment to the US Commission on Ocean Policy submitted by Richard B. Fairbanks at the July 22,

STATEMENT OF RICHARD B. FAIRBANKS, PRESIDENT AMERICAN SALVAGE ASSOCIATION ON THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL SALVAGE POLICY TO LIMIT VESSEL POLLUTION AND IMPROVE MARITIME SAFETY AND SECURITY BEFORE THE U.S. COMMISSION ON OCEAN POLICY WASHINGTON, D.C. JULY 22, 2004 Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee, thank you for this opportunity to present an important issue concerning marine salvage and its relationship to vessel safety, environmental protection, and port security. I am Richard B. Fairbanks, President of the American Salvage Association. On behalf of our executive board, and members, I extend my thanks to you and to Congress for your commitment to the oceans and for your efforts to protect the marine environment. INTRODUCTION In light of the need to provide for a heightened level of marine environmental protection, and with the benefit of today’s capabilities, the United States must address threats to the marine environment as well as threats to maritime transportation and port security. The American Salvage Association represents a group of fourteen of the leading professional salvage companies that have responded to the overwhelming majority of the most serious marine casualties that have occurred in the United States and Canada over the course of the past two decades. While remaining independent and competitive, the individual companies making up the Association recognize a common interest in promoting the value of salvage ...