Salvage Association (London) records

Collection

Identifier: GLMS-0036

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The collection contains records from a company that surveyed damage to Great Lakes and ocean vessels for insurance purposes. Files from 1919 to 1982 document the types of accidents commonly occurring within maritime fleets. The economic impact on shipping companies is detailed in the repair cost estimates presented in survey reports.

Dates

Creation: 1919-1983
Creation: Majority of material found within 1965-1976

Extent

14.9 Cubic Feet (30 legal manuscript boxes and 3 letter manuscript boxes)

Creator

Salvage Association (London) (Organization)

Scope and Contents

The records of the Salvage Association, London, document investigative activities involved in assessing repair costs for damage done to or by Great Lakes vessels. The files in this collection date from 1919-1983.

The largest type of record consists of reports. Vessel survey reports record circumstances under which vessels were damaged for 1949-1980. Costs estimates for repairs are included. Vessel casualty reports for 1963-1972 were completed at the time vessels were damaged to give preliminary information to surveyors before completing the survey inspections. Vessel movement reports track the location of vessels to be surveyed so that appointments for damage inspections could be set.

A series of subject file correspondence completes the collection. Lists for winter moorings are included. The items provided locations for vessels that needed to be surveyed for damage assessments.

Company History

In 1856 Lloyd's of London Underwriters, five marine insurance companies based in London and several transport lines created the Association for the Protection of Commercial Interests as respects wrecked and damaged property. This predecessor to the Salvage Association was formed to provide marine transportation companies with the means to systematically survey damage to their vessels scattered around the world. A Royal Charter was issued in 1867 for the Association to incorporate as a non-profit making body.

The Salvage Association began opening branch offices following the establishment of a hull survey unit at Cardiff, Wales in 1895. Staff engineer surveyors were posted at each branch to expedite the collection of data regarding vessel damage. Surveys conducted by Association engineers were widely regarded as thorough, accurate, and impartial. Insurance companies continue to rely on them when settling accident claims.

The files in this collection were obtained from several of the 27 branch offices of the Association. Hull damage from groundings, collisions, fires, and other accidents is analyzed to establish potential repair costs. Just as the case in 1856, the Association is an integral component in the marine transportation industry.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.