The mission of the ASA is to serve as a unifying force within the marine salvage industry, acting as the leading representative across the Americas and the Caribbean.
ASA members adhere to a set of best practices and guidelines when conducting operations.
As the leader and foremost expert on salvage matters, the ASA is dedicated to championing and maintaining professionalism of the salvage industry.
To create and foster a good working relationship and spirit of mutual cooperation between its Members. To cooperate with other Associations working in the interests of the marine industry. To unite marine salvors & associated /supporting industry companies working throughout the Americas and the Caribbean in order to consider taking joint action on any matters affecting the marine salvage and associated industries.
ASA members strive to ensure public and responder safety, while saving lives, and minimizing impacts to the marine environment and maritime transportation system. In these efforts, ASA members will continue to work toward the fair and consistent interpretation of OPA 90 and national response policies, while striving for continuous policy improvements to advance maritime safety and marine environmental protection and sustainability.
The ASA pledges to serve as the foremost educational authority on best practices in marine salvage and wreck removal, catering to members, salvors, government entities, and all industry stakeholders.
If an ASA General Member with a contract requires assistance, he should give another ASA Member with suitable equipment/expertise readily available the opportunity to tender.
It is recommended that, where appropriate, Members use ASA approved Standard Forms of Contracts, Agreements, Guarantees and other Documents.
All Members should at all times conduct themselves in their relations with other Members, or any other persons or companies, in a manner compatible with this code of conduct. In particular, all Members should endeavor to conduct their affairs so as to maintain the ethical business standard contained in this code of conduct.
When tendering for major wreck removal operations Members should endeavor to ensure proper tendering procedures, i.e. tenders by sealed envelopes to be opened at a fixed time with no further tenders being permitted, and Members should not accept or participate in any other form of practice.
No Member of the ASA should knowingly attempt to usurp, dispossess or otherwise interfere with a contract freely negotiated and entered into by another Member, always subject to the provisions of the International Convention on Salvage, 1989, Art 8.1 (d). Any offer of additional services should be directed simultaneously to the contracted General Member and the property at risk.