Salvage and Maritime Safety in the Sea: The Mediterranean Spanish Case

Abstract

Maritime safety and security institutions evolved from a sole consideration of private and economical interests into public ones, including concepts such as the protection of human life and natural environment in the Sea. On the 20th century, public authorities created a system of protection at local, regional and international levels. UNCLOS Convention must be applied in coordination with other conventions on the matter. There are particular facts in the Mediterranean border like regional conflicts and immigration movements that must be taken into account to implement any regulation on maritime safety. Spain has made an important effort to create an efficient maritime safety system since 1992, but it is necessary to improve it in terms of material and human resources and in terms of coordination between public authorities in charge.