Vice President’s Message

BY Mike Jarvis

Vice President ASA

American Salvage Association

In 2016, I attended my first American Salvage Association (ASA) meeting where a new president was being introduced.  At the time, I was working for one of the General Members and I was struck how rare an opportunity where industry professionals from around the country who typically compete vigorously with each other were now engaged for a common goal.

The meeting consisted of forums and presentations about SMFF regulations, the salvage industry’s future, and Concordia/Amadeo wreck removals. Being surrounded by so much knowledge and experience was invigorating. The education I received and the friendships I formed at that event continue to benefit my professional career to this day.  The competitive and sometimes cutthroat nature of the marine salvage industry is no surprise to anyone in the business. Yet the ASA provides a unique forum in which all who seek to cordially discuss the common issues we all face can do so.

I believe in the benefits of being an ASA member. Few, if any, opportunities exist where companies large and small from around the world can come together as one group for the sole purpose of making our industry better. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we remain a singular force to deal with current and future regulations and solidify the issues that we face with unity. With unity, we all will possess the strength to continue prospering in this ever-changing field that we have chosen to devote our professional lives. Without unity, our individual goals will certainly fall short.

In 2000, nine leading salvage companies saw the need for an organization to unify the commercial marine salvage industry. The founders worked with public and private stakeholders to develop the SMFF planning criteria we know today. In 2021, we have only three leading salvage companies that have successfully been vetted to be listed as emergency response providers. We have to continue being the go-to sounding board as subject matter experts for government agencies and private interests.

Looking forward, I hope we have more opportunities for handshakes and face-to-face meetings. My objective is to unify and clarify the important mission put in place by the ASA founders. While that mission is well underway, we are now faced with new challenges that threaten the future of our industry. We will face this future as the ASA continues to maintain relationships with stakeholders and develop plans to improve the emergency response position in the Americas.

I appreciate the opportunity to be part of that future and to see the American Salvage Association retain the goals of its mission while setting new objectives that will benefit us all.

I wish everyone a safe and healthy summer and invite you to enjoy the summer edition of Soundings.