The Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention, who is appointed under UK legislation to take control at salvage incidents where there is a threat of significant pollution of UK waters.
During such an incident SOSREP has powers to give statutory directions (under Schedule 3A on behalf of the Secretary of State) to the shipowner, master, pilot, salvor or harbour master. SOSREP is attached to the MCA, but during an incident will usually be based near the scene so that he can liaise with all the representatives of the concerned parties.
