(1) The salvor owes a duty to the owner of the ship or of the other property in danger which it is assisting to exercise due care in performing the salvage measures so as to prevent or minimise damage to the environment. The owner and the skipper or master of the ship in distress, as well as the owner of the other property in danger, in turn owe the same duty to the salvor. Any arrangement made in derogation herefrom is null and void.
(2) The term “damage to the environment” is defined as substantial physical damage to human health or to marine life or resources in coastal or inland waters or areas adjacent thereto, caused by pollution, contamination, fire, explosion, or similar major incidents.