Why do salvors have a maritime lien on property they rescue?

In maritime law, salvors are granted a maritime lien on rescued property as a legal mechanism to ensure they receive compensation for their services. Because salvage involves rescuing a ship or cargo from perils that would otherwise lead to their loss or destruction, the law recognizes the salvor's right to be rewarded for their voluntary efforts, skill, and the risks they incurred.123

This lien provides the salvor with a form of security: they are not required to return the salved property to the owner until their claim for a salvage award is satisfied or until adequate security is provided to meet that award. In an in rem proceeding, this allows the salvor to arrest the property—such as the vessel or its cargo—to ensure the judgment is paid. It is important to note that the salvor does not become the owner of the property; the original owner retains the right to reclaim it upon payment of the salvage money.31