Overview
A place of refuge is a sheltered location where a damaged vessel can be taken to stabilize the casualty, transfer cargo or bunkers, conduct repairs, and reduce the risk of total loss, pollution, or wider harm.
Why it matters
Refuge decisions can materially change casualty outcomes. Denying refuge may escalate structural damage, pollution exposure, salvage difficulty, and total-loss risk.
Related incidents
Accidents linked to this concept are grouped by vessel type.