For many people, treasure hunting seems like a romantic, adventurous lifestyle. However, people who are involved in marine salvage and treasure hunting must follow strict laws put in place by the government. If you find someone who is breaking these laws, you should hold them accountable for their actions under Qui Tam law. Qui Tam law is a part of the legal code that allows concerned citizens to take other people to court if they are breaking the law in a way that defrauds the government. Basically, if you find someone committing crimes such as healthcare fraud, you can take them to court on behalf of the U.S. government. The government can also help protect you as the whistle blower. One area that is regulated by the U.S. government is marine salvage. First, it is important to note the difference between salvage and the law of "finds." Salvage involves helping a ship that is in peril. For pure salvage, there must be other conditions in place, such as no previous agreement or contract for salvage. After rescuing a ship, the salvor must go to maritime court so that the court can award the proper salvage award. A rescue in more difficult or dangerous situations typically receives more award than less dangerous situations. The law of "finds" is more like treasure hunting. If you find an abandoned item that owners are no longer trying to salvage, you may be able to assume ownership of the item. Basically, the law of finds follows a "finders keepers, losers weepers" attitude. Under law, the U.S. government restricts the transportation of salvaged property or items found in U.S. waters. Any ship that transports property from U.S. waters cannot take this property to a foreign port, or the transport ship can be forfeited to the U.S. For citizens who bring this issue to court, the forfeiture awarded in the case is split between the whistle blower and the government.
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