3. Salvor's Lien.—
Whoever performs a salvage service acquires a maritime lien of the highest rank upon the property saved for this compensation. This lien is quite independent of possession and will be enforced by a court of admiralty by a proceeding in rem, i.e., against the ship. Ordinarily it is the salvor's duty promptly to place the property in possession of the court by libeling it for salvage at his first opportunity for such an award as the court shall deem just. This will usually be his only remedy, in the absence of an express contract. There is no personal liability against the owner of the property saved unless he requested performance of the service or received the property with knowledge of the claim.