What is Shipwreck Salvaging?
Shipwreck salvaging is a low-intensity gathering activity where you sail to shipwreck locations across Gielinor's oceans, deploy salvaging hooks to extract valuable salvage, and earn Sailing XP with minimal clicking. It's available from level 15 Sailing and remains one of the most efficient training methods all the way to 99.
How It Works
- Navigate to a shipwreck - Shipwrecks appear as icons on your sea map
- Park adjacent to the wreck - Position your boat next to the wreck location
- Deploy your salvaging hook - Click the hook to start automatically collecting salvage
- AFK for 2-5 minutes - The hook continues collecting while you do other things
- Sort salvage for bonus XP - Process your haul at a salvaging station for additional experience
💡 Pro Tip: Build a Salvaging Station
At higher levels, you can build a salvaging station directly on your boat. This lets you sort salvage at sea without returning to port, extending your AFK sessions indefinitely. The station schematic can be obtained from various sources including Port Sarim.
XP Breakdown
You earn Sailing XP in two ways:
- Collecting salvage: Full XP when your hook successfully retrieves salvage (varies by wreck type)
- Sorting salvage: Approximately 50% of the original XP when processing at a salvaging station
- Total XP per salvage: 1.5x the base collection XP (when you sort everything)
For example, collecting Large salvage gives 48 XP, and sorting it gives another 24 XP, totaling 72 XP per piece.
🗺️ Best Salvaging Locations by Level
There are 8 types of shipwrecks in OSRS, each requiring different Sailing levels and offering varying XP rates. Here's a complete breakdown of every location:
Your first introduction to salvaging. Low XP but perfect for learning the mechanics.
Location
Bedabin Basin (near Pandemonium)
XP per Salvage
10 XP (15 total w/ sorting)
Notable Drops:
- Rusty locket (rare)
- Boat bottle
- Basic materials
Recommendation: Skip these if you can. Most players stick to Port Tasks until level 26 for better XP rates.
Your first viable AFK salvaging spot with decent XP for the level requirement.
Location
Catherby Bay, Gulf of Kourend
XP per Salvage
17 XP (26 total w/ sorting)
Notable Drops:
- Mouldy block (rare)
- Boat bottle
- Fishing supplies
Perfect for: Early AFK training. Easily accessible from Catherby port and gives consistent XP.
Located in active trial waters. Requires proper ship upgrades to reach safely.
Location
Tempor Tantrum, S. of Corsair Cove
XP per Salvage
31 XP (47 total w/ sorting)
Notable Drops:
- Dull knife (rare)
- Hemp seeds (valuable for Ironmen)
- Flax seeds
- Boat bottle
Important: You'll get a warning about "hazardous waters" if your ship isn't upgraded enough. Upgrade to oak mast + iron helm before attempting.
Significantly better XP rates and longer AFK times. A major upgrade from mid-tier wrecks.
Location
SE of The Little Pearl
XP per Salvage
48 XP (72 total w/ sorting)
Notable Drops:
- Broken compass (rare)
- Cotton seeds (valuable for Ironmen)
- Camphor seed
- Elkhorn fragments
- Pillar fragments
Excellent choice: This is where salvaging becomes truly competitive with active methods. Great for mid-level players.
High-value wrecks with excellent loot tables. Located across the Feldip Strait.
Location
S. of Pest Control, Pirates' Cove
XP per Salvage
63 XP (95 total w/ sorting)
Notable Drops:
- Rusty coin (rare)
- Dragon cannonballs (valuable!)
- Various pirate supplies
Profit potential: Pirate wrecks drop valuable items. With Jobless Jim + 2x Adamant hooks, you can achieve 35k+ XP/hr while making good GP.
High-level wrecks offering substantial XP. Becomes very efficient with proper setup.
Location
South of Sunbleak Island
XP per Salvage
127 XP (191 total w/ sorting)
Notable Drops:
- Broken sextant (rare)
- Camphor seed
- Ironwood seed
- Dragon cannonballs
- Salvor's paint
Highly recommended: This is where salvaging truly shines. Perfect balance of XP rate and AFK time. Accessible from Deep Fin Point via Sailor's Amulet.
Elite-level wrecks in northern waters. Exceptional XP rates for minimal effort.
Location
NW of Everwinter Sea
Required Hook
Rune/Dragon
XP per Salvage
150 XP (225 total w/ sorting)
Notable Drops:
- Smashed mirror (rare)
- Cotton seeds
- Umbral fragment
- Ironwood seed
- Rosewood seed
The pinnacle of AFK salvaging. Best loot tables and highest XP rates in the game.
Location
W. of Aldarin, S. of Everwinter
Required Hook
Dragon (optimal)
XP per Salvage
190 XP (285 total w/ sorting)
Notable Drops:
- Mouldy doll (rare)
- Dragon cannonballs
- Dragon nails
- Dragon cannon barrel
- Premium seeds and supplies
Ultimate AFK: Merchant wrecks offer the best combination of XP, profit, and AFK time. The gold standard for 87-99 training.
🪝 Salvaging Hook Upgrades
Salvaging hooks are the most important upgrade for your salvaging efficiency. Higher-tier hooks collect salvage faster, increase your XP rates, and unlock access to better shipwreck types.
⚠️ Important: Level Requirement Must Be Maintained
Unlike most ship parts, salvaging hooks require you to maintain the level requirement to use them. If you boost to build a hook but your level drops, you won't be able to operate it. Keep a Keg of Whirlpool Surprise on your boat for continuous +2 Sailing boost.
| Hook Type |
Sailing Level |
Construction |
Speed |
Access To |
Crew Deckhandiness |
| Bronze |
15 |
1 |
Slow |
Small, Fisherman |
Level 1 |
| Iron |
26 |
10 |
Slow+ |
+ Barracuda |
Level 1 |
| Steel |
27 |
18 |
Medium |
All mid-tier |
Level 1 |
| Mithril |
44 |
30 |
Medium+ |
+ Large |
Level 2 |
| Adamant |
59 |
52 |
Fast |
+ Pirate |
Level 2 |
| Rune |
74 |
66 |
Fast+ |
+ Mercenary |
Level 3 |
| Dragon |
86 |
78 |
Very Fast |
All wrecks |
Level 4 |
Hook Upgrade Priority
1
Level 15-26: Bronze → Iron
Upgrade to Iron hook as soon as you hit 26. The speed increase is noticeable and you'll access Fisherman wrecks.
2
Level 44: Mithril Hook (Critical Upgrade)
This is a major power spike. Mithril hooks are significantly faster and unlock Large shipwrecks at 53. Save up materials for this upgrade.
3
Level 50: Get a Sloop
Not a hook, but crucial for salvaging. Sloops can mount TWO salvaging hooks, effectively doubling your collection rate when combined with crew.
4
Level 59: Adamant Hooks
Build two Adamant hooks (one for you, one for crew). This setup at Pirate wrecks gives 35k+ XP/hr with minimal effort.
5
Level 74+: Rune/Dragon Hooks
Endgame hooks for 73-99 training. Rune at 74, Dragon at 86 if you want the absolute best. The XP difference is marginal, so Rune is fine.
💡 Pro Tip: Dragon Hook Schematic
The Dragon salvaging hook requires reading the dragon salvaging hook schematic found in the lockbox on Lledrith Island. Plan to get this at 86 Sailing if you want the best-in-slot hook.
👥 Crew Setup & Management
Crew members are game-changers for salvaging efficiency. The right crew can operate a second (or even third) salvaging hook while you AFK, significantly boosting your XP rates. However, crew-operated hooks give you approximately 50% XP compared to operating them yourself.
Best Crew Members for Salvaging
Your first crewmate and salvaging companion. Solid stats for early-mid game.
✅ Recommended: Recruit him immediately at 40 for double-hook salvaging.
Superior stats to Jobless Jim. Requires completion of The Tourist Trap quest.
Location
Desert Mining Camp
Requirements
The Tourist Trap
A ghostly crewmate with the highest Deckhandiness. The best salvaging specialist.
Requirements
None (explore Crandor)
⭐ Top Pick: Best crew member for salvaging. Recruit ASAP at 60!
Optimal Crew Assignments
💡 Maximum Efficiency Setup
You: Operate Hook #1 (full XP)
Cabin Boy Jenkins: Operate Hook #2 (50% XP)
Optional 3rd member: Process salvage at station or manage cargo
This setup gives you ~140% of solo XP rates while maintaining full AFK capability. You get 100% XP from your hook plus 50% from Jenkins's hook.
How to Assign Crew to Hooks
- Visit the crew register at The Pandemonium
- Select your desired crew member
- Choose "Assign to salvaging hook"
- Select which hook (if you have multiple)
- Crew will automatically operate the hook when you're at a wreck
⚠️ Crew Level Requirements
Crew members need sufficient Deckhandiness to operate higher-tier hooks. For example, Dragon hooks require Deckhandiness 4, so only Cabin Boy Jenkins can use them. Plan your crew recruitment accordingly.
🍺 Keg of Whirlpool Surprise - Unlock Wrecks 2 Levels Early!
⭐ Game-Changing Upgrade - Get This ASAP!
The Keg of Whirlpool Surprise is one of the most powerful salvaging upgrades. It provides a permanent +2 Sailing boost to you and all crew (minimum Deckhandiness 2), plus you can drink from it for a temporary +3 boost. This lets you salvage shipwrecks 2 levels before you normally could!
What It Does
- +2 permanent Sailing boost for the captain (you)
- All crewmates gain minimum Deckhandiness 2 (huge for low-level crew)
- Drink from keg: +3 temporary Sailing boost (stacks with permanent +2)
- Unlimited uses - refills automatically
How to Get the Keg
1
Complete Tempor Tantrum Shark Trial
At level 30 Sailing, complete the Shark rank of the Tempor Tantrum Barracuda Trial. This rewards you with a Barrel Stand schematic.
2
Talk to Rum-Dashed Ralph
After completing the trial, speak to Rum-Dashed Ralph at Pandemonium. He'll give you 2 Whirlpool Surprise beers for free.
3
Purchase More Beers
Buy 23 additional Whirlpool Surprise from Steve at The Pandemonium pub. You need 25 total to fill the keg. Cost: ~25k GP.
4
Build and Fill the Keg
Use the Barrel Stand schematic to build a Keg of Whirlpool Surprise on your boat. Fill it with all 25 beers. Once installed, you get the permanent +2 boost immediately!
Why This Matters for Salvaging
🚀 Access Wrecks Early
With +3 boost from drinking:
- Barracuda wrecks at 32 (normally 35)
- Large wrecks at 50 (normally 53)
- Pirate wrecks at 61 (normally 64)
- Mercenary at 70 (normally 73) 🔥
💪 Better Crew Performance
Minimum Deckhandiness 2 means:
- Jobless Jim (normally 2) → stays at 2
- Low-stat crew → boosted to 2
- Better hook efficiency overall
⏱️ Faster Leveling
Accessing higher wrecks earlier = huge XP gains:
- Jump from 15k/hr to 30k/hr XP sooner
- Skip grinding lower-tier wrecks
- Save 10-15 hours to 73
⚠️ Important: Boost Requirements
Remember that salvaging hooks require you to maintain the level requirement to use them. If you boost to build a hook, you'll need to keep boosting to use it. The permanent +2 from the keg helps, but higher hooks may still need the +3 drink.
🧭 Sailor's Amulet - Fast Travel Between Wrecks
The Sailor's Amulet is a rare drop from salvaging that becomes an essential teleport tool for efficient wreck farming.
How to Get It
The Sailor's Amulet is a rare random drop from any shipwreck salvaging. Keep salvaging and you'll eventually receive one. It's tradeable, so you can also buy it from other players.
How to Charge It
Charge the amulet with:
- Law runes
- Water runes
- Each charge = 1 teleport
Teleport Destinations
Always available:
- The Pandemonium (main port)
After tagging Sailor Markers:
- Port Roberts
- Deep Fin Point
Why It's Useful for Salvaging
With the Sailor's Amulet, you can:
- Quickly teleport to Deep Fin Point → access Mercenary wrecks (level 73)
- Return to Pandemonium instantly to restock or change ships
- Jump between salvaging zones without long sailing times
- Minimize downtime between AFK sessions
💡 Pro Tip: Tag All Sailor Markers
As you explore the oceans, look for Sailor Markers (small clickable objects near ports). Right-click and select "Tag" to permanently unlock that location on your Sailor's Amulet. This opens up fast travel across the entire map.
💤 Maximizing Your AFK Time
The beauty of salvaging is the AFK potential, but there are several strategies to extend your idle time and minimize clicks per hour.
Essential Upgrades for Long AFK Sessions
1
Build a Salvaging Station on Your Boat (Level 42+)
This is THE most important upgrade for AFK salvaging. With an onboard station, you never need to return to port. You can salvage → sort → salvage indefinitely.
How to Get the Schematic:
- Go to The Pandemonium
- Find the two trees near the center of the island
- Use a spade to dig between the trees
- You'll find a key
- Sail to Chinchompa Island (south of Pandemonium)
- Use the key on the lockbox/chest there
- Receive the Salvaging Station Schematic
Materials Needed to Build:
- 4 Teak planks
- 16 Steel nails
- Hammer and saw in inventory
⭐ Priority: Build this as soon as possible, ideally at level 42.
2
Upgrade Your Cargo Hold
A larger cargo hold means more salvage before you need to sort. Each cargo hold upgrade adds inventory space, letting you AFK longer between sorting sessions. Aim for at least a Medium cargo hold by level 50.
3
Install a Keg of Whirlpool Surprise
This facility provides unlimited +2 Sailing boost ale. Critical for maintaining boosted levels if you built hooks above your base level. Place it somewhere accessible for quick sips.
4
Target Higher-Tier Wrecks
Larger shipwrecks naturally have longer despawn timers. Merchant and Fremennik wrecks give you ~5 minutes of AFK time per wreck, while small wrecks only give ~2 minutes.
Advanced AFK Techniques
🌍 World Hopping Strategy
When a wreck "dries up" (despawns), hop to a different world instead of waiting for respawn. Most worlds have active wrecks at the same spawn points.
- Reduces downtime between wrecks
- Maintains continuous AFK cycles
- Especially effective in popular wreck zones
⏲️ Timer Setup
Set a timer for 3-4 minutes (depending on wreck type) on your phone or second monitor. This alerts you when it's time to check back without constantly monitoring.
- Prevents missed XP from full cargo holds
- Maximizes true AFK efficiency
- Lets you focus on other tasks guilt-free
📍 Cluster Farming
Some regions have multiple wreck spawn points close together. Park in the middle and alternate between 2-3 nearby wrecks to maintain continuous salvaging.
- Minimizes sailing between wrecks
- Higher uptime = better XP/hr
- Works best at 73+ with Mercenary zones
🔄 Sorting During AFK
With onboard salvaging station, you can start sorting your previous load while your crew operates hooks. This maximizes efficiency during "active" moments.
- Crew continues salvaging autonomously
- You gain sorting XP during the same time
- Sorting takes 50.4 seconds per inventory
💡 The Perfect AFK Loop
Step 1: Sail to high-level wreck zone (Mercenary/Fremennik)
Step 2: Deploy both hooks (you + Cabin Boy Jenkins)
Step 3: Set 4-minute timer and AFK completely
Step 4: Come back, start sorting salvage
Step 5: While sorting, hooks auto-refill cargo
Step 6: Move to next wreck or world hop
Result: 60-110k XP/hr with 80%+ true AFK time
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can my crew helm the boat while I salvage?
No, crew members cannot helm your boat. You must be at the helm to sail. However, once you're parked at a wreck, crew can operate salvaging hooks autonomously while you're AFK or sorting salvage.
Do I need a Sloop, or can I use a Skiff?
You can salvage with any ship starting at level 15. However, a Sloop (level 50+) can mount TWO salvaging hooks instead of one, which nearly doubles your XP rate when combined with crew. Highly recommended to get a Sloop as soon as possible.
Is salvaging actually profitable, or does it cost money?
Salvaging is profitable! You'll earn 500k-1M GP from 15-99 through salvage drops (logs, bars, nails, seeds, etc.). High-level wrecks (Pirate, Merchant) have especially valuable loot tables with dragon cannonballs and dragon nails. It's not as profitable as pure money-making methods, but it's a nice bonus alongside XP.
What's the fastest way to 99 using only salvaging?
Pure salvaging route: Small wrecks until 26 → Fisherman until 35 → Barracuda until 53 → Large until 64 → Pirate until 73 → Mercenary until 87 → Merchant to 99. With optimal setup (Sloop + 2 hooks + Keg boost), this takes approximately 160-180 hours. Mixing in Barracuda Trials for focused sessions can reduce this to ~130-150 hours.
Can I salvage while my cargo hold is full?
No, salvaging stops when your cargo hold is full. You'll see a message saying your cargo is full and you need to sort or drop items. This is why building an onboard salvaging station at level 42 is crucial - you can sort without leaving the wreck zone.
What happens if I don't sort my salvage?
You can keep raw salvage indefinitely in your cargo hold, but you miss out on: (1) 50% bonus XP from sorting (sorting gives ~50% of salvaging XP), (2) Valuable item drops from sorting (seeds, dragon items, repair kits), and (3) Cargo space for more salvaging. Always sort when your hold fills up.
How does the Keg of Whirlpool Surprise work exactly?
Once installed, it provides a permanent +2 Sailing boost and makes all crew have minimum Deckhandiness 2. You can also drink from the keg for a temporary +3 Sailing boost (lasts several minutes). The +3 drink stacks with the +2 permanent, giving you effective +5 total. This lets you access shipwrecks and hooks 2-3 levels early. The keg never runs out - unlimited uses!
Do I need to complete Song of the Elves for high-level salvaging?
No! Unlike Gwenith Glide (Barracuda Trial), salvaging doesn't require any quests. Mercenary, Fremennik, and Merchant wrecks are accessible without quest requirements. This makes salvaging excellent for accounts with limited quest completion or Ironmen who want consistent seed sources.
Can I get relics from salvaging for Museum kudos?
Yes! Salvage can rarely be sorted into relics (Rusty locket, Mouldy block, Broken compass, etc.) that can be turned in to the Varrock Museum for kudos. The drop rate is low (~1/100 for rare items), but it's a nice bonus if you're going for museum completion. Some relics are more common from specific wreck types.
Why do I get the "hazardous waters" warning?
This message appears when your ship doesn't meet the requirements for the zone. For example, Barracuda wrecks (in Tempor Tantrum waters) require at least an oak mast and iron helm to navigate safely. Upgrade your ship to meet the requirements, then return to salvage. The Keg boost doesn't bypass ship requirements - you still need proper hull/mast/helm.
How do I find the Dragon salvaging hook schematic?
The Dragon salvaging hook schematic is located in a lockbox on Lledrith Island (requires 86 Sailing and 78 Construction to use). Sail to Lledrith Island, find the lockbox, and open it to receive the schematic. Once you read it, you can build Dragon hooks at any Shipwright. Dragon hooks are the best-in-slot but the difference from Rune is minimal (~5% faster), so Rune works fine for 74-99.
Which shipwrecks are best for Ironman seed farming?
For Ironmen seeking specific seeds: Hemp seeds → Barracuda shipwrecks (35+), Cotton seeds → Large shipwrecks (53+) and Fremennik (80+), Camphor seeds → Large (53+) and Mercenary (73+), Ironwood/Rosewood → Mercenary (73+) and Fremennik (80+). Barracuda and Large wrecks are particularly good for early-game Ironmen needing crafting supplies.
⚒️ Ironman Salvaging Guide - Best Seed & Supply Routes
Salvaging is one of the best activities for Ironmen, providing consistent access to seeds, repair kits, cannonballs, and construction materials. Here's how to optimize your salvaging for Ironman accounts:
Essential Seeds by Wreck Type
| Seed Type |
Best Source |
Level Required |
Why It Matters |
| Hemp Seeds |
Barracuda Shipwrecks |
35 |
Hemp → Cloth for sails and ship parts |
| Flax Seeds |
Barracuda Shipwrecks |
35 |
Alternative to hemp, more common |
| Cotton Seeds |
Large Shipwrecks |
53 |
Better cloth for higher-tier sails |
| Camphor Seeds |
Large, Mercenary |
53, 73 |
Camphor planks for elite hulls |
| Ironwood Seeds |
Mercenary, Fremennik |
73, 80 |
Best planks for endgame ships |
| Rosewood Seeds |
Fremennik |
80 |
Premium planks for final upgrades |
Ironman Priority Upgrades
1
Level 35-53: Farm Barracuda Wrecks
Goal: Stockpile Hemp/Flax seeds for early ship sails and cloth. These are essential for upgrading from linen to better sails. Expect 10-20 seeds per hour of salvaging.
2
Level 53-73: Mix Large & Pirate Wrecks
Goal: Collect Cotton seeds and Camphor seeds while earning good XP. Pirate wrecks also drop Dragon cannonballs (valuable for Ship Combat). Farm Large wrecks specifically when you need Cotton.
3
Level 73+: Mercenary Wrecks for Endgame
Goal: Best seed variety + highest XP. Mercenary drops Ironwood seeds (needed for level 80+ ship upgrades) plus Dragon cannonballs, Salvor's paint, and construction materials. This becomes your main training spot.
4
Level 80+: Fremennik for Rosewood
Goal: Rosewood seeds for final ship upgrades. Also drops Umbral fragments (rare) and premium construction supplies. Only focus here if you need specific Rosewood/Ironwood seeds.
Other Valuable Ironman Drops
- Dragon Cannonballs: Pirate (64+), Mercenary (73+), Merchant (87+) - Essential for Ship Combat
- Dragon Nails: Merchant (87+) - Best nails for construction
- Repair Kits: All wrecks - Free ship repair, saves GP
- Fragments (Elkhorn, Pillar, Umbral): Various wrecks - Used in high-tier upgrades
- Bars & Logs: Common drops - Stock up for Sailing Construction
💡 Ironman Efficiency Tip
Build your Salvaging Station as early as possible (level 42). As an Ironman, you want to process salvage immediately to bank seeds and materials. With an onboard station, you can sort while sailing to the next wreck, maximizing time efficiency. Also prioritize getting the Keg of Whirlpool Surprise - the +3 boost lets you farm higher wrecks (better seeds) 2-3 levels earlier!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can my crew helm the boat while I salvage?
No, crew members cannot helm your boat. You must be at the helm to sail. However, once you're parked at a wreck, crew can operate salvaging hooks autonomously while you're AFK or sorting salvage.
Do I need a Sloop, or can I use a Skiff?
You can salvage with any ship starting at level 15. However, a Sloop (level 50+) can mount TWO salvaging hooks instead of one, which nearly doubles your XP rate when combined with crew. Highly recommended to get a Sloop as soon as possible.
Is salvaging actually profitable, or does it cost money?
Salvaging is profitable! You'll earn 500k-1M GP from 15-99 through salvage drops (logs, bars, nails, seeds, etc.). High-level wrecks (Pirate, Merchant) have especially valuable loot tables. It's not as profitable as pure money-making methods, but it's a nice bonus alongside XP.
What's the fastest way to 99 using only salvaging?
Pure salvaging route: Small wrecks until 26 → Fisherman until 35 → Barracuda until 53 → Large until 64 → Pirate until 73 → Mercenary until 87 → Merchant to 99. With optimal setup, this takes approximately 180-200 hours. Mixing in Barracuda Trials for focused sessions can reduce this to ~150 hours.
Can I salvage while my cargo hold is full?
No, salvaging stops when your cargo hold is full. You'll see a message saying your cargo is full and you need to sort or drop items. This is why building an onboard salvaging station is crucial - you can sort without leaving the wreck zone.
What happens if I don't sort my salvage?
You can keep raw salvage indefinitely in your cargo hold, but you miss out on: (1) 50% bonus XP from sorting, (2) Valuable item drops from sorting, and (3) Cargo space for more salvaging. Always sort when your hold fills up.
Do I need to complete Song of the Elves for high-level salvaging?
No! Unlike Gwenith Glide (Barracuda Trial), salvaging doesn't require any quests. Mercenary, Fremennik, and Merchant wrecks are accessible without quest requirements. This makes salvaging excellent for accounts with limited quest completion.
Can I get relics from salvaging for Museum kudos?
Yes! Salvage can rarely be sorted into relics that can be turned in to the Varrock Museum for kudos. The drop rate is low, but it's a nice bonus if you're going for museum completion.
Why do I get the "hazardous waters" warning?
This message appears when your ship doesn't meet the requirements for the zone. For example, Barracuda wrecks require at least an oak mast and iron helm. Upgrade your ship to meet the requirements, then return to salvage safely.
How do I find the Dragon salvaging hook schematic?
The schematic is located in a lockbox on Lledrith Island. You need 86 Sailing and 78 Construction to use it. Once you read the schematic, you can build Dragon hooks on your boat.
Barracuda Trials Guide