California Code, Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 534

Any person, other than the master, mate, or a seaman of a wrecked vessel, who rescues it, or its appurtenances or cargo from danger, is entitled to a reasonable compensation, to be paid out of the property saved.  He shall have a lien for salvage upon the vessel and its appurtenances or cargo, as the case may be.  A claim for salvage, as such, can not accrue against any vessel, or its freight, or cargo, in favor of the owners, officers, or crew of another vessel belonging to the same owners;  but the actual cost at the time of the services rendered by one such vessel to another, when in distress, is payable through a general average contribution on the property saved.