(2) Subject to the provisions of any law relating to proceedings against the Government, and of any regulations made under this section, the provisions of this Part, except and to such extent as may be prescribed, shall apply in relation to salvage services rendered in assisting any ship or aircraft of the Government, or in saving life therefrom, or in saving any cargo or equipment belonging to the Government, in the same manner as if the ship or aircraft or cargo or equipment belonged to a private person.