The oil pollution preparedness, response and cooperation act

Abstract

In July 1989, a conference of leading industrial nations in Paris called upon the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to develop further measures to prevent pollution from ships This call was endorsed by the IMO Assembly in November of the same year and work began on a draft convention aimed at providing a global framework for international cooperation in combating major incidents or threats of marine pollution. This Convention was adopted on the 30 November 1990 and entered into force on the 13 May 1995. Parties to the convention are required to establish measures to deal with pollution incidents, either nationally or in co-operation with other countries. In accordance with the provisions of the Convention, ships are required to carry a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan, to be developed by IMO. Operators of offshore units under the Jurisdiction of Parties are also required to have oil pollution emergency plans or similar arrangements which must be co-ordinated with national systems for responding promptly and effectively to oil pollution incidents. Furthermore, ships are required to report incidents of pollution to coastal authorities and the convention details the actions that are then to be taken. The convention calls for the establishment of stockpiles of oil spill combating equipment, the holding of oil spill combating exercises and the development of detailed plans for dealing with pollution incidents.