International:



International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (as amended)

Objectives:

To standardize international rules and procedures for determining questions of liability and to ensure that adequate compensation is available to persons who suffer damage caused by pollution resulting from the escape or discharge of oil from ships.

Summary of Provisions:

• The owner of a ship is liable for any damage caused by oil pollution unless the incident is caused by act of war, exceptional natural phenomenon, malicious act of a third party or negligence of a Government or other authority in maintaining navigational aids.
  
• Contributory liability on the part of the plaintiff to be established in certain cases.
  
• In case of two or more ships, the owners shall be jointly and severally liable.
  
• Limits to liability established.
  
• Ships carrying over 2000 tons of oil as cargo must maintain insurance.
  
• Limitations of three and six years for rights of action.
  
• Warships are excluded.

Date of Adoption:
29.11.1969 (Brussels)

Date of entry into force:
19.6.1975

Arab Participants:
Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, UAE, Yemen.