Oil spills can have a devastating impact on the environment and the economy. In order to help mitigate the damage caused by oil spills, there are a number of laws and regulations in place that establish liability and compensation schemes.

Who is liable for oil spills?

The liability for an oil spill will depend on the specific circumstances of the spill. In general, the owner or operator of the vessel that caused the spill will be liable for the cleanup costs and damages. However, there are a number of exceptions to this rule. For example, if the spill was caused by an act of war or terrorism, the owner or operator may not be liable.

What are the oil spill compensation funds?

In addition to the liability of the owner or operator, various oil spill compensation funds exist to assist in financing the cleanup efforts and addressing damages resulting from an oil spill. These funds, typically supported by contributions from both the government and the petroleum industry, serve as a financial safety net, ensuring that adequate resources are available for immediate response and remediation, even in cases where the responsible party cannot cover the full extent of the damage.

What is the liability and compensation convention?

The International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, also known as the Oil Pollution Liability Convention (CLC), is an international treaty that establishes liability and compensation rules for oil spills. The CLC was adopted in 1969 and has been amended several times since then.

What is oil compensation?

Oil compensation is the financial assistance that is provided to those who have been harmed by an oil spill. This assistance can be used to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.