Representatives from the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) and the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPC) spoke at a workshop based seminar in Barranquilla, Colombia from 29 July-1 August dealing with international civil liability and compensation for oil pollution. The event was hosted by ROCRAM (the Operative Network for Regional Cooperation Among Maritime Authorities of the Americas) and the IOPC.
The Standard Club’s South American claims specialist, Constantino Salivaras, attended on behalf of the IG and gave presentations on developments in relation to the international legislative framework and the role of IG Clubs in insuring pollution liability.
The IG clubs are the main providers of the financial guarantees, the so called ‘blue cards’, that enable shipowners to obtain their International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution 1992 (CLC) and International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage 2001 (Bunkers Convention) state certificates.
Commenting on the IG Club’s role, Salivaras said: “Apart from providing blue cards, the IG Clubs such as The Standard, which collectively insure about 90% of the world’s deep sea shipping, also play a crucial advisory and support role in the event of pollution incidents throughout South America and the rest of the world as they cover their members for the liabilities they face under the pollution conventions and national legislation.
Membership of an IG Club also gives shipowners access to technical advice on pollution issues from the International Tanker Owners’ Pollution Federation (ITOPF) who attend on site and play a vital role in the immediate aftermath of a spill.
It is therefore important for those involved in shipping in South America to be familiar with how the conventions work and the respective roles of the IG Clubs and ITOPF.
The Standard Club insures shipowners throughout South America and is fully committed to the region. I was therefore delighted to be asked by the IG to represent them at this important event.”
The event was attended by 40 people representing shipowners, national and regional maritime authorities and maritime law firms.
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