The US Pollution Risks publication, recently published for its members by the UK P&I Club, compiles summaries of all the Federal and state requirements on liability, COFR requirements and vessel contingency plan requirements. Legal Briefings provide an overview of certain laws and regulations. The UK Club points out that while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publication is only a guide and not a substitute for formal legal advice.
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 established rigorous regulatory and liability controls to protect and clean up the marine environment from oil spills, including extensive provision to prevent the circumstances under which oil spills occur. OPA 9O increased federal authority to respond to oil spills and compensate for damage when spills occur in the United States. OPA 90 also requires owners and operators of evidence sufficient financial responsibility to cover potential liabilities under OPA 90.
This summary document was compiled by the UK Club's environmental team led by Dr. Chao Wu and is one of a continuing series of publications which shares the legal expertise within the Club with its Members.
The publication is available for downloaed at: bit.ly/1ATLMjL
Source: UK P&I Club