OPRC Convention. International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-Operation, 1990 (I550E)

The publication includes:

• Final Act of the Conference on International Co-operation on Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response, 1990
• OPRC Convention, 1990
• Resolutions 1 to 10 adopted by the Conference.

By resolution A.674(16) of 19 October 1989, the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), recognizing the severity of recent oil pollution incidents, decided to convene an international conference on oil pollution preparedness and response.

The Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) was requested by the Assembly to develop, for consideration by such conference, an international convention on oil pollution preparedness and response which would provide the framework for international cooperation for combating major oil pollution incidents, taking into account the experience gained within existing regional arrangements dealing with these matters.

Pursuant to this directive, the draft international convention and relevant resolutions were considered by a working group established by MEPC at its twenty ninth session in March 1990 and a Preparatory Meeting in May 1990 which agreed on a draft convention on oil pollution preparedness and response and related draft resolutions.

In accordance with the decision of the Assembly, the diplomatic conference was convened by IMO and held in London at its Headquarters from 19 to 30 November 1990. In addition to the Final Act, the Conference adopted the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990. The Conference also adopted ten resolutions which are contained in the Attachment to the Final Act.

This publication reproduces the texts of the Final Act of the Conference, including its Attachment, and the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990. Pursuant to resolution 1 adopted by the Conference, the Secretariat has included as footnotes references to the instruments and other documents developed by IMO under articles 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Convention. It should be noted that regulation 26 of Annex I of MARPOL 73/78 referred to in the footnote to article 3(1) is the subject of a proposed amendment to MARPOL 73/78 which it is anticipated will be adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee at its thirty first session in July 1991.

Foreword

Final Act of the Conference on International Co-operation on Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response

International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990

Attachment to the Final Act resolutions adopted by the Conference

Resolution 1 – References to instruments and other documents developed by the

International Maritime Organization under articles of the International Convention on Oil

Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990

Resolution 2 – Implementation of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 pending its entry into force

Resolution 3 – Early implementation of the provisions of article 12 of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990

Resolution 4 – Implementation of the provisions of article 6 of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990

Resolution 5 – Establishment of oil pollution combating equipment stockpiles

Resolution 6 – Promotion of technical assistance

Resolution 7 – Development and implementation of a training programme for oil pollution preparedness and response

Resolution 8 – Improving salvage services

Resolution 9 – Co-operation between States and insurers

Resolution 10 – Expansion of the scope of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 to include hazardous and noxious substances

A??s a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.