Outcome of the IMO Conference on International Co-Operation on Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response1

Abstract

ABSTRACT In October 1989, the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the IMO to convene a diplomatic conference to consider the adoption of an international treaty instrument on oil pollution preparedness and response. This resolution was adopted in the wake of the Exxon Valdez disaster, which had occurred only six months previously and which focused the world's attention on the severe environmental consequences of a major oil spill and the need for an adequate and timely response to such an incident. In November 1990, the IMO convened a diplomatic Conference on International Co-operation on Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response. This paper discusses in depth the outcome of this conference, in particular the provisions of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 (OPRC Convention) and related resolutions and recommendations adopted by the Conference. This international convention fills a gap in the international framework of treaties dealing with marine pollution. Although there are, in many regions of the world, regional agreements and arrangements for responding to marine pollution emergencies, until now there has been no global framework for cooperation and mutual assistance in this field. Also, the effectiveness of many of these regional agreements and arrangements is entirely dependent on the capacity and resources of the states participating in them. For those regions of the world where such resources and expertise are not readily available, this convention will play a particularly important role in facilitating international cooperation at the global level, as well as in reinforcing regional arrangements and national oil pollution preparedness and response strategies. The convention makes provision, among other things, for oil pollution emergency plans for ships, offshore platforms, and sea ports; oil pollution reporting procedures; establishment of national and regional systems for preparedness and response; the facilitation of international cooperation and mutual assistance; exchange of information; and promotion of research and development, and technical cooperation and training. The convention also enhances the IMO's role in the promotion of international cooperation in combating oil pollution and assigns to the IMO a number of functions related to the implementation of the convention, notably with respect to information collection and dissemination and advisory and training services in the field of oil pollution preparedness and response.