Sea Pollution (Hazardous Substances) (Compensation) Bill 2000

Public bill · Government · Presented

Sets rules for compensating people, businesses and public authorities harmed by accidents involving hazardous or harmful substances carried by sea, including injury, property damage, pollution and the cost of emergency action. Shipowners would generally be responsible, subject to limits, and ships would need insurance; an international fund, financed by companies receiving these substances, would help when the owner’s insurance is unavailable or insufficient. It also gives Irish authorities power to inspect and detain ships, requires reports on hazardous cargo received in Ireland, recognises relevant foreign court judgments, and updates maritime liability and oil-pollution laws.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to give effect to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996, done at London on the 3rd day of May, 1996; to give effect to the Protocol of 1996 to amend the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976, done at London on the 2nd day of May, 1996, and for that purpose to amend the Merchant Shipping (Liability of Shipowners and Others) Act, 1996; to amend the Oil Pollution of the Sea (Civil Liability and Compensation) Act, 1988; and to provide for matters connected therewith

Last updated 20 November 2019