The international regime of compensation for oil pollution damage and the policy of the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds as to the admissibility of claims

This article describes the international regime governing compensation for oil pollution damage from ships. It sets out the main features of the relevant international Conventions, the Civil Liability Conventions and the Fund Conventions, and explains the operations of the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds, their structure and financing. The procedure for settlement of compensation of claims is outlined and a summary is made of the criteria for the admissibility of claims for compensation. The ongoing review of the international compensation regime is described.