MEMBERSHIP

Q: Who can join the IOPC Funds?

A: Only States can become Members. States which have not already done so should consider becoming Members of the 1992 Fund, since the 1971 Fund Convention ceased to be in force on 24 May 2002.

Q: How does a State become a Member of the 1992 Fund?

A: A State must accede to the 1992 Civil Liability Convention and to the 1992 Fund Convention by depositing a formal instrument of accession with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These Conventions should be incorporated into the national law of the State concerned.

Q: How long does it take to become a Member of the 1992 Fund?

A: A State will become a Member of the 1992 Fund twelve months after the instrument of accession to the 1992 Fund Convention is deposited with IMO.

Q: What are the advantages of joining the 1992 Fund?

A: If a pollution incident occurs involving an oil tanker, compensation of approximately £167 million (US$328.7 million) is available to governments or other authorities which have incurred costs for clean-up operations or measures to prevent or minimise pollution damage and to private bodies or individuals who have suffered damage within a 1992 Fund Member State as a result of the pollution. The flag of the tanker and the ownership of the oil do not affect the right to compensation. Further information can be found in the General Explanatory Note.

Q: How many Members does the 1992 Fund have?

A: The latest figures are given in the Facts & Figures page of this website. The number of 1992 Fund Member States continues to increase. Since the 1971 Fund Convention is no longer in force, there are no longer any 1971 Fund Member States.