To assist shipowners in complying with the 2001 Bunker Convention.

Shipping Notice: CISN 04/2008

Published 27th June 2008, 10:31am

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This shipping notice contains information to assist shipowners in complying with the 2001 Bunker Convention

This notice is directed primarily at:

• Owners, managers or operators of Cayman Islands ships and yachts over 1,000 GT
• Masters of Cayman Islands ships and yachts over 1,000 GT

1. Background

1. For several years oil tankers have been required to carry evidence of adequate insurance cover for pollution damage under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969.
2. With the entry into force of the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, a similar requirement will exist for all ships over 1,000 GT to cover pollution damage caused by bunker oil.
3. The Convention will enter into force on 21 November 2008.

2. Application

1. The Convention defines a "ship" as "any seagoing vessel and seaborne craft, of any type whatsoever".
2. As such the Convention will apply to all ships and yachts (both private and commercial) over 1,000 GT which are not “oil tankers”. The Convention will apply regardless of the age of the ship or the quantity and grade of bunker and lubricating oil carried.
3. “Oil tankers” will continue to comply with the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969.

3. Certification

1. Owners of ships (and yachts) to which the Convention applies will be required to maintain insurance or other financial security, such as the guarantee of a bank or similar financial institution, to cover the liability of the owner for pollution damage. The amount of insurance or other financial security required is to be calculated in accordance with the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976, as amended.
2. A certificate attesting that the insurance or other financial security required by the Convention will be issued by the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry.

4. Insurance or other financial security

1. Marine Insurers and P&I Clubs are familiar with the Convention requirements and are able to both arrange the required insurance and furnish evidence thereof. This evidence is required to enable the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry to issue the certification required by the Convention.

5. Obtaining the Convention Certificate

1. Applications for the issue of certificates in accordance with article 7 of the Convention should be sent to the George Town office of the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry along with the original evidence of insurance (or “Blue Card”) issued by the insurer or other financial institution.
2. The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry will then issue the required certificate.
3. The issue of the certificate will attract an administration fee in line with current policy.

For further information contact: Corporate Communications