International and National Rules Concerning Oil Tanker.

The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and tp prevent marine pollution from ships. It also is invloved in legal matters, Including liability and compensation issues and the facilitation of international maritime traffic. It was established by means of a Convention adopted under the auspices of the United Nations in Geneva on 17 March 1948 and met for the first time in January 1959. It currently has 164 member States. It has drawn up the following conventions among others:

1. SOLAS - International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea 1974, and

2. MARPOL - International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships 1973/78.

The SOLAS and MARPOL directly effects the Construction, Equipment and Operation of Oil Tanker. Regulations pertaining to these aspects of tankers recommended by these conventions which become International Regulations are incorporated in the National laws by countries party to the Conventions and thus becomes statutory for that country.

Oil tankers are affected by SOLAS and MARPOL either through their National Laws or through the laws of the Port States. All tanker ships therefore has to comply with the said laws and proof of such compliance is through Certifications.

1. Compliance with the Structural Requirements by SOLAS 74 is certified by means of the Cargo Ships Safety Construction Certificate with the Oil Tanker Supplement.

2. Compliance with the Equipment Requirements of SOLAS 74 is certified by means of the Cargo Ships Safety Equipment Certificate with the Oil Tanker Supplement.

3. Compliance with Construction and Equipment Requirements of MARPOL 73/78 is certified by the International Oil PollutionPrevention Certificate with Supplement B.

Flag states are responsible for issuing these Certificates, but may hire or appoint other agencies to issue these Certificates on their behalf.

Master is responsoble for the Operational Requirements. Master of tanker ships must have a thorough understanding of all procedures for safe and pollution-free operations. Requirements for operation of ship's equipment are followed best by adhering to recommandations of the makers or manufacturers through the Manual of Operations supplied by them.

In many ports, oil tanker operations are governed by local regulation. Some ports have stringent regulations than others.

Each state has the right to legislate and enforced legislations on its own territory subject to other soverignties and international law.

Member States signatories to the convention are given authority and power to enforced the regulations and recommamndation by IMO.

Port authorities therefore may verify compliance with SOLAS<>

For a number of reasons, Oil tankers can cause marine or coastal pollution. Cleaning of oil pollution can be very costly.