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MEMBERSHIP OF THE INTERNATIONAL TANKER OWNERS POLLUTION FEDERATION (ITOPF)
Published: 1 February 2018
We take this opportunity to remind Members that ships entered with the club are also automatically Members (tankers) or Associate Members (non-tankers) of the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF). ITOPF is there to help in the event of a pollution incident.
ITOPF was created nearly 50 years ago in order to provide specialist services to the oil tanker industry. This has now evolved into assisting all types of ships. Responding to ship source spills of oil, chemicals and other hazardous substances is ITOPF’s priority service. This is provided worldwide, 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
This is normally performed, without charge, except for expenses, at the request of the ship’s P&I Club or owner.
ITOPF’s role on site varies according to the circumstances of the incident, but it is always advisory and based on a consistent scientific approach. This normally includes one or more of the following activities:
• Advising all parties on the potential fate and effects of the oil, chemicals and other hazardous substances
• Advising and assisting all parties on the most appropriate clean-up techniques, with the aim of mitigating any damage
• Helping to source equipment and assisting in organising the clean-up in cases where the shipowner is required to mount the response operation
• Undertaking surveys, monitoring the clean-up and advising all parties on the technical merit of response actions
• Investigating damage to the marine environment and fisheries
• Advising on methods to mitigate environmental and economic losses, including restoration options.
The aim is to reach agreement with all stakeholders on measures which are technically justified and best suited to the particular circumstances. This helps ensure that the clean-up is as effective as possible and that damage is minimised. It also means that subsequent claims for compensation can be dealt with promptly and amicably.
ITOPF responds to spills of any size in any location- no spill is too small. Even in the most straightforward clean up cases, a call to ITOPF should be considered as their input or influence can be beneficial in ensuring best practice in a response and can also limit the cost. ITOPF also provide technical guidance and information on their website as well as arranging for education and planning for all types of pollution related operations.
For more information visit the ITOPF website.
To contact ITOPF in an emergency, please call by telephone:
+44 (0)20 7566 6999 (office hours) or
+44 (0) 7623984606 (out of hours).
Alternatively, please contact the Managers.