If you feel some confusion
dealing with the multitude of regulatory acronyms, don't worry. Delegates at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) found themselves confused over what to name the latest approved protocol. In the
final version, the Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances is now the OPRC-HNS Protocol.The OPRC-HNS Protocol expands the spill protection
program established by IMO for crude oil, to pollution incidents involving hazardous and noxious substances. These substances include refined petroleum, liquefied gases, dangerous materials in packaged form and
many more. IMO believes, when ratified the OPRC-HNS Protocol will "fill a gap in the international marine environment protection regime."
Among other items, the OPRC-HNS Protocol will:
- Apply to all ships except military and certain offshore vessels
- Require ships to carry a shipboard pollution emergency plan to deal specifically with hazardous and noxious substances.
- Foster co-operation among nations in dealing with pollution incidents of all kinds.
- Establish liability and compensation regimes for hazardous and noxious substance incidents.
Delegates also decided IMO should establish a body with the purpose of coordinating assistance of member states in the event of an accident. IMO would dedicate and direct a support unit for this purpose.
While delegates recognized the need for such a support unit, its' existence is unlikely in the near future due to a lack of funds. A similar support unit was approved for oil pollution in the OPRC Convention, but
budgetary constraints stopped it. IMO has adopted a zero budgetary growth policy, and without outside funding the establishment of an OPRC-HNS support unit is not likely.
The Protocol will enter into force once 15 or more member states ratify it
