INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON CIVIL LIABILITY FOR BUNKER OIL POLLUTION 2001

The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution 2001 (The Bunker Convention) entered into force on the 21st of November 2008.  The Bunkers Convention establishes strict liability on the shipowner for preventive measures and pollution damage arising from all types of oil used in the operation or propulsion of ships. The convention is applicable to all ships over 1000 gross tons.  All vessels registered in a State Party or trading within the exclusive economic zone of any State Party shall be required to maintain insurance or other financial security to cover the liability of the registered owner for pollution damage which meets the requirements of the Convention and to obtain a certificate issued by State party attesting that such insurance is in force.  This Bunker certificate must be carried on board at all times.

Sierra Leone as state party can issue bunker convention certificate (BCC) for ships over 1000 GRT under Sierra Leone Flag or under any other non state party.

Requirements for the issuance of Bunker Convention Certificate:

*   Original Blue card issued for this particular Bunker Conventions which Liability  Insurance or financial security that cover the liability of the registered owner for pollution damage in a amount no to exceed the one calculated in accordance with the Convention on limitation of liability for maritime claims 1976·

*   Payment for cost of issuance of Bunker certificate to this Administration.

*   Certificate of registry for those ships that belongs to another flag other than Sierra Leone. 

Blue card:

It is a certificate furnished as evidence of insurance Pursuant to the Article VII of the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage 2001.  This Liability Insurance or financial security cover the liability of the registered owner for pollution damage in an amount no to exceed the one calculated in accordance with the Convention on limitation of liability for maritime claims 1976. The Sierra Leone International Ship Registry accepts Blue Cards issued by the International Club and P&I which has presented to SLISR evidence of compliance with the IMO Requirements.  Blue card can be send in electronic format directly by the P& I insurance company to the Head Office or Agent.

Additional Information:

We thrive to make the process of the Bunker Convention Certificate easy and fast, however, if you should have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us directly at technical@sierraleoneship.com