Page 35: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 2003)

Classification Societies the calculation of the likely outflow of oil. In this way. we are increasingly able to provide practical information to mas- ters and rescue centers in counterbalanc- ing and discharge decisions, which sig- nificantly reduce the risk of a cata- strophic outcome. We also believe that the use of ERS will fundamentally improve the assessment of the risks associated with decisions on entering a damaged vessel into a port of refuge.

For this reason, GL is supporting the proposal of the IMO subcommittee on liquid bulks for the mandatory introduc- tion of ERS.

Issues Facing Class:

Specter of Class Liability

By Jim Harrison, LR, Group Legal

Director

The sinking of the 37,238 dwt single- hull tanker Erika off the coast of France in December 1999 undeniably changed the way in which the shipping industry operates, but it is possible that we are now entering a post-Prestige phase, which will change it further. One of the key issues for class post-Prestige is lia- bility. While class societies have in the past been subject to legal proceedings involving owners, operators, cargo interests and others, it now appears that future cases may be brought by govern- ments, and there is a clear hardening in attitude by European member states with respect to pollution, especially in light of the European Commission's (EC) proposed directive on criminaliz- ing marine pollution.

Jim Harrison • LR ... it is possible that we are now entering a post-Prestige phase, which will change it further.

Circle 202 on Reader Service Card

Tor Svensen • DNV

We are stepping up our efforts to fight substandard shipping, knowing that this is the only way to improve safety.

August 2003

Ugo Salerno • RINA

Our whole industry is based upon competition, and classification is no exception.

Ships have become terrorist targets and potential terrorist weapons, m