External Relations

The Secretariat undertakes a wide variety of activities aimed at strengthening the IOPC Funds’ relationship with Member States, encouraging the worldwide adoption and understanding of the international regime for oil pollution compensation and assisting potential claimants.

It offers a variety of training activities. These include a number of regular events, such as a week-long annual academy (see below) and a half-day induction course for Member State representatives, which is held immediately prior to the October/November sessions of the governing bodies. The Director hosts informal regional lunch meetings for London-based representatives of Member and non-Member States during the course of the year and the Secretariat also organises or contributes to national and regional workshops upon request for both Member and non-Member States directly.  It also offers short, targeted online training sessions for those State representatives working on specific areas of work relating to the IOPC Funds, such as oil reporting and contributions.

At the end of 2022, the IOPC Funds launched a series of eleven 15-minute webinars focusing on various aspects of the organisation’s work, including understanding the Conventions, financing the system, and claims for compensation.

The series, delivered exclusively in English, has been well-received and is now entering its final module, focusing on “The HNS Convention: Why it is Needed Now” and starting with a session entitled ‘Understanding the Convention’. The date for this webinar, which is expected to take place in early 2025, will be announced in due course.

The Secretariat regularly contributes to events organised by fellow organisations and stakeholders to create awareness and promote better understanding of the role of the IOPC Funds. It gives presentations at conferences and regularly gives lectures to students of maritime law from various universities.

Details of the key events attended by the Secretariat are set out on the map below and under the News and Events section. Future activities are detailed under the Upcoming Events page.

For further information on any of the activities described above or to discuss any training or support requirements please email: outreach@iopcfunds.org.

IOPC Funds Annual Academy

The IOPC Funds organises an Annual Academy, which usually takes place at the organisation’s headquarters in London. The week-long programme covers all aspects of the work of the IOPC Funds and the international liability and compensation regime. The dates for the 2025 Academy and the deadline for nomination by governments will be announced early next year.