IOPC Funds Induction Course 2023

The IOPC Funds ran an Induction Course for 1992 Fund Member States on 6 November 2023 at the Funds’ headquarters in London.

The Director opened the event with a welcome speech, emphasising the importance of continued engagement and cooperation between Member States and the Secretariat. He also reaffirmed the availability of the staff to assist representatives to the IOPC Funds’ meetings with any questions they may have or support they may need in relation to the work of the organisation.

Participants were introduced to the international liability and compensation regime, and presented with an oil spill scenario which gave them an insight into the entire process from an incident first occurring to the first claim being paid. The Course covered the role of the Member State’s delegation in London and the assistance that can be provided to the Member State by the IOPC Funds both during and after the incident: the dispatch of experts on the scene of the spill, the establishment of a local claims office and what to expect from court proceedings.

The course, which is always very popular, was full to capacity with 20 States represented. Members of the Secretariat contributed to the presentations and took part in a Q&A with participants on the various areas of responsibility of the organisation, including claims-handling and the management of oil reports and contributions. Participants were also given a quick overview of what to expect as a new delegate to IOPC Funds’ meetings and the various tools and services available to them.

The Induction Course is one of several training activities offered by the Secretariat. For further information on the services available to support Member States, please visit the External Relations page of the website.