IOPC Funds Induction Course 2024

The IOPC Funds held an Induction Course for 1992 Fund Member States on 4 November 2024 at the organisation’s headquarters in London.

IOPC Funds’ Director, Gaute Sivertsen,  delivered welcome remarks at the event and emphasised the importance of continued engagement and cooperation between Member States and the Secretariat. He reaffirmed the availability of staff members to assist representatives attending the Funds’ meetings with any questions or support related to the organisation’s work.

Participants gained insight into the role and structure of the IOPC Funds, the international liability and compensation regime for ship-source oil pollution, as well as the organisation’s relationship with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Course also covered the role of the Member State’s delegation, preparation towards meetings and the role of a delegate during an oil pollution incident.

Other aspects of the event focused on the obligations and responsibilities of Member States in terms of oil reporting and contributions, the importance of ensuring the correct implementation of Conventions and National Legislations, the various tools and support available to delegates and the latest developments at the IOPC Funds, including anticipated topics for discussion during the meeting of the governing bodies.

The course, which is always very popular, was full to capacity with 16 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.

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.