Students from Ghent University visit IOPC Funds

On 12 November 2025, the IOPC Funds was pleased to host a group of 9 students studying Maritime Science at the University College of Ghent, Belgium. The visit, held annually, offered a valuable opportunity to deepen the students’ understanding of the 1992 Civil Liability Convention, the 1992 Fund Convention and the Supplementary Fund Protocol, which together form the basis of the international liability and compensation regime for ship-source oil pollution.

IOPC Funds’ Claims Manager, Mr Mark Homan, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the organisation’s functions and operational processes. His talk outlined the types of claims covered under the international regime and the admissibility criteria applied by the IOPC Funds. Mr Homan also highlighted the obligations and responsibilities of Member States regarding oil reporting, stressing the importance of the timely submission of oil reports to the IOPC Funds.

The students showed keen interest throughout the presentation and asked a variety of questions following its conclusion.

The IOPC Funds remains committed to sharing knowledge and raising awareness about the international liability and compensation regime for oil pollution damage. Each year, the organisation supports educational institutions by delivering lectures to university students, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the relevant Conventions.

For further enquiries or information, please contact outreach@iopcfunds.org.