Page 21 - claims information pack ebook_e

Section 2: Submission and assessment of claims

2.1.2 Claimants may be private individuals, 2.2.3 If claimants suffer damage in a State that is
partnerships, companies, private Party to the Supplementary Fund Protocol, their
organisations or public bodies, including claims will automatically be considered for
States or local authorities. If several compensation from the Supplementary Fund,
claimants suffer similar damage, they if the amount available from the shipowner/
may find it more convenient to submit insurer and the 1992 Fund is insufficient to pay
co-ordinated claims, which will also full compensation for proven losses.
facilitate the processing and assessment
of the claims. 2.2.4 Claimants who wish to claim directly against
the 1992 Fund should submit their claims to
2.2 TO WHOM SHOULD the following address:

A CLAIM BE SUBMITTED? International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds

4 Albert Embankment
2.2.1 When an incident occurs the 1992 Fund London SE1 7SR
co-operates closely with the shipowner’s United Kingdom
insurer, which will normally be one of the Telephone: +44 (0)20 7592 7100 19
Protection and Indemnity Associations (P&I Telefax: +44 (0)20 7592 7111
Clubs) that insure the third-party liabilities E-mail: info@iopcfunds.org
of shipowners, including liability for oil
pollution damage. The P&I Club concerned 2.2.5 All claims are referred to the 1992 Fund and
and the 1992 Fund usually co-operate in the shipowner’s P&I Club for decisions on
the handling of claims, particularly when it whether or not they qualify for compensation,
is clear from the outset that compensation and, if so, the amounts of compensation due
will be paid under both Conventions. Since to the claimants. Neither designated local
in most cases the 1992 Fund only pays correspondents nor local claims offices have
compensation once the shipowner/insurer the authority to make these decisions.
has paid up to the limit applicable to the ship
involved, claims should first be submitted to
the shipowner or his P&I Club. In practice, 2.3 HOW SHOULD A CLAIM
claims are often channelled through the BE PRESENTED?
office of the P&I Club’s correspondent
closest to the incident location. Because of 2.3.1 Claims should be made in writing (including
the close co-operation between the Fund telefax or electronic mail). If appropriate, the
and the insurer, claims, including supporting P&I Club and/or the Fund will issue claims
documentation, need only be sent to either forms to assist claimants in the presentation
the P&I Club/correspondent or the Fund. of claims.
2.2.2 Occasionally, when an incident gives rise
to a large number of claims, the 1992 Fund
and the P&I Club jointly set up a local claims
office so that claims may be processed
more easily. Claimants should then
submit their claims to that local claims
office. Details of claims offices are given
in the local press and are available on
www.iopcfunds.org