Liability for Pollution Damage to the Marine Environment

This chapter discusses some aspects of liability for pollution damage caused to the marine environment, focusing on the general obligations developed mainly under the law of the sea, which requires States to take measures to prevent, reduce, and control the pollution of the marine environment. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) reaffirms the principle of civil liability of natural and legal persons for marine pollution, but it is the responsibility of States to ensure that claims are pursued in accordance with their legal systems in order to obtain prompt and adequate compensation or to otherwise provide indemnity for the damage caused. Despite nearly three decades from the entry into force of UNCLOS, the obligation of States to further develop international law not only concerning international responsibility but also civil liability is still extremely valid.