26 February 2001 TO ALL MEMBERS Dear Sirs NEW COMPULSORY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS IN AUSTRALIAN WATERS Members are advised that new requirements for compulsory insurance will take effect in Australia from 6 April 2001. As of that date all ships of 400 gt or more (other than tankers covered by CLC Certificates) carrying oil as cargo or bunkers will be required to demonstrate financial security to meet liabilities in the event of an oil spill. Ships will be required to carry an insurance certificate for production during Port State Control inspections and for presentation to the Australian Customs Service on entering or leaving Australian ports. Carriage of an original or certified copy of a P&I Club Certificate of Entry will normally satisfy the regulations. The insurance certificate must state the names of the ship and her owner, the name and address of the insurer, the commencement date of the insurance and the amount of cover which must, in any event, not be less than the limit of liability under the 1976 Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims Convention, as amended. In the latter respect, this Association’s Certificates of Entry will state the limit of its cover in respect of oil pollution liabilities, which is US$1 billion. Until 5 September 2001 ships without appropriate documentation will be advised about the new requirements but, thereafter, vessels without certification will be detained. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has indicated that, although an original or certified copy of the Certificate of Entry will need to be produced, a fax or photocopy will be acceptable during the month following the P&I renewal date of 20 February each year. Details of the new requirements may also be seen at the Website of the AMSA which is http://www.amsa.gov.au, on turning to the Marine Notices page and examining Marine Notice No 3 for 2001. (If you have used this page before, you may need to use the ‘refresh’ button to see the latest changes.) In any event, Members may contact the Managers for certified copies of Certificates of Entry and for any further information which may be required. Yours faithfully A BILBROUGH & CO LTD (MANAGERS) 5:302