Consequent to the discussion held in the DG's chamber on 16.7.2002 on the subject of 'Oil Spill Response', it has been decided to set up an 'Oil Pollution Cell' within the Directorate with the following terms of reference.

1. Prevention of pollution from ships in accordance with the provisions of MARPOL 73/78 Convention (Annex 1) and relevant provisions of M.S. Act 1958.

2. Coordination/Agreement with neighbouring countries and on international basis as per provisions of the OPRC Convention 1990.

3. Ship Board emergency plans and the connected regimes of ISM Code, MARPOL 73/78, OPRC 1990 and M.S. Act 1958.

4. Issues relevant to Oil Spill Response/Combat/Contingency Plan.

5. Legal issues & claims.

i) Bringing awareness among Ports, State Govts. Coastal Districts and others about claims, through Seminars, meetings and official media.

ii) Training of DGS Officers on Response and Disaster Management.

6. Dealing with any other issues connected with other incidents involving Dangerous/Hazardous Goods on ships.

7. The Cell would be administered by an Advisory group consisting of the following:

1. Nautical Adviser to the Govt. of India - Chairman

2. Deputy Chief Surveyor(concerned with prevention of pollution) - Member

3. Deputy Director General of Shipping incharge of MSL Branch - Member

4. Deputy Nautical Adviser (concerned with the subject) - Convener

The NT Branch will host the required meetings and operate the Cell.

Formation of the cell would take with immediate effect.
Sd/-
(D.T. Joseph)
Director General of Shipping &
Ex-officio Secretary to the Govt. of India