Entry into force of the Bunkers Convention-certification requirements and issuance of Blue Cards and State certificates 25 April 2008 No.08-001 Members will recall the Association's Circular No.01-003 (23 July 2001) and Japan P&I News No. 549 (4 December 2007) on the subject of the Bunkers Convention. As mentioned in the Japan P&I News, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution 2001 (the "Bunkers Convention") has now been ratified by the required number of States, with the requisite combined gross tonnage and will enter into force in State Parties on 21 November 2008. Certification requirements The Convention provides a liability, compensation and compulsory insurance system for the victims of oil pollution damage caused by spills of bunker oil. The Convention will make the shipowner liable to pay compensation for pollution damage (including the costs of preventive measures) caused in the territory, including the territorial sea of a State Party, as well as its exclusive economic zone or equivalent area. Registered owners of any sea going vessel and seaborne craft over 1000 gross tonnage, of any type whatsoever, and registered in a State party or entering or leaving a port in the territory of a State party, will be required to maintain insurance which meets the requirements of the Convention and to obtain a certificate issued by a State party attesting that such insurance is in force. (Please see attached model form of the certificate.) The State issued certificate must be carried on board at all times. The regime closely follows the well established liability and insurance provisions which apply to oil tankers under the Civil Liability Convention (CLC). Certification and pooling of liability under certificates Following consideration by all Club Boards, it has been agreed that Clubs in the International Group will issue the required Bunkers Convention "Blue Cards" to enable signatory states to issue certificates from August 20