Dear Sirs
Taiwan Marine Pollution Control Act and Compulsory Insurance
As previously advised in the Association’s Notice to Members No 5 2005/6, the financial responsibility requirements under the Marine Pollution Control Act (the Act) took effect from 1 July 2005 and there is no indication that a grace period will be granted by the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA).
The International Group has recently written to the EPA for formal confirmation regarding the acceptability of Clubs’ Certificates of Entry as satisfactory insurance evidence under the Act, notwithstanding the fact that the Clubs are unwilling to accept that claims can be made directly against them. Although the EPA has verbally indicated that such Certificates of Entry will be acceptable, no written confirmation has been received from them and therefore the situation remains somewhat uncertain.
It is understood that the Coast Guard will perform random checks by boarding vessels in accordance with the procedural guidelines that the EPA prepares. Under the circumstances, Members are advised to carry on board an original copy of the vessel’s Certificate of Entry in the event of the Coast Guard’s inspection.
Yours faithfully
West of England Insurance Services (Luxembourg) SA
(As Managers)
M D Kelleher
Director