Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution) Act 1971

15 Liability for cost of preventive measures where s. 1 does not apply.

(1) Where,—

(a) after an escape or discharge of persistent oil from a ship, measures are reasonably taken for the purpose of preventing or reducing damage in the area of the United Kingdom which may be caused by contamina-tion resulting from the discharge or escape ; and

(b) any person incurs, or might but for the measures have incurred, a liability, otherwise than under section 1 of this Act, for any such damage ;

then, notwithstanding that subsection (1) (b) of that section does not apply, he shall be liable for the cost of the measures, whether or not the person taking them does so for the protection of his interests or in the performance of a duty.

(2) For the purposes of section 503 of the [1894 c. 60.] Merchant Shipping Act 1894 (limitation of liability) any liability incurred under this section shall be deemed to be a liability to damages in respect of such loss, damage or infringement as is mentioned in subsection (1)(d) of that section.