Criminal and civil liability

12 Strict liability for certain loss or damage etc

(1) The provisions of the Convention which are set out in Part I of the Schedule to this Act (strict liability for loss or damage etc.)—

(a) shall have the force of law in the United Kingdom; and

(b) shall for that purpose be construed in accordance with subsection (2) below and the provisions of the Convention which are set out in Part II of that Schedule.

(2) In the provisions set out in Part I of the Schedule to this Act—

• “Antarctic mineral resource activities” means any activities carried on in Antarctica for, or for purposes connected with, the exploration or exploitation of mineral resources;

• “the Antarctic Treaty” means the Antarctic Treaty done at Washington on 1st December 1959;

• “operator” means a licensee or, in the case of activities carried on by or on behalf of the Crown, the Crown.