Part VI

Prevention of Pollution
Chapter II

Oil Pollution

Shipping casualties

Right to recover in respect of unreasonable loss or damage
138
1
If any action duly taken by a person in pursuance of a direction given to him under section 137, or any action taken under section 137(4) or (5)—
a
was not reasonably necessary to prevent or reduce oil pollution, or risk of oil pollution; or
b
was such that the good it did or was likely to do was disproportionately less than the expense incurred, or damage suffered, as a result of the action,
a person incurring expense or suffering damage as a result of, or by himself taking, the action shall be entitled to recover compensation from the Secretary of State.
2
In considering whether subsection (1) above applies, account shall be taken of—
a
the extent and risk of oil pollution if the action had not been taken;
b
the likelihood of the action being effective; and
c
the extent of the damage which has been caused by the action.
3
Any reference in this section to the taking of any action includes a reference to a compliance with a direction not to take some specified action.
4
The Admiralty jurisdiction of the High Court and of the Court of Session shall include jurisdiction to hear and determine any claim arising under this section.