The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular reminding the maritime community that the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 (Bunker Convention) comes into force on 21 November 2008. As of that date, ships having a gross tonnage greater than 1000 may only enter the port of Singapore if they carry on board a Bunker Convention Certificate (BCC) to attest that insurance or other financial security to cover liability for bunker oil pollution damage is in place. Note that oil tankers having a gross tonnage of greater than 1000, either carrying oil in bulk as cargo or with oil residues on board need not carry a BCC since they are already covered by the Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1992 (CLC Convention). Port Marine Circular No. 21 of 2008 (11/18/08).
(Source: Holland & Knight)