INTRODUCTION
The Oil & Gas UK Fishermen's Compensation Fund was established by the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association (UKOOA) in 1975 following pressure from the two main Fishing Federations to address the issue of damage to fishing gear as a result of un-attributable debris from Oil Activity in UK Waters.
The purpose of the Fund is to provide a means of redress for Skippers who suffer loss or damage to fishing gear as a result of oil-related debris where the Oil Company responsible cannot be established.
The Fund deals only with claims from British registered fishing vessels arising from oil/gas debris within the UK Continental Shelf (excluding the Statutory Safety Zones surrounding offshore installations and properly declared Suspended Wellheads).
Claim Forms and Guidance Notes are obtainable from all UK Fishery Offices.
Outline Procedure following an incident with oil/gas related debris is as follows:
- All details should be recorded in detail in the vessels logbook or on a separate record sheet.
- Date, time and accurate positions relating to the tow and where the debris may have been picked up are important.
- The detail of the debris, heavy wire, steel-work, large drums etc is important and whether any attempt was made to bring the debris ashore). Wherever possible, photograph the debris / damage. All vessels are advised to have a camera onboard. However, emphasis is made towards safety of vessel and crew when debris has been encountered, particularly heavy objects.
- Where another fishing vessel witnesses the incident, a corroborative statement should be obtained from the witnessing Skipper.
REMEMBER: The evidence you provide is what your claim will be assessed on.
- Upon return to port the Skipper should report the incident to the MFA Fishery Officer and request that he inspect and witness any damaged gear and any debris recovered. The Fishery Officer should be able to supply the Compensation Claim Forms. He may also be able to establish the Oil Company responsible allowing for a claim to be made directly.
All claim documentation should be sent to;
The Fishing Claims Co-ordinator
Oil & Gas UK Ltd
3rd Floor, The Exchange 2
62 Market Street
Aberdeen
AB11 5PJ
Within 14 days of the vessels first return to port following the incident
- Upon receipt of the claim documentation, the Claims Co-ordinator will send the information to the Fishing Liaison Officer of the relevant Oil Company or to the Oil & Gas UK Fishermen's Compensation Fund for consideration. Upon receipt of the entire claim documentation (including photographs, corroborative statements and receipts for replaced gear or repairs in support of claim excluding recoverable VAT) the Oil Company will respond within 14 days.
- Where the debris is recovered, representatives of the Oil Company must be given the opportunity to make an inspection. The Skipper or his Agent should make contact with the Fishing Liaison Officer of the relevant Oil Company or with the UK Offshore Operators Fishing Liaison Group within 3 days of the Vessel's return to port to arrange an inspection. The Fishery Officer may be able to assist in the identification of the relevant personnel. Arrangements should be made for the debris to be retained for a period of up to 14 days.
Where uncertainties arise, seeking assistance from the appropriate Federation may be useful.
All settlements determined by the Oil & Gas UK Compensation Fund Committee in no way implies acceptance of any legal liability on the part of Oil & Gas UK or any of its members and is made upon the understanding that the claimant waives all right to claim against any Member Company of Oil & Gas UK. |
