“Whether by accident or design, oil pollution is a statistical certainty that will exist as long as oil is moved by sea.” The truth of this observation, certainly as far as accidents are concerned, has been illustrated in the recent spate of oil tanker incidents. The North American continent, the Canadian coastline included, has not been spared from such incidents.
An examination of the circumstances of tanker accidents over the years reveals certain recurring factors. In many instances the accidents are due to human error. In other instances subsequent examination has revealed faulty equipment despite examination and certification by reputable classification societies. Another element which complicates matters is the pressures under which masters operate in meeting schedules or in deciding whether to call in salvors, at great expense to shipowners, when confronted with breakdown of vital equipment.