US Oil Pollution California - Increased criminal penalties for oil spill related offences (5.588)

London P&I explains that California has introduced new criminal penalties for certain oil spill offences in state waters, effective from 1 January 2021.

For members trading to California, the circular sets out the main changes to the fines regime, the circumstances in which penalties may apply, and the industry response led by the International Group and the International Chamber of Shipping.