The Parties to the present Protocol,
Being Parties to the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, done at London on 30 November 1990,
Taking into account Resolution 10, on the expansion of the scope of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation 1990, to include hazardous and noxious substances, adopted by the Conference on International
Co-operation on Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response 1990,
Further taking into account that pursuant to Resolution 10 of the Conference on International
Co-operation on Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response 1990, the International Maritime
Organization has intensified its work, in collaboration with all interested international
organizations, on all aspects of preparedness, response and co-operation to pollution
incidents by hazardous and noxious substances,
Taking account of the “polluter pays” principle as a general principle of international
environmental law,
Being mindful of the development of a strategy for incorporating the precautionary
approach in the policies of the International Maritime Organization,
Mindful also that, in the event of a pollution incident by hazardous and noxious substances,
prompt and effective action is essential in order to minimize the damage which may
result from such an incident,