module specification

In this module, the international convention regime which has emerged to establish the legal framework determining he rights and compensation available in respect of oil pollution caused by ships is identified an analysed.

The elements of the international convention regime are, in certain areas, widely established and form the basis of the national law of a substantive number of states. Where this is the case, it can be validly said that an international consensus has emerged, but this experience is not universal. The attempts at promulgating an international consensus have not always been successful Where this is the case, identifying the relevant legal regime may be less certain, and ship-source pollution may have to be considered in the context of the relevant law.

AIMS OF THE MODULE

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• identify relevant conventions, legislation and voluntary arrangements in relation to oil pollution from shipping;
• analyse questions of liability and compensation which arise from oil pollution from shipping;
• understand the rights and obligations of shipowners, states and charterers in relation to oil pollution;
• develop your ability to apply knowledge through a series of practical exercises; and
• develop your ability to construct legal arguments.

No pre-requisites. Not available for Study Abroad.

1. Liability and compensation for oil pollution from shipping under English law
2. The international convention regime relating to liability and compensation for ship-source oil pollution.
3. The International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution 1992; 2003 Protocol; STOPIA 2006 and TOPIA 2006.
4. Cases under the CLC and Fund Convention regime
5. International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage 2001.
6. US law on oil pollution from ships: Oil Pollution Act 1990

Overview

Students will be taught by a combination of online lectures, interactive online seminars, one-to-one supervision, and self-study of a comprehensive module, with students encouraged to read from specified case law and legal journals. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss theoretical issues as well as practical problem solving.  Students will be supported in undertaking on-line research using electronic law databases and encouraged to use on line legal resources on a regular basis. There is a virtual learning environment containing handbooks, lecture notes, weblinks, discussion groups, study skills materials and assessment criteria. 

Experiential Learning

Students will be encouraged to respond to realistic case-studies relating to the sector, giving written legal opinions to clients in the style of a professional legal advisor. As an alternative core for the LLM award, students will be able to undertake and experiential learning project. Students will also be able to participate in the extracurricular experiential learning offered within the Law School, including the Pro Bono Clinic and the Mooting Club.

Study Support

Students will have regular access to module tutors by email and by one-to-one video conferences to support their studies. They will also engage with one formative assessment for each module, which will be marked promptly with opportunities for feedback either by email or individual online discussion.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to do the following:

1. Comprehend and manage a substantial body of legal knowledge focused on oil pollution from shipping
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the key national and international obligations stemming from incidents of oil pollution from shipping.
3. Research and manage legal information from paper and IT resources and present competent legal arguments in writing.
4. Understand and present conflicting arguments and apply the law to problem scenarios relevant to aspects of the law on oil pollution from shipping.

The module adopts the assessment strategy principles of GSBL which have been developed in the spirit of ESJ. These are:

1. The School is committed to ensuring that each student should not have more no more than 2 assessment points per 20 credit module.
2. We provide balanced forms of assessment, both in terms of its overall volume (measured in terms of assessment points and output required and the types used.
3. Group activities are part of the learning and teaching strategies but assessment is at the level of the individual. Thus, assessment focused on individual reflections and learning from participating in a group activity.
4. Flexibility/choice in assessment methods will be introduced wherever possible in order to facilitate different learning studies and support personalization

Assessment of the module will be by way of a multi-media portfolio, which may include written/power point presentations, online blogs and video film etc. presenting a critical analysis of contemporary legal issues relating to oil pollution from shipping.

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In line with our policy on facilitating formative feedback to students, the assessment strategy is designed to provide formative feedback on a piece of contributing summary assessment before another summative component is due to be submitted.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/787B498D-9538-4EDB-0EBE-DDEC3302D36E.html?lang=en-US&login=1