Extracontractual liability for pollution damage resulting from exploration and exploitation of seabed mineral resources

Problematika izvanugovorne odgovornosti za štetu od zagađivanja naftom uslijed istraživanja i iskorištavanja morskog dna i podzemlja aktualna je i u našoj zemlji s obzirom na intenzivnije istraživačke radove na Jadranu. Rudarski zakoni naših obalnih republika sadrže samo osnovne odredbe o temelju odgovornosti za štete od rudarskih radova. Stoga se razmatraju osnovna rješenja regionalne Konvencije o građanskoj odgovornosti za štetu od zagađivanja naftom prouzročenu istraživanjem i iskorištavanjem mineralnih bogatstava morskog dna, usvojene 1976., koja iako nije još na snazi, može biti koristan putokaz pri reguliranju ove materije i u našem pravu.Increasing exploration of the Adriatic seabed, particularly drilling for hydrocarbons, requires the adoption of rules on liability for pollution damage resulting from offshore activities. The mining acts of four Yugoslav coastal republics contain provision on the basis of liability for damage resulting from mining activities, making no difference between such activities on land and on the seabed. Bearing in mind the specific character of offshore operations, the author is of the opinion that mining on the seabed should be treated separately from that on land. Besides the basis of liability, national regulations on liability for pollution damage resulting from offshore operations should include other important questions, such as extent of liability (limitation, types of damage), person liable, compulsory insurance and other financial security. The author analyses the provisions of the 1976 regional Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage resulting from Exploration and Exploitation of Sea-bed Mineral Resources. Although not in force, that Convention could serve as a useful guideline for national regulation