Ministerial Decision No. 2261.4-3/36177/2023. Conditions and minimum requirements for the recognition and operation of private companies responding to marine pollution incidents.

This Ministerial Decision provides for determining the minimum requirements for organisation, scientific and technical personnel, equipment, materials, means and substances that private companies must have and the legal conditions to operate as recognised companies responding to marine pollution incidents. The Decision defines the following relevant terms: oil; oil pollution incident; harmful substances; pollution incident by hazardous and noxious substances; approved chemical dispersants; anti-pollution vessels. The Decision divides the recognised pollution response companies into two categories depending on the quantity of oil leaked in the sea during an incident. The Decision specifies responsibilities of the recognised pollution response companies, including prevention, limitation and response to pollution, execution of the relevant tasks to respond to pollution of the sea and the coasts. Further topics covered by the Decision include: general requirements of companies and minimum levels of required equipment; conditions for the operations; audit committee; disposal of waste collected during pollution response operations; extraordinary inspections; register of recognised pollution response companies; sanctions.