Marine Pollution Prevention Act (No. 8 of 2002).

This Act: makes provision with respect to the prevention of marine pollution by ships and land-based sources and the response to any (threat) of marine pollution; defines powers of the Secretary of Marine and Ports in respect of marine casualties and liability for oil pollution; provides for compensation in respect of oil pollution damage; and places restrictions on the dumping and incineration of waste at sea.
This Act shall apply to: (a) all vessels in Tongan waters; (b) all Tongan vessels; (c) all aircraft in or over Tongan territory; (d) all Tongan aircraft; and (e) all other potential sources of marine pollution incidents in Tongan territory. The Act carries into effect provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, the 1990 Convention for the Protection of the Natural Resources and Environment of the South Pacific Region, 1990 and other international agreements. The Act requires the Minister to establish an advisory body named the National Marine Pollution Committee. The Committee shall provide advice to the Minister on the development and maintenance of the National Marine Spill Contingency Plan, as required by this Act, and other specified matters. The Minister shall also establish the Tonga Marine Pollution Fund. The Fund shall be used for costs related with the fighting of marine pollution.