This important new reference work analyses the special legal regime for oil pollution liability and compensation with regard to shipowners and cargo owners. it describes the system put in place by international Conventions and international voluntary agreements with particular regard To The IOPC Fund compensation policy. This work examines in detail how responsibility is divided between shipowners and oil companies and which claims for pollution damage are admissible within the framework of the Conventions. The operation and application of the Conventions is considered specifically in the light of the unilateral approach adopted by the United States based on an extensive study of legislation and caselaw.