Answer
Under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 (Bunker Convention):
- Definition: A Blue Card is an official evidence document issued by an approved P&I Club or marine insurer certifying that compulsory financial security/insurance cover is active for the ship.
- Purpose: It proves that the vessel carries adequate insurance to cover liability for spill damage, clean-up costs, and preventive measures resulting from bunker oil pollution (up to the limits defined by LLMC 1996).
- Usage: The shipowner submits the P&I Club’s Blue Card to a Flag State administration, which then issues the statutory Bunker Convention Certificate (BCC) that must be kept onboard for Port State Control (PSC) verification.
“Blue Card is the insurer/P&I Club's evidence of financial security submitted to the Administration for issue of the statutory Bunker Convention insurance certificate.”