If you are involved in responding to a marine oil spill, you are protected from being sued for damages. This means you cannot be taken to court to pay for any loss or damage to property that happens because of your actions during the response, as long as you are acting in good faith. You are acting in good faith if you are trying to do the right thing and follow the rules.

When you are responding to a marine oil spill, you have certain functions, duties, or powers that you must follow. If you take or do not take any action as part of these responsibilities, and this causes loss or damage to property, you are still protected from being sued.

This protection also applies to the Crown, organisations, and people who work for them, as well as regional councils and their members, and on-scene commanders. A specific law, section 121 of the Crown Entities Act 2004, does not change this protection.