The handling of major casualties at sea is a complex exercise – and is even more challenging in the offshore industry because of the number of interests involved and potential for massive losses. A rapid, coordinated and efficient response is paramount. And these steps must be taken in the context of the potential liabilities and exposure of the various interests. This session will examine the challenges and pitfalls faced by the offshore industry when managing large casualties at sea from two perspectives: • The initial investigation and steps that must be taken to conserve the environment, minimise loss and injury, and secure key evidence, including the role of owners, surveyors, lawyers, claims handlers, and local authorities in that process. • The assessment of the liability of the various interests in view of their contractual relationships, which invariably will involve the construction and enforceability of knock for knock and other clauses designed to shift or limit liability. Session Chair Richard V Singleton, Blank Rome, New York; Senior Vice-Chair, IBA Maritime and Transport Law Committee Speakers Peter Appel, Gorrissen Federspiel, Copenhagen Captain Jones Alexandre Barros Soares, Operational Director, Transpetro International BV, Rio de Janeiro Andreas Brachel, Senior Manager, Gard Energy, Oslo Aurelio Fernandez-Concheso, Clyde & Co, Caracas