Article 1 Purpose

The purpose of this Directive is to incorporate into Union law international standards on pollution from ships and to ensure that any company or other legal or natural person liable for illegal discharges of polluting substances is subject to effective, proportionate and dissuasive administrative penalties in order to improve maritime safety and to enhance protection of the marine environment from pollution from ships.

This Directive does not prevent Member States from taking more stringent measures in conformity with Union and international law, by providing for administrative or criminal penalties in accordance with their national law.