Marine pollution, whatever its source, has long been an ongoing concern for governments, the public and environmental advocates. Part XII, or articles 192 to 237, of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are devoted to the protection and preservation of the marine environment. Article 194 of UNCLOS targets all forms of marine pollution, and article 192 makes it "the business of governments", flag States and coastal or port States. Hence, it is a case of relying on international law on marine pollution by ships, since the actions of this law are aimed as much at the prevention of pollution as at intervention in the event of an accident, and at the repair of damage caused by pollution. © ISTE Ltd 2015. All rights reserved.