9. After section 156, there is inserted—-
156A—(1) For the purposes of this Chapter —
(a)references to a discharge or escape of oil or bunker oil from a ship are references to such a discharge or escape wherever it may occur;
(b)references to a discharge or escape of oil from a ship include a discharge or escape of oil carried in the bunkers of the ship;
(c)where more than one discharge or escape of oil or bunker oil results from the same occurrence or from a series of occurrences having the same origin, they shall be treated as one, but any measures taken after the first of them shall be deemed to have been taken after the discharge or escape; and
(d)where a relevant threat of contamination results from a series of occurrences having the same origin, they shall be treated as a single occurrence.
(2) The Law Reform (Contributory Negligence) Act 1945(1) and, in Northern Ireland, the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 1948(2) shall apply in relation to any damage or cost for which a person is liable under section 153, 153A or 154, but which is not due to his fault, as if it were due to his fault.”.