CLAIMS FROM DISCHARGES OF OIL.

(a) (1) On determining that damage from an unauthorized discharge of oil is likely to occur or has occurred and will result in the filing of claims, the commissioner shall immediately designate the person or persons responsible who, if the designation is not challenged within five days of notice thereof, shall immediately and widely advertise the manner in which the person will accept claims.

(2) If the designation is challenged or the commissioner is otherwise unable to designate a responsible person, the commissioner shall immediately and widely advertise the manner in which the commissioner shall accept claims.

(b)(1) A claimant shall submit any claim exceeding $50,000 to the designated responsible person. If there is no reasonable response from the designated responsible person within 90 days or in the absence of a designated responsible person as provided under Subsection (a)(2) of this section, the claimant shall submit the claim to the federal fund. If there is no reasonable response from the federal fund within 60 days, the claimant may submit the claim to the fund.

(2) A claimant shall submit any claim less than or equal to $50,000 to the designated responsible person. If there is no reasonable response from the designated responsible person within 30 days or in the absence of a designated responsible person as provided under Subsection (a)(2) of this section, the claimant may submit the claim to the fund.

(c) Claims must be submitted to the fund by filing with the commissioner not later than 180 days after the periods prescribed in Subsection (b) of this section. Claims not filed within the time allowed are barred as against the fund.