(a) Subject to the commissioner's authority under this chapter, any person or discharge cleanup organization may assist in abating, containing, or removing pollution from any unauthorized discharge of oil. This chapter does not affect any rights not inconsistent with this chapter that any such person or organization may have against any third party whose acts or omissions caused or contributed to the unauthorized discharge.
(b) Any person or discharge cleanup organization that renders assistance in abating, containing, or removing pollution from any unauthorized discharge of oil may receive compensation from the fund for response costs, provided the commissioner approves compensation prior to the assistance being rendered. The commissioner, on petition and for good cause shown, may waive the prior approval prerequisite.