The following persons are, for the purposes of this Part, jointly and severally liable if oil or a noxious liquid substance is discharged into State waters from a pipeline used in, or in connection with, a transfer operation, whether or not it is being so used--(a) the owner of the pipeline,(b) any lessee, licensee or user of any lease, licence or right of user for the use of the pipeline for the carriage of oil or a noxious liquid substance.