(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, a person engaged in removal activities is not liable for removal costs or damages which result from acts or omissions in the course of rendering care, assistance or advice consistent with the national contingency plan or as otherwise directed by the federal on-scene coordinator or by the state official charged with responsibility for oil discharge responses.
(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply:
(1) To a responsible party;