A comprehensive, up to date and tested National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) is the foundation for an effective and sustainable oil spill preparedness and response framework. It also ensures effective implementation of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) Convention.
Against this backdrop, an in-person national workshop has been taking place in Bridgetown, Barbados (17-19 October). It is aimed at 22 senior managers and administrators involved in responding to oil pollution incidents, to ensure they have the requisite knowledge to respond to oil spill incidents effectively and efficiently.
Through lectures and case studies delivered by a team from the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre – Caribe (RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe) and IMO consultants, participants are discussing the impacts of oil pollution and its effect on the marine environment, the need for rapid decision-making, and the interface between national groups/agencies with other countries and the international community.
Topics being covered include an overview of response policies, management and structure, NOSCPs, roles and responsibilities, international co-operation, regulations and conventions, and liability and compensation. The workshop incorporates table-top and discussion-based exercises. These build capacity and test response systems so that necessary improvements to the Barbados NOSCP can be identified.
Key objectives of the training are that participants develop a clear understanding of the importance of an effective national plan to respond to oil spills, including communication procedures, and an awareness of the roles and responsibilities that should be addressed prior to, and during, an oil spill. Of particular importance is effective collaboration amongst numerous stakeholders, and the workshop provides an opportunity for participants to build their networks to enhance that collaboration and stimulate a cooperative approach to oil spill preparedness and response.
To facilitate ongoing development of an effective national oil spill preparedness and response framework, workshop delegates are, during the training, drafting an action plan. The workshop is utilising the RETOS tool for assessing levels of oil spill preparedness. Its use will assist Barbados identify any gaps in their levels of preparedness and response.
The workshop is being delivered through IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), in collaboration with Barbados, through its Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy; and the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, through RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe. Hosted by the Government of Curaçao, and with activities largely funded by IMO, UNEP and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), it assists countries to implement international conventions created to reduce pollution from ships.