IMO has taken part in a committee of emergency preparedness and response (EPR) experts in Vienna, Austria (30 November – 2 December). The committee is tasked with making recommendations on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) programme for the development and review of EPR standards. Colleen O’Hagan outlined IMO’s related activities, focussing on the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation and its Hazardous and Noxious Substances Protocol. The meeting was the first of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Standards Committee.