A regional workshop aimed at finalizing guidelines which will provide practical information on responding to significant marine pollution incidents, concluded in Malta this week (14-15 December). The guide also provides a comprehensive overview of the cooperation and mutual assistance in cases of emergency in the Mediterranean region as a whole. The event, organized by REMPEC, gathered representatives of the contracting parties to the Barcelona Convention and other organizations interested in arrangements in the field of oil spill preparedness and response and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS). IMO was represented by Colleen O’Hagan.