DEVELOPING A GLOBAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR BEING PREPARED TO RESPOND TO MARINE POLLUTION SPILLS1

Abstract

ABSTRACT On May 13, 1995, the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation, 1990 (OPRC) of the International Maritime Organization (1MO) came into force. The main objectives of the OPRC are to facilitate international cooperation and mutual assistance in preparing for and responding to major oil pollution incidents and to encourage states to develop and maintain the capability to deal with oil pollution emergencies. The functions assigned to the Oil Pollution Coordination Center located in IMO's Marine Environment Division include providing information services, education and training, technical services, and technical assistance to states. The OPRC convention obliges governments to establish a program of exercises for oil pollution response organizations and training of relevant personnel. It also called on IMO to develop a comprehensive training program in cooperation with interested governments and industry. This paper discusses the progress achieved in the development of the training program, which consists of the IMO model courses on marine pollution preparedness and response, and gives an overview of its implementation strategy.