Developing and Measuring Standards of Leadership for On-Scene Commanders

Abstract

ABSTRACT The realisation in 1996 that marine oil spill response training in New Zealand had reached a stage where there was a need to introduce a training course that focused on leadership and command, also raised the question of how to ensure that people in command positions would meet the expectations of New Zealand's co-operative response system participants. The answer was to introduce a standard for performance in the key areas of leadership, management, and command, and to measure individual performance against pre-determined criteria during desktop exercises contained within an On-Scene Commander course. Results to date have seen nearly 70% of course participants reach the required standard. The long-term objective is to ensure a minimum level of leadership and command ability and to enhance confidence in New Zealand's ability to respond to marine oil spills.