POLLUTION FIGHTING: TRAINING IN FRANCE

Abstract

ABSTRACT France provides various forms of training or information in the field of oil pollution prevention and combat. Some to date have been directed only to French nationals; others are open to international participation. Every effort is made to fully train French nationals involved in pollution intervention. Handbooks are available and regularly updated; practical exercises allow them to keep pace with the evolution of equipment, and audio-visual aids complete the picture. For international participation, several types of actions are carried out. A 2½ week session called Infopol is directed to decision makers and other senior officials involved in contingency planning. They become acquainted with the knowledge acquired in France both by actual pollution fighting after accidents and through various practical exercises. This includes organization, storage of equipment, and its behavior and capabilities. Other sessions on more specific topics are organized either by the Port of Marseille authority, which may propose à la carte or set training programs at various levels, or by CEDRE (Centre de Documentation, de Recherche et d'Expérimentations sur les pollutions accidentelles des eaux), which also offers à la carte training courses for pollution control center managers as well as for field work coordinators and technicians from any background and level. All French centers already have extensive training experience and could help other countries develop their own training organizations or train their personnel.