National Oil Pollution Research Articles

Outcome of the IMO Conference on International Co-Operation on Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response1

ABSTRACT In October 1989, the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the IMO to convene a diplomatic conference to consider the adoption of an international treaty instrument on oil pollution preparedness and response. This resolution was adopted in the wake of the Exxon Valdez disaster, which had occurred only six months previously and which focused the world's attention on the severe environmental consequences of a major oil spill and the need for an adequate and timely response to such an incident. In November 1990, the IMO convened a diplomatic Conference on International Co-operation on Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response. This paper discusses in depth the outcome of this conference, in particular the provisions of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 (OPRC Convention) and related resolutions and recommendations adopted by the Conference. This international convention fills a gap in the international framework of treaties dealing with marine pollution. Although there are, in many regions of the world, regional agreements and arrangements for responding to marine pollution emergencies, until now there has been no global framework for cooperation and mutual assistance in this field. Also, the effectiveness of many of these regional agreements and arrangements is entirely dependent on the capacity and resources of the states participating in them. For those regions of the world where such resources and expertise are not readily available, this convention will play a particularly important role in facilitating international cooperation at the global level, as well as in reinforcing regional arrangements and national oil pollution preparedness and response strategies. The convention makes provision, among other things, for oil pollution emergency plans for ships, offshore platforms, and sea ports; oil pollution reporting procedures; establishment of national and regional systems for preparedness and response; the facilitation of international cooperation and mutual assistance; exchange of information; and promotion of research and development, and technical cooperation and training. The convention also enhances the IMO's role in the promotion of international cooperation in combating oil pollution and assigns to the IMO a number of functions related to the implementation of the convention, notably with respect to information collection and dissemination and advisory and training services in the field of oil pollution preparedness and response.

Oil Spill Preparedness in Kenya

ABSTRACT Following oil spills and petroleum fire incidents in Kenya, and in light of the recent increase in environmental awareness worldwide, the oil industry in Kenya and its affiliates have taken tangible steps to enhance alertness and implement emergency response plans. A National Oil Pollution Committee was formed in 1989 and charged with (1) assessing the existing capability of the industry to cope with oil spills, and (2) defining the maximum credible incident that the industry can handle, including establishing stock levels of equipment and chemicals, setting up plans, and organization and development of regular practice drills. Since the oil industry in Kenya cannot provide resources capable of responding to, and effectively controlling all emergencies which might occur, the National Oil Pollution Committee includes representatives of two government corporations, Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Pipeline Company, and the four government ministries of Transport and Communications, Energy, Tourism and Wildlife, and Environment and Natural Resources. The Kenya Ports Authority has been appointed as the oil spill coordinator responsible for manpower, storage and maintenance of the equipment stockpile, and equipment employment in case of an oil spill.

FEDERAL/STATE COOPERATION IN OIL POLLUTION CONTROL*

ABSTRACT The maturation of the National Oil Pollution Control Program has been accompanied by an increasingly active involvement and greater leadership on the part of some states. The extent of the role that states ought to play in this effort is not firmly established. This paper discusses current efforts to promote coordination and cooperation between federal and state units and highlights a mechanism for improving this interaction in such areas as contingency plan development, pollution response, and pollution prevention.