GAOCMAO—INDUSTRY'S APPROACH TO COOPERATIVE SPILL RESPONSE IN THE ARABIAN GULF

1985 ◽  
Vol 1985 (1) ◽  
pp. 607-613
Author(s):  
P. Bernard Ryan ◽  
Derek J. S. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Marine Pollution ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
Response Capability

ABSTRACT In 1972, a group of oil companies operating in the western half of the Arabian Gulf came together to form an organization for the purpose of improving their capability to combat oil pollution. The companies sought to establish a joint oil spill response capability, not by setting up a separate, operational response group like other more conventional cooperatives, but instead by utilizing the principle of mutual assistance in times of need. The resulting organization, kown as the Gulf Area Oil Companies Mutual Aid Organisation (GAOCMAO), has proved its effectiveness in several major oil pollution incidents over its twelve years of existence and has gained recognition as a credible and responsible representative of the oil industry's views on matters relating to marine pollution in the Gulf region. Subsequent to the establishment of GAOCMAO, environmental awareness in the Gulf area generally has increased very significantly. Regional and state organizations have been set up by the various Gulf states' governments to monitor the environmental effects of industry of all kinds, including oil, and to develop appropriate control measures. To some extent, these changes have been reflected in an expansion of GAOCMAO's interests to areas outside those purely of oil spill response, but the primary commitment to joint response capability through mutual aid has not diminished. This paper describes the history and development of GAOCMAO since its formation, examines the manner in which it functions, and describes some of the incidents to which it has responded. The growing interaction between GAOCMAO and the various national and regional environmental groups in the Gulf area is examined and an attempt made to put into perspective the relative responsibilities, in terms of oil spill response, of the Gulf area's oil companies and the corresponding governmental organizations.

scholarly journals HASBAH 6: OIL COMPANIES RESPONSE TO OIL POLLUTION IN THE ARABIAN GULF

1983 ◽  
Vol 1983 (1) ◽  
pp. 371-375
Author(s):  
P. Bernard Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Pollution Control ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Coastal Areas ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
National Environment

ABSTRACT The Hasbah 6 well offshore Saudi Arabia blew out on October 2, 1980 and remained out of control for ten days. The oil which escaped from the well during this period formed a large slick which drifted southeast down the gulf, threatening the coastal areas of all states south of the blowout site. Oil spill countermeasures were mounted by several oil companies in the region either on their own initiative or upon direction from their respective states’ governments in attempts to minimize the adverse effects of the spill. All of the oil companies known to be involved in responding to the oil spill were members of the Gulf Area Oil Companies Mutual Aid Organization (GAOCMAO), an organization formed in 1972 to promote cooperation among oil companies in the Arabian Gulf for oil pollution control and cleanup in the region. The Hasbah 6 incident served to demonstrate the value of GAOCMAO in facilitating cooperative responses by member companies to a common pollution hazard and highlighted many of the problems likely to be encountered in mounting a spill cleanup operation of this magnitude in a restricted and multi-national environment such as the Arabian Gulf.

IMPEDIMENTS TO CROSS-BOUNDARY OIL SPILL RESPONSE ALONG UNITED STATES BORDERS

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 (1) ◽  
pp. 801-805
Author(s):  
Jonathan K. Waldron
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
The United States ◽  
Safety Training ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Response Capability

ABSTRACT The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) promoted a coordinated industry and government enhancement of response resources to combat oil spills effectively in the United States. However, the United States remains vulnerable to oil spills near the borders it shares with Canada, Mexico, and various nations in the Caribbean due to legal and administrative impediments associated with cross-boundary spill response activities. This paper explores cross-boundary related issues that could hinder a response and the relationship and roles of industry and government with regard to such issues, and provides recommendations to enhance improved cooperation between government and industry to facilitate response activities. The international structure that currently exists—globally, regionally, and bilaterally—provides a basic framework that promotes cooperation between nations to respond harmoniously to spills threatening the shores of neighboring countries. However, the existing agreements and understandings only provide a basic umbrella. They require planning and implementation of details and commitment to take the specific actions required to implement these agreements and understandings fully. As a result, the enhanced private response capability that now exists in the United States may not be available in a spill involving cross-boundary operations. Neighboring nations must take action to facilitate cross-boundary activities by responders by providing responder-immunity protection similar to that provided under OPA 90 and by removing potential impediments to response activities: laws and other requirements relating to matters such as customs, immigration, and safety training.

THE ROLE OF QUALITY IN OIL SPILL REMOVAL ORGANIZATIONS (OSROS)

1997 ◽  
Vol 1997 (1) ◽  
pp. 595-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald S. Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Government Regulation ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Performance Standards ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Iso 9000 ◽  
Bulk Liquid ◽  
Transportation Industry ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Oil Spill Response

ABSTRACT The bulk liquid petroleum transportation industry is, to an increasing degree, implementing quality management programs. Shipping companies are mandated to become ISM-certified by 1998. Several oil companies are becoming ISO 9000-certified. The trend is for government to relax its detailed inspections for compliance as companies demonstrate compliance through implementation of quality systems. The oil spill response industry has evolved over the past 25 years with relatively little government regulation. Several unilateral and joint government/industry programs have been undertaken since the mid-1970s to develop various product and performance standards for the oil spill response industry. Following the passage of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90), the USCG implemented the Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO) Classification Program in an attempt to quantify the capabilities of OSROs for potential customers. Though certainly a beginning in addressing the issue of quality, the OSRO Classification Program focuses on equipment issues. With much of the bulk liquid petroleum transportation industry actively engaged in the quality movement, the time is right for the oil spill response industry to join the ranks. A logical extension of the OSRO Classification Program is the voluntary implementation by OSROs of, and future certification to, ISO 9000/14000 quality and environmental standards. OSROs so certified could expect less government oversight in the future and would enjoy a more competitive marketing advantage. Responsible parties employing ISO-certified OSROs could expect higher quality and more cost-effective responses and perhaps more favorable insurance rates.

Oil Spill Risks and the State of Preparedness in the Regional Seas

2003 ◽  
Vol 2003 (1) ◽  
pp. 919-922 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.H. Moller ◽  
F.C. Molloy ◽  
H.M. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Marine Pollution ◽  
United Nations Environment Programme ◽  
Current Status ◽  
International Convention ◽  
Response Measures ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
Exercise Programmes

ABSTRACT The International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 (OPRC Convention) defines the basic elements for co-operation between government and industry in marine pollution response. Emphasis is given in the Convention to developing contingency plans, equipment stocks, research and development initiatives, training and exercise programmes, and appropriate spill notification procedures for shipping. This paper reviews the current status of the partnership between government and industry for dealing with spills arising from the transportation of oil by sea. Three areas are explored: the risk of spills, environmental sensitivity issues, and the capabilities for dealing with oil spills in different regions of the world The format for the study is based on the Regional Seas and Partner Seas Programme initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). For each region, the main factors contributing to the risk of oil spills are identified, analysed and discussed in relation to the current pattern of oil transportation by sea. Comparisons are made with data on major oil pollution incidents drawn from ITOPF's oil spill database. Priorities and activities in the different regions are considered and the implications for oil spill response are discussed. Finally, the commitment and capabilities for mounting effective spill response measures in the different regions are gauged, with particular reference to the tenets of the OPRC Convention.

scholarly journals Challenges Facing Myanmar in Developing a National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ko Ko Naing ◽  
Khant Thu ◽  
Dave Davidson
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Marine Pollution ◽  
Government Funding ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Contingency Plan ◽  
Trained Personnel ◽  
Contingency Plans ◽  
Response Policy

ABSTRACT Myanmar became signatory to the OPRC 1990 in December 2016 and hence requires applicable vessels, ports and offshore facility operators to develop and maintain oil spill contingency plans coordinated with the National Contingency Plan. At about the same time, a super tanker terminal was constructed at Kyaukpyu deep-seaport on the west coast of Myanmar. This project made Myanmar an oil receiver country thus raising the risk of significant oil pollution incidents. To mitigate the risk, Myanmar developed its National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution (NCP) in order to establish a coordinated oil spill preparedness and response policy and to align with the Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan (ROSCP) developed under the ASEAN MOU for Joint Oil Spill Preparedness and Response (ASEAN, 2014). Even with the NCP, Myanmar is still encountering a number of challenges to be fully prepared for severe and disastrous pollution incidents. Chief among these is the establishment of a proper spill response capability including trained personnel and a stockpile of appropriate response equipment. Many options are being considered: government funding; establishing a mutual aid program led by industry; contract bases; or some combination of these. This paper looks at the actions Myanmar is taking to develop a state of the art NCP that is appropriate for Myanmar and the Region. The paper also discusses some of the key challenges Myanmar is facing, including transboundary issues and the solutions being considered and/or adopted to address such challenges.

THE HASBAH 6 (SAUDI ARABIA) BLOWOUT: THE EFFECTS OF AN INTERNATIONAL OIL SPILL AS EXPERIENCED IN QATAR

1983 ◽  
Vol 1983 (1) ◽  
pp. 381-388
Author(s):  
Joseph A.C.M. van Oudenhoven
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Task Force ◽  
The State ◽  
Oil Well ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Neutrally Buoyant ◽  
Oil Company

ABSTRACT An oil well blowout in the Gulf lasted only eight days; however, the resultant oil spill threatened neighboring coasts for as long as two months. On windy days, nearly neutrally buoyant oil slicks approaching the Qatar coasts seemed to disappear, but they soon surfaced again whenever the weather improved. Qatar, suddenly faced with a very unusual spill, did not have an oil spill response plan. Throughout the emergency, therefore, valuable time was lost discussing the appropriate measures and setting protection priorities. Often, any understanding of the nature of the problems involved was lacking. Although most beaches became covered with the tar-like substance, a small task force from the state oil company, supported by a few foreign advisers, was able to protect all the important water intakes. Examples are given of how general principles were adapted to the specific local circumstances; for instance, lagoons were used to trap and handle the oil, and discarded SBM hoses served as breakwaters. To ensure an environmentally responsible cleaning operation, the few personnel available were provided with lists of “do's and don'ts.” The effectiveness of various approaches to dispose of collected oil is discussed. A framework for an oil spill contingency plan for Qatar has been developed and a government environmental committee set up. The oil companies’ mutual aid organization, put to the test, revealed weak areas, such as transboundary and communication problems, forcing the partners to review the organization. To enhance in-house response, the state oil company purchased spill-response equipment and is considering hands-on training of emergency crews. The valuable experience gained during this emergency should be used to improve future spill preparedness.

The Global Initiative for South East Asia

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 (1) ◽  
pp. 1375-1387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joselito Guevarra
Keyword(s):  
East Asia ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
East Asian ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Mutual Aid ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Response System ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
Global Initiative

ABSTRACT The South East Asian region's risk for oil spills has been increasing for the past three decades. This is primarily due to the ever-increasing shipping traffic, especially tankers, bringing oil from the Middle East to customers mainly in China, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Another factor is the growth in the exploration and production activities of international and domestic oil companies. Of particular relevance is the expansion of oil exploration into remote areas where oil spill response preparedness is very challenging. Through the years, the lack of credible legal frameworks and the disjointed approach have hampered the development of the critical elements of a robust oil spill response system such as national oil spill plans, training and exercise programs, ratification of the relevant international conventions, and mutual aid or bilateral agreements between neighboring countries. The Global Initiative for South East Asia (GI SEA), a collaborative effort between IPIECA and IMO (International Maritime Organization), aims to provide the governments of the Southeast Asian countries with the facility to work together with the oil industry to improve the state of oil spill preparedness and response. GI SEA is a direct response for a credible and effective oil spill preparedness and response system that takes into account each country's individual requirements and the region's needs. The Programme is built on the core principles of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) and implemented by the combined efforts of government and industry. This paper will present information on the current state of preparedness of selected South East Asian countries and the region as a whole. It will also describe the process of the formation of the GI SEA, including the major challenges of achieving consensus, building support, funding, and developing the individual country plans to suit their needs. It is also the intention to discuss the current and future activities of GI SEA.

OIL POLLUTION CONTROL AND SPILL RESPONSE CAPABILITY IN THE ROPME SEA AREA

1987 ◽  
Vol 1987 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-13
Author(s):  
P. Bernard Ryan ◽  
Derek J. S.
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
National Level ◽  
Oil Industry ◽  
Oil Refining ◽  
Exploration And Production ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
The Government ◽  
Sea Area

ABSTRACT The ROPME sea area as defined in this paper is the scene of some of the world's most intensive offshore oil exploration and production and the associated crude oil refining and tanker terminaling for oil exportation. The potential for oil pollution in the area is high, with its confined nature making it especially vulnerable to the effects of oil pollution. Awareness of this problem is well developed in the region in both government and industry, and good progress has been made in recent years toward preparing for the big oil spill which has so far not materialized, but which most experts consider inevitable at some time. Two distinct groups share the concern for oil pollution. The oil industry has well over 40 companies active in the area in some way. Many of these have a 15 year history of cooperation in oil spill response and continue to play a full role in protecting the environment from the adverse effects of oil pollution. More recently, nations bordering the area have taken an active interest in the problem and have demonstrated an impressive record of commitment and action over the past five or six years. While government and industry have maintained their separate identities, a good working relationship exists between them, and there is good information exchange and practical cooperation between the two groups, most especially at the national level. Future years should see this trend develop even further. A very impressive arsenal of oil pollution response equipment has been built up in the sea area since two major oil spill incidents in 1980. What is especially noticeable now is the proportion of this equipment that is owned and operated directly by the government agencies. This stands in marked contrast to the situation in 1980. In addition to the equipment resources available, the pool of personnel trained in oil spill response technology and methods is rapidly expanding as a result of seminars, workshops, and training courses that are being organized on a regular basis. The development of national and regional legislation to control the main sources of man-made pollution, for example, from tanker operations and offshore exploration and production, is in a very active stage and the oil industry is expected to have clear operational guidelines within the next few years.

REVIEW OF UNITED KINGDOM OIL SPILL RESPONSE TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT

1983 ◽  
Vol 1983 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-19
Author(s):  
Douglas Cormack
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Oil Spill ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Problem Definition ◽  
General Nature ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Status ◽  
Oil Spill Response ◽  
Operational Aspects

ABSTRACT As a result of recent studies in the United Kingdom and elsewhere on the factors affecting oil spilled at sea, it has been possible to redefine the problems presented for oil spill response given the general nature of response techniques and their likely future development. This topic has benefited in the past two years from discussions in the Bonn Agreement Working Group on Technical Scientific and Operational Aspects of Oil Pollution. The influence of this problem definition on the choice of response equipment in the United Kingdom is discussed. The chosen equipment is described in relation to success in meeting identified requirements and likelihood of success in real operations. The status of the various approaches exemplified by individual equipment choices is presented and future developments anticipated.

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