Marine oil spill response training

The International Maritime Organization’s International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) requires national authorities to have in place a process of oil spill training to ensure that all involved in the response to a maritime oil spill are adequately trained and prepared for their roles.

The UK authorities, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), have developed standards for such training that are adapted from IMO model courses and tailored to meet UK needs for both ports and harbours and the offshore oil and gas industry.

Agencies and commercial providers deliver the training according to the standards set by the UK authorities.

On behalf of the UK authorities, The Nautical Institute accredits the training providers to the standards provided by the MCA and BEIS and reports to MCA and BEIS on the performance of the scheme overall.

Both UK and non-UK providers are able to gain NI accreditation status by meeting the UK standards, and as certain IMO levels are compatible with the UK scheme levels, demonstrate accreditation to IMO equivalent levels as well. The IMO recognises the NI accreditation scheme for marine oil spill response training.

Visit the Institute's Alexis Platform for further information.