Australia Takes Steps to Improve Pollution Incident Response

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) & the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisatio (CSIRO) join forces.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding, ASMA will draw on the scientific knowledge and technical support of CSIRO before, during and after a
maritime environmental incident, such as an oil spill, to help understand the impact of pollution on the surrounding marine environment.

The CSIRO/AMSA Scientific Support Agreement was developed following recommendations of the recently completed Review of the National Plan to
Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and other Noxious and Hazardous Substances and the Montara Commission of Enquiry.

CSIRO's significant expertise and experience in maritime and marine science will serve AMSA's need for immediate advice during an incident response to ensure timely decisions can be made that help minimise impact, and monitor Australia's marine environment against oil spills, pollution or damage from a vessel collision or grounding.

AMSA has commenced the implementation of recommendations identified in the review of the National Plan and National Maritime Emergency
Response Arrangements (NMERA), including an upgrade of the nation's oil spill response equipment stockpiles which is currently being rolled out
around the country.