East Africa, Western Indian Ocean Strengthen Oil Spill Response

A training event on oil spill preparedness and response for countries in eastern Africa, was held in Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania (6-9 November).

The  relevant government agency representatives with responsibilities in spill response in the countries like Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Somalia, United Republic of Tanzania, and Uganda have participated in the training.

"In the event of a marine oil spill, relevant government agencies in the affected region need to manage and coordinate a response," a release from International Maritime Organization (IMO) explained the scenario.

The training focused on assessment and response to incidents where oil reaches the shoreline – providing an understanding of how oil affects the local environment, the different vulnerabilities present in the region and how to prioritize response actions.

Participants were also informed on clean up techniques appropriate for different shoreline types and on how to organize and perform shore surveys and surveillance in order enhance situational awareness, using the Shoreline Clean up Assessment Technique (SCAT) principles.

Other aspects covered included communication within the spill response management team, waste management, development of response strategies and site work plans, understanding how to efficiently use available shoreline response equipment and understanding when and how to terminate a response.

Discussions were also held on the integration of shoreline response considerations within the national framework for preparedness and response to oil spills.

The event was a collaboration between IMO, UN Environment and the Government of Norway’s Oil for Development Programme.