In case of a marine oil spill, relevant government agencies in the affected region need to coordinate a response. This scenario was part of a training event on oil spill preparedness and response for countries in eastern Africa, that took place in Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, from 6 to 9 November.
The training gathered government agency representatives responsible for spill response. It gave emphasis on assessment and response to incidents where oil reaches the shoreline.
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It also provided an understanding of how oil affects the local environment, the different vulnerabilities in the region and how to prioritize response actions.
Participants also learned about clean up techniques appropriate for different shoreline types and on how to perform shore surveys and surveillance in order improve situational awareness, using the Shoreline Clean up Assessment Technique (SCAT) principles.
Other aspects of the training 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;
- Understanding when and how to terminate a response;
- Integration of shoreline response considerations within the national framework for preparedness and response to oil spills.
