Resources

Oil Spill Response Plan

The Cowes Harbour Oil Spill Response plan has been developed to conform with the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998 (OPRC) (as amended by the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/386)). It has been reviewed and approved by the MCA in accordance with the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code.

This Oil Spill Response Plan details the contingency arrangements for responding to actual or threatened oil pollution incidents within Cowes Harbour to ensure there is a timely, measured and effective response to pollution incidents. Its primary purpose is to set in motion the necessary actions to stop or minimise the discharge and to mitigate its effects. Effective planning ensures the necessary actions are taken in a structured, logical and timely manner. Cowes Harbour staff are prepared and trained to respond quickly to an incident and are supported by Adler and Allen.

Statutory Requirement

The response strategy has been developed in consultation with a number of statutory bodies, national and local authorities, and provides guidance on how to deal with an incident in the harbour, taking into account the spill risks and possible sources of spillage associated with port operations. The plan consists of three important elements:

• A strategy section – describes the scope of the plan, including the geographical coverage, perceived risks, roles/responsibilities of those charged with implementing the plan, and the proposed response strategy.
• An action plan – sets out the emergency procedures that will follow rapid assessment of the spill and the mobilisation of appropriate response resources
• A data directory – contains all relevant maps, resource lists and data sheets required to support an oil spill response effort and conduct the response according to an agreed strategy

The plan is specific to Cowes Harbour and any vessels passing through the harbour boundaries are to report an oil spill by contacting one of the following immediately:

• Cowes Harbour Office – 01983 293952 (09.00-17.00 Monday to Friday)
• Cowes Duty Harbour Master – VHF Channel 69 (08.00-18.00)
• Solent Coastguard – 02392 552100 (24hr)
• The Environment Agency – 0800 807060