IPIECA - Contingency-Planning For Oil Spills On Water 2015 r2016

Contingency planning
for oil spills on water

Good practice guidelines for the development
of an effective spill response capability
The global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues
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E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ipieca.org
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers
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IOGP Report 519

Date of publication: 2015
© IPIECA-IOGP 2015 All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of IPIECA.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this
publication, neither IPIECA, IOGP nor any of their members past, present or future warrants its
accuracy or will, regardless of its or their negligence, assume liability for any foreseeable or
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the basis that any use by the recipient constitutes agreement to the terms of this disclaimer. The
information contained in this publication does not purport to constitute professional advice from
the various content contributors and neither IPIECA, IOGP nor their members accept any
responsibility whatsoever for the consequences of the use or misuse of such documentation. This
document may provide guidance supplemental to the requirements of local legislation. However,
nothing herein is intended to replace, amend, supersede or otherwise depart from such
requirements. In the event of any conflict or contradiction between the provisions of this document
and local legislation, applicable laws shall prevail.
Contingency planning
for oil spills on water
Good practice guidelines for the development
of an effective spill response capability
IPIECA • IOGP
Preface
This publication is part of the IPIECA-IOGP Good Practice Guide Series which summarizes current
views on good practice for a range of oil spill preparedness and response topics. The series aims to
help align industry practices and activities, inform stakeholders, and serve as a communication
tool to promote awareness and education.
The series updates and replaces the well-established IPIECA ‘Oil Spill Report Series’ published
between 1990 and 2008. It covers topics that are broadly applicable both to exploration and
production, as well as shipping and transportation activities.
The revisions are being undertaken by the IOGP-IPIECA Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project
(JIP). The JIP was established in 2011 to implement learning opportunities in respect of oil spill
preparedness and response following the April 2010 well control incident in the Gulf of Mexico.
Note on good practice

‘Good practice’ in this context is a statement of internationally-recognized guidelines, practices
and procedures that will enable the oil and gas industry to deliver acceptable health, safety and
environmental performance.
Good practice for a particular subject will change over time in the light of advances in technology,
practical experience and scientific understanding, as well as changes in the political and social
environment.
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CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR OIL SPILLS ON WATER
Contents
Preface 2 Contingency plan preparation 37
OSCP introduction 38
Introduction 4
Integration with other plans 38
The contingency planning process 5 Initial actions 39
Tiered preparedness and response 6 Notifications and reporting 39
Assessment 40
The regulatory framework 8
Response resources 41
International conventions and agreements 8
Response management 42
Regional and binational agreements 9
Sensitive areas 42
National and local legislation and regulations 10
Response strategy 44
Environmental and cultural conventions 10
and agreements Waste management 44
Decontamination 44
Stakeholder engagement 11
Demobilization and termination of the response 44
Oil spill planning scenario development 13 Response debrief 46
Hazardous event identification and characterization 14 Appendices or supporting documents 46
Likelihood 15
Implementation 47
Release volume and discharge rate 15
Training 47
Oil type and behaviour of spilled oil 15
Exercises and equipment deployments 47
Event location and prevailing conditions 16
Identify spill scenarios for consequence analysis 17 Review and update 48
Spill scenario consequence analysis 18
References and further reading 49
Computer modelling of oil spills 18
Sensitivity mapping 20 Annex 1: Preparing a contingency plan 52
Evaluate risk and select oil spill planning scenarios 22
Annex 2: Tactical response plan/ 56
Response strategy development 23 handbook topics
Net environmental benefit analysis 26
Acknowledgements 57
Determination of response capability 27
Tactical planning and resource identification 27
Tiered provision of resources 31
Supporting response elements 33
Waste management 33
Response communications 34
Wildlife protection and response 34
Sampling and monitoring 35
Crisis (external) communications 35
Funding and compensation 36
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IPIECA • IOGP
Introduction
Oil spill contingency planning is the process of developing a suitable spill response capability that
is in compliance with the regulatory framework and commensurate with the oil spill risks of an
organization or facility. The intent of this guide is to provide guidance on the contingency
planning process for potential oil spills in or on water. It is aimed at organizations with a risk of an
accidental release of oil to a marine or aquatic environment, including those involved in the
handling, transport, production or storage of oil products.
The degree of complexity involved in the planning process will greatly depend on the type of
operation, local conditions, and environmental and socio-economic sensitivities. However, the
overall objective is always to develop a capability to effectively react to a spill and sustain an
ongoing response that is proportionate to the risk. This capability requires suitable equipment,
sufficient logistics, and competent, trained responders supported by proven, exercised plans. A
reliable system of review and maintenance will ensure the planning remains relevant and
appropriate to changing levels of risk as an organization matures or evolves. This is a cyclical
process that should remain active over the lifetime of an operation.
The guide consists of nine main sections:
l The contingency planning process provides an overview and starting point.

l The regulatory framework discusses the inclusion of international, regional and local
agreements and regulatory requirements in an organization’s contingency planning.
l Stakeholder engagement considers the involvement of stakeholders who share the risk and
may be consulted in the planning process or in a response.
l Oil spill planning scenario development provides guidance on the analysis of risk and the
identification of planning scenarios that cover the full range of risk and response challenges an
organization may face.
l Response strategy development discusses the development of appropriate response strategies
for the planning scenarios and the role of net environmental benefit analysis (NEBA) in
agreeing the most appropriate response options.
l Determination of response capability explains the identification and provision of response
resources, including consideration of supporting elements, in building an overall response
capability.
l Contingency plan preparation outlines the compilation of the planning material into a clear
and concise, actionable plan for use in a response, and supporting documents for
supplemental material and justification of response capability.
l Implementation discusses the use of training and exercises to build responder competence
and to test and verify that the capability and the plan meet the needs of the organization.
l Review and update explains the importance of a regular review and update of the planning
material to maintain and improve capability over time.
IPIECA and IOGP have developed several subject-specific publications relating to the contingency
planning effort. Numerous other documents and internet information portals have also been
developed by industry and government for specific aspects of contingency planning. Such resources
are referenced where appropriate throughout this guide and are listed in the References and further
reading section on pages 49–51. The reader is encouraged to consult the various information sources.
4
The contingency planning process

The oil spill contingency planning process described Figure 1 The oil spill contingency planning process
in this guide is illustrated in Figure 1. To begin,
planners must clearly define the assets and Define planning scope
operations to be included within the planning scope.
Industries such as shipping, pipelines, ports, oil Regulatory framework
handling facilities, and exploration and production Stakeholder engagement
differ widely in their scale of operational activities,
Oil spill planning scenario development
environmental concerns, regulatory requirements
Identify and analyse oil spill scenarios
and consequent oil spill risks. Each presents distinct
challenges in planning. Evaluate response challenges and risk
Select oil spill planning scenarios

Once planners have defined their scope, a thorough
review of the regulatory framework is required to Planning scenarios selected
determine the applicable legislative and regulatory
structure. This framework will have an influence Response strategy development
throughout the entire process, and planners should Set scenario response objectives
always remain aware of the requirements and
Consider response strategy options
expectations. Stakeholder engagement should also be
addressed at the outset by establishing who may be Net environmental benefit analysis (NEBA)
affected by the oil spill risk and a potential spill’s

Response options assessed and agreed
consequences and who may need to be consulted or
informed during the planning effort. Determination of response capability
l Tactical planning and resource identification

The process proceeds with a structured approach to l Tiered provision of resources
l Supporting response elements
developing spill response capability by:
l assessing risks and selecting oil spill planning
Overall response capability defined
scenarios that are representative of the risks;
l analysing the scenarios to determine an Contingency plan preparation
appropriately tiered oil spill response capability; Develop the oil spill contingency plan,
l compiling effective plans and thorough and compile supporting documents
documentation; and Obtain company and regulatory approval

l implementing and verifying the desired level of
preparedness. Contingency plan written and approved
Organizations are then responsible for regularly Implementation
reviewing and updating all aspects of the Conduct training and exercises
contingency planning process and maintaining an Verify capability and plans

appropriate state of preparedness over the life of the
operation. Maintain and improve
Review and update

The various steps in the process draw on a wide range
of disciplines, including crisis management, l Ensure planning scope and scenarios remain relevant
l Foster continuous improvement of capability and plan
operations, environmental science, chemistry, l Maintain document control, responder competence
and equipment/facilities
logistics and supply chain management, health and
safety, government relations, risk management,
engineering, public affairs, and legal issues and
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IPIECA • IOGP
compliance. To adequately incorporate this diversity, organizations will benefit from engaging a
range of internal and external expertise, and implementing the contingency planning process
under the guidance of experienced oil spill response planners and responders. While subject
matter expertise may be outsourced, it is important to ensure that the organization remains
engaged in the planning process and takes ownership of its outcomes and implementation.
Tiered preparedness and response
The established three tiered structure allows those involved in contingency planning to describe
how an effective response to any oil spill will be provided; from small operational spillages to a
worst-case release at sea or on land. The structure provides a mechanism to identify how
individual elements of capability will be cascaded. An organization’s response capability and
contingency plan should relate directly to the potential spill scenarios and cover each tier, as
appropriate. It is important to note that the tiers are strictly for planning purposes and, in the
event of a spill, whatever resources are necessary to adequately respond to the spill must be
mobilized regardless of the tier. Planning according to the tiered approach ensures that an
appropriate provision of resources is considered for a response of any magnitude as applies to an
organization’s risk. It enables responders with access to adequate resources to mobilize an
effective and timely initial response using pre-planned strategies and Tier 1 capabilities and to
cascade in additional resources as they adapt to any response as it unfolds.
Generally speaking, and unless national contingency plans or regulations define response levels
otherwise, it is recognized internationally that tiers fall into three categories (see Box 1 on page 7).
The resources held at the three tiers work to complement and enhance the overall capability by
enabling seamless escalation according to the requirements of the incident. An important concept
is the cumulative nature of tiered response. The elements of a Tier 1 response are supplemented
by higher tier capability and not superseded or replaced by it.
There are no rigid rules for categorizing scenarios in terms of a tiered response capability. A
nearshore spill of persistent oil would require the cascading in of regional resources (Tier 2),
compared to the same size offshore spill of a non-persistent oil which could be handled solely with
local resources (Tier 1).
The challenge for planners as they proceed through the planning process is to consider the
scenarios and their potential outcomes, the resources available to the organization, and the
challenges of the geographical area of interest, in making a decision on the level of Tier 1
capability required and on the necessary arrangements at Tier 2 and Tier 3. For example, in remote
locations, where significant time and effort is required to mobilize additional resources, local Tier 1
capability will need to be more sophisticated compared to the Tier 1 capability required at a
project location near a well-developed area with available Tier 2 response support that can be
quickly and easily mobilized and deployed.
For further details on the ‘tiered response’ approach see IPIECA-IOGP, 2015a.
6
Box 1 Tiered preparedness and response: a three-tiered system
Tier 1
Tier 1 capabilities describe the operator’s locally
held resources used to mitigate spills that are
typically operational in nature occurring on or
near an operator’s own facility. The resources
also provide an initial response to spills that
ECRC~SIMEC
may potentially escalate beyond the scope of

Tier 1 initial actions and capabilities.
Tier 2
Tier 2 capabilities refer to additional, often
shared, national or regional resources necessary
to supplement a Tier 1 response or support an
escalating response. Tier 2 capability includes a
wider selection of equipment and expertise
ECRC~SIMEC
suited to a range of strategic response options.
Tier 3
Tier 3 capabilities are globally available
resources that further supplement Tiers 1 and 2.
They comprise the international resources
necessary for spills that require a substantial
external response due to incident scale,
complexity and/or impact potential.
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IPIECA • IOGP
The regulatory framework

The foundation for any oil spill contingency planning effort is an understanding of the regulatory
framework in which the assets and operations are located. Organizations should assess how
international, regional, national, and local regulations and agreements may apply to their
situation, and how that may affect their particular oil spill contingency planning. Many
international companies with spill risks also maintain internal guidelines and compliance
standards, which planners must balance and integrate with government requirements.
International conventions and agreements
Many countries have ratified the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness,
Response and Co-operation, 1990 (OPRC Convention), which provides a framework for
international cooperation for combating major oil pollution incidents and sets requirements for
national systems of preparedness and response. It requires countries to develop their own laws
and procedures for preparing for, and responding to, oil spills ranging from local impact to
international scale. These should be encompassed within a national oil spill contingency plan,
under the auspices of a designated national authority.
The OPRC Convention calls for national authorities to work with oil and shipping industries, port
authorities, and other relevant entities to unify response efforts. It is crucial that industry works
with governments to develop a clear, common interpretation of national requirements. There
needs to be clarity within both government and industry contingency plans as to who is
responsible for specific actions under all foreseeable situations.
Other international agreements and conventions relevant to contingency planning include the:
l Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to pollution Incidents by Hazardous and
Noxious Substances, 2000 (OPRC-HNS Protocol); and the

l International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL).
Additional information on these and other international conventions, as well as a current list of
signatories, can be found on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) website at
www.imo.org.
International liability and compensation conventions relevant to contingency planning for ship-
source spills include the:
l Civil Liability Convention (1992 CLC);
l Fund Convention (1992 Fund);
l Supplementary Fund Protocol (2003);
l Bunkers Convention (2008); and
l HNS (Hazardous and Noxious Substances) Convention (2010).
Organizations are advised to investigate the status of conventions as well as any relevant national
legislation on compensation and liability for both ship and non-ship source spills. Some countries
are not signatories to the international conventions and/or may have implemented their own laws
instead. Examples include the United States Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) and the European
Union Environmental Liability Directive (ELD).
8
For detailed information on these conventions and their considerations in developing procedures
for claims and compensation see IPIECA-IOGP, 2015b.
Regional and binational agreements
There are a growing number of regional conventions and bilateral agreements that provide a
formal framework for countries to respond jointly to spills. Where there is the potential for
transboundary movement of spilled oil, or if personnel and equipment may need to be
transported across borders, agreements can expedite response actions and sharing of resources.
Prearranged procedures are vital for rapid resolution of issues such as liability concerns,
emergency immigration and import provisions, and financial compensation processes.
Organizations developing contingency plans should be aware of the current status of such
agreements in their operating region.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional

Seas Programme has been instrumental in driving regional
cooperation to protect common bodies of water. Most of the
Regional Seas Programmes function through Action Plans that
are often underpinned by a legally-binding regional
convention (www.unep.org/regionalseas/programmes).
Several other independent, intergovernmental programmes,
Arctic Council
for example the Arctic Council and Helsinki Commission
(HELCOM), were formed as a result of regional conventions
and work cooperatively with UNEP.
Neighbouring countries may be party to bilateral or multilateral agreements to facilitate cooperation The Arctic Council
in responding to spills in adjacent waters. This can include conducting joint exercises, developing consists of the eight
joint contingency plans, sharing information, or establishing expedited customs and immigration Arctic States: Canada,
Denmark (including
procedures for equipment and trained personnel. For example, the Canada-United States Joint
Greenland and the
Marine Pollution Contingency Plan has provided a framework for cooperation since 1974; and the
Faroe Islands),
Manche Plan, a bilateral agreement between France and the UK, has been in place since 1978.
Finland, Iceland,
Norway, Russia,
Sweden and the
National and local legislation and regulations United States. Six
international
Many countries and their provinces have well-established laws and regulations for contingency organizations
planning. These may include compliance standards, such as response time frames and incident representing Arctic
Indigenous Peoples
reporting, tier definitions, approvals systems and various other aspects. Regulations can be
have permanent
specific and prescriptive in their conditions and processes. In these cases, the regulatory system
participant status.
will drive the planning process and set the requirements for overall oil spill preparedness and www.arctic-council.org
response capability as well as integration with the national and local oil spill contingency
planning frameworks.
In the absence of specific national or local guidance, organizations should adhere to the
international and regional protocols and conventions applicable to their operational area, as well
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IPIECA • IOGP
as to international good practice. Efforts should be made to achieve a common understanding of

response management and capability with the relevant government regulatory bodies.
ITOPF maintains a series of Country Profiles focused on ship-source spills. The Profiles provide a
summary of the oil spill response arrangements and clean-up resources in many maritime nations
(www.itopf.com).
Environmental and cultural conventions and agreements
Planners should also consider conventions, agreements and international guidance on cultural
and environmental protection, particularly when developing sensitivity maps and establishing
priority protection areas. Box 2 provides examples of treaties and conventions that provide a legal
basis for the protection of critical habitats, species and cultural heritage. The World Database on
Protected Areas administered by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre holds a vast
amount of information on protected areas (www.protectedplanet.net).
Box 2 Environmental and cultural conventions and agreements
International examples
l Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention)
l United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Convention
l Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS or Bonn Convention)
Regional examples
l Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) under the Cartagena Convention
l Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA)
Near right: Ha Long

Bay, Vietnam—a
UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
Far right: Otago
Peninsula, New
Zealand—a habitat
for yellow-eyed
penguins, an IUCN
(International Union
for Conservation of
Trellis Environmental, LLC
Nature) Red List

species with
endangered
conservation status.
10
Stakeholder engagement
Fostering open communication between industry, government and the community ensures that
stakeholder priorities and expectations are understood. Early identification of stakeholders and
consistent engagement throughout the contingency planning process allows for meaningful
discussion and resolution of conflicting interests and opinions while in a non-emergency situation.
It also provides planners with the opportunity to identify important environmental resources and
socio-economic features and their value to the community.
Potential stakeholders may involve parties from many different backgrounds and with diverse
interests (Box 3). A stakeholder can be a person or an organization with an interest or concern in
response preparedness or their potential consultation or participation in a response to an oil spill.
It can also be a local community or indigenous group that could potentially be impacted by a spill
in their area. The participation of certain stakeholders during the contingency planning process
may be mandated by regulation, such as public consultation requirements or approvals by
government agencies.
Box 3 Potential stakeholders
l Government agencies
l Indigenous groups
l Universities and research institutes
l Non-governmental organizations
l Local communities
l Local business
l Volunteer organizations
l Ports/harbours

l Neighbouring facilities and industries
l Local emergency responders
l Labour organizations
l Political parties
Planners will need to identify stakeholders that have a valid contribution to the contingency Contingencies need to
planning process, as well as those who may be engaged in sharing information. For example, the be considered
wherever an oil spill
contact details for local landowners are important data for inclusion in the contingency plan.
could disrupt local
Sensitivity mapping (see pages 20–21) and net environmental benefit analysis (NEBA) (see page
communities, for
26) are important parts of the contingency planning process where involvement of local
example those relying
constituents and the benefit of traditional and local knowledge can improve the quality of on subsistence fishing.
planning. A stakeholder mapping exercise carried out in consultation with an organization’s
external affairs group is one potential method planners might use to identify the relevant parties.
More detailed information on stakeholder engagement and community consultation can be found
in IPIECA-IOGP, 2015c and IPIECA-IOGP, 2015d.
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IPIECA • IOGP
ITOPF
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Forums held to Industry efforts are also being made on regional and global scales to promote cooperation
facilitate stakeholder between stakeholders. Programmes, such as the Global Initiative (GI) (see Box 4), complement
engagement during government and industry in regional efforts to enhance the capacity of countries to prepare for,
planning and exercises
and respond to, marine oil spills (www.ipieca.org/topic/oil-spill-preparedness/global-initiative).
contribute to more
effective and efficient
communication and
relationships. Box 4 Global Initiative regional groups
l Caspian Sea, Black Sea and Central

Eurasia Region—Oil Spill Preparedness
Regional Initiative (OSPRI) Caspian Sea, Black Sea and
Central Eurasia (OSPRI)
l West, Central and Southern Africa
China
Region (WACAF)
Southeast Asia
l Southeast Asia Region (GISEA) West, Central (GISEA)
and Southern
Africa (WACAF)
l China Programme
In addition to the Global Initiative programme, a growing number of other groups, such as ARPEL
(the Regional Association of Oil, Gas and Biofuels Sector Companies in Latin America and the
Caribbean), are also involved in promoting constructive dialogue, information sharing and
capacity building in their regions. Planners will benefit from an understanding of these efforts in
their region and how they affect their contingency planning.
12
Oil spill planning scenario development

A suitable selection of oil spill planning scenarios serves as the basis for defining an effective
response capability that is commensurate with an organization’s level of risk. In accordance with
the tiered response approach, planners should aim to define a balanced set of scenarios that
collectively represent the range of spill risks and response challenges within the planning scope. A
number of details are determined and analysed in making an appropriate selection (see Box 5).
Box 5 Spill scenario information, and questions that may need to be considered in its analysis
Scenario information to be determined Analysis

l Event l What can go wrong?
l Likelihood (frequency/probability) l What is the chance that it could happen?
l Oil type l What type of oil and how much of it could be released?
l Volume l Where could it happen and what are the local
l Duration of release conditions?
l Behaviour of spilled oil l Where could the spilled oil go and how might it behave
l Location of event in the environment?
l Prevailing hydrodynamic and environmental conditions l What impacts could it have and how severe could the
l Trajectory and fate consequences be?
l Geographic zone of potential spill impact
l Environmental and socio-economic sensitive resources at
risk and potential consequences if impacted.
This data compilation and its analysis will continue to inform Figure 2 The general process for oil spill scenario development
decision making throughout the contingency planning process
Establish the oil spill risk assessment context
and should be included in the contingency planning
documentation for use during a response as well as for
Hazardous event identification
justification of response capability.
Figure 2 outlines the general process for developing oil spill Hazardous event characterization
l likelihood/probability
scenarios for contingency planning. It uses the principles of oil l volume/release rate/duration
l oil type
spill risk assessment to facilitate an informed selection of
l event location
scenarios. An oil spill risk assessment is a systematic method to: l prevailing conditions
l identify hazardous events that could result in spills;
l analyse the characteristics and likelihood of the hazardous
events; Identify oil spill scenarios for

l define associated oil spill scenarios and identify a selection consequence analysis
suitable for consequence analysis;

l analyse the potential consequences of each selected spill
scenario if they were to occur; and Consequence analysis

l modelling (fate and trajectory)
l establish and evaluate the subsequent risks to the l sensitivity mapping
environmental and socio-economic resources.
Establish and evaluate the risk for each spill scenario
A number of risk assessment methodologies exist, ranging
from prescriptive and comprehensive quantitative processes to
Select oil spill scenarios for use in contingency planning
simplified qualitative approaches. Planners will need to
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IPIECA • IOGP
establish a risk assessment context (degree of complexity) that is appropriate for the planning
scope. This will depend on a variety of considerations, including the scope and type of operations,
availability and reliability of data, risk criteria and corporate practices. Ultimately, organizations
should employ a risk assessment technique appropriate for their situation, in compliance with
both their internal standards and the regulatory framework, and which provides results suitable
for making reliable decisions regarding risk.
Detailed guidance on risk assessment and the selection of scenarios can be found in IPIECA-IOGP,
2013a and IMO, 2010.
Hazardous event identification and characterization
Planners should begin with a hazard Box 6 Examples of potential spill scenarios based
identification analysis to determine all of the on hazardous events
operational hazards that could result in a
release of oil product. IPIECA-IOGP, 2013a l Small operational/maintenance spills due
outlines a number of tools that may be used to minor incidents
to facilitate hazard identification. A l Loss of well control leading to a blowout

characterization of the hazardous events l Ruptured flow lines, pipelines, risers,
should then be undertaken to define oil spill subsea equipment due to earthquake
scenarios that are representative of those l Loss of containment due to tank storage
hazardous events (Box 6). For fixed facilities, it failure
is possible to identify and describe specific l Loss of containment during
hazardous events and release scenarios. For offloading/transfers/bunkering
transient operations, such as shipping, the
l Loss of containment from ship collision
use of applicable generic scenarios can be
l Loss of containment from ship grounding
appropriate. For ports or operations with a
mix of shipping and fixed facilities, planners l Loss of containment due to explosion
may find that a combination approach is
most suitable.
Planners should be
aware of the
inherent differences
in industries when
describing scenarios
for operations that
are fixed, transient
or a combination of
the two.
©iStockphoto.com
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The identified hazardous events are characterized in terms of the likelihood of the event, the
potential volume and duration of the release, the type of oil, and the location.
Likelihood
Likelihood refers to the chance an event might occur. It can be determined in general terms or
mathematically, depending on the oil spill risk assessment context. Historical data (e.g. see
Figure 3) can provide useful information on the causes of
spills and statistics on spill frequency. This can aid in Figure 3 Petroleum spills from US Outer Continental Shelf oil and
determining likelihood as well as informing the selection of gas activities—number of spills in each size category, 1964–2009
spill planning scenarios. Analysis of shipping-related data
has shown that most spills from ships occur in or close to 1Ð9 bbl
ports; they tend to be small in size and are generally the 10Ð49 bbl
result of routine operations such as off-loading, discharging 2,175 (78%)
50Ð999 bbl
and bunkering (ITOPF, 2011a). Conversely, the occurrence ³ 1,000 bbl
Data from Anderson et al., 2012

of large spills is relatively rare; however, their impact can be
severe. When analysing operations of any type, planners
should be mindful of distinguishing not only the low 390 (14%)
probability, high-consequence releases associated with

210 (7%)
worst credible case discharge scenarios, but also the more
likely low-volume releases related to small, local incidents. 32 (1%)
Updated shipping statistics are produced by ITOPF every year. The IOGP Risk Assessment Data
Directory report series contains useful information for the oil and gas production and process
industries (www.iogp.org.uk). Many national agencies also compile data on spills within their
jurisdiction.
Release volume and discharge rate

Release volume can be established using either known fixed volumes and discharge rates or
estimated volumes based on calculations and assumptions. This can be as simple as presuming an
instantaneous release of 100% of a fixed volume due to failure of containment, or it can involve
complex engineering and mathematical calculations, such as estimating rates for a pipeline rupture
or well blowout. Government regulations or international industry standards should always be
consulted on this subject as calculations for determining volumes and release rates for contingency
planning are often prescribed. Planners should also include an estimation of worst credible case
discharge and ensure that the associated scenario is carried forward for consequence analysis.
Oil type and the behaviour of spilled oil

Planners need to understand how the anticipated oil type will behave in the environment into
which it may be spilled, including how it will weather or change over time. The base properties of
a particular oil will drive the physical and chemical changes that occur when it may be spilled onto
water. Oil characterization is the process used for describing the unique properties of a particular
oil and its weathering profile under certain environmental conditions. Understanding how the oil
behaves provides key information for planners because it:
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IPIECA • IOGP
l can be used to predict persistence in the environment and toxicity;

l is a required input to spill trajectory and fate modelling for consequence analyses;
l contributes to response strategy development and the choice of appropriate response
techniques and equipment (for example understanding an oil’s propensity to evaporate or
emulsify can aid in establishing the efficacy and windows of opportunity for certain techniques,
such as dispersant application and controlled in-situ burning);
l informs waste management decisions; and
l provides health and safety planners with indicators of potentially hazardous conditions, such as
noxious fumes or dangerous flash points.
The base properties and weathering behaviour of many oils have been studied and documented.
If sufficient data are not available or applicable to the organization’s operating environment,
laboratory and bench-scale experiments can be conducted on samples of the product to obtain
the necessary data. Exploration projects face a particular challenge in that the oil properties may
not yet be known. In this case, planners should choose an analogue oil based on their best
available data. A range of possible oil types can also be used to capture a variety of potential
outcomes. Planners should be aware of the uncertainty involved with this and the potential pitfalls
when determining response measures.
For more detail on weathering, oil characterization and examples of applications in contingency
planning, see also IPIECA-IOGP, 2013b; ITOPF, 2011b; and ITOPF, 2014.
Event location and prevailing conditions

The event location together with an understanding of local prevailing conditions give planners a
preliminary view of the areas that could potentially be affected by a spill and the response
challenges associated with the characteristics of a particular area. Although detailed
environmental and socio-economic sensitivities will not have been considered at this stage, local
knowledge, environmental/social impact assessments, and existing sensitivity maps can provide a
basis for spill response experts to highlight events with the potential for severe consequences and
which may therefore be given priority for further analysis.
Figure 4 The effects of wind and current on the movement of an oil slick
An oil slick moves at

eed
B
ts
knots
ent at 2.08
kno
approximately the
wind sp
oil movem
resultant
3% of
d 20
same speed as the

win
surface current and at A 100% of current speed

about three percent
of the wind speed—
the resultant current 2 knots
movement being a
vector sum of the two.
16
‘Prevailing conditions’ refers to the typical weather Unique planning

and hydrodynamic conditions experienced in an factors, such as ice
flow or break-up
area. Local meteorological and oceanographic, or
periods, can affect the
metocean, data is a fundamental input to
distribution,
predicting oil behaviour and movement (Figure 4).
behaviour and fate of
It is also an important consideration for planners spilled oil and choice
and responders when evaluating the of response method.
appropriateness of response techniques and site
health and safety considerations.
Relevant data for use in oil spill scenario definition
Alaska Clean Seas

and spill modelling include wind/current direction
and speed, sea state, tides, sea and air
temperature, and possibly ice. Three-dimensional
current data together with temperature and
salinity profiles of the water column are also of particular interest for modelling subsea release
plumes and dispersant efficacy in deep water environments.
Seasonality should always be considered, along with data from a time frame sufficient to include
variations throughout the year. Any extreme conditions and unique planning factors that pose
particular threats should also be noted, such as:
l hurricane, typhoon and monsoon seasons;
l ice flows or break-up periods;
l areas of high current or sea state; and
l temperature extremes (hot or cold).
Data for use in computer modelling of oil spills should be based on historical records and/or
modelled metocean data fields. The availability and reliability of data will vary depending on the
data collection history of the region of interest. Some areas of the world’s oceans have extensive
databases compiled over years of sophisticated monitoring, whereas remote or less-developed
areas may not have such detailed information to draw on. Data can be obtained from official
agencies, academic institutions and commercial organizations. In addition, experience has
proven that information from local fishermen and watermen can be invaluable, particularly
during a response.
Identify spill scenarios for consequence analysis
Planners should use the hazardous event characterization information to define representative oil
spill scenarios and identify a selection suitable for consequence analysis. For a large operation with
hundreds of potential events, this can be complex and will require a rigorous approach. Sound
judgment based on data obtained during the characterization must be used to choose a
manageable and meaningful number of scenarios for detailed consequence analysis, which can be
time consuming and costly. It is recommended that the chosen scenarios be limited to a practical
number and be representative of the tiered response approach. Regulatory requirements may also
define specific scenarios that will need to be addressed.
17
IPIECA • IOGP
Spill scenario consequence analysis
For each identified scenario, the potential environmental and socio-economic consequences
should be determined. Predictions of oil trajectory and fate, together with an evaluation of the
potential sensitive resources at risk of impact from oiling, combine to provide an estimate of the
severity of an oil spill scenario. This value is critical in establishing and evaluating the risks
associated with a spill scenario.
Computer modelling of oil spills

Oil spill modelling provides a forecast of oil trajectory and fate based on known or estimated oil
properties and local prevailing conditions. Two main types of transport modelling outputs are
used by planners to evaluate spill scenarios. A stochastic model (Figure 5) provides a statistical
analysis of multiple trajectories of the same scenario simulated over a defined period of time, such
as a season, using a database of historic or modelled hydrodynamic and wind data. The stochastic
modelling output predicts the geographical zone of potential impact for a spill scenario (i.e. where
oil might go) and the probability of impact for areas within that zone, along with associated
timescales and potential concentrations or volume.
A deterministic model provides a simulation of the fate and transport of a single trajectory for a
specific spill scenario and one set of hydrodynamic and wind conditions (Figure 6). The output
predicts the projected oil movement, timeline and volume or concentration, including estimates
Figure 5 An example of stochastic modelling output Figure 6 An example of deterministic modelling output
SINTEF, using the OSCAR (Oil Spill Contingency and Response) Model
SINTEF, using the OSCAR (Oil Spill Contingency and Response) Model
This image of a statistical analysis of multiple trajectories This image shows a single trajectory from the multiple
predicts the probability of where water surface oiling might trajectory statistical analysis in Figure 5. It predicts the
occur based on a 10-day simulation using a dataset of maximum thickness of oil emulsion occurring on the water
historical hydrodynamic and wind conditions. It does not surface over a 10-day simulation using one input set of
define the exact footprint of a spill scenario, but rather hydrodynamic and wind conditions.
illustrates the zone of potential impact within which oiling
might occur and the probability that oil might be present
within that zone.
18
of beached oil. Deterministic models can also be used to generate a mass balance analysis, which
depicts the fate of the spilled oil over time, e.g. evaporation, biodegradation, dispersion, shoreline
stranding, etc. (Figure 7).
Figure 7 Example mass balance analysis This example of an oil

mass balance graph is
1,000
based on water
surface
900 surface area exposed
atmosphere
water column to surface oil with an
800
ashore average thickness
decay
700 greater than 0.01 mm
out of grid
volume of spilled oil (m3)
(dark brown sheen) for

600
a 1,000 m3 release of
500 IFO-180 (intermediate
400
fuel oil with a
maximum viscosity of
300
Data source: ASA RPS

180 centistokes).
200
100
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
hours after initial release
Combining stochastic results with any number of deterministic outputs produces valuable
information that can influence decisions concerning response strategy development and the
identification of necessary response capability. The information is also an essential input to the
sensitivity mapping and evaluation of environmental and socio-economic risk. Correct
interpretation of the data generated from modelling is a specialist task, and care should be taken
to ensure the material is interpreted and presented appropriately for the intended audience. Modelling is a predictive
tool and cannot readily
replace the need for real-
Various organizations and companies have developed oil spill computer models ranging from
time surveillance during
basic to the very sophisticated. Planners should use a model that is suitable for the spill scenarios
an actual incident.
they are analysing. It should be mentioned that certain spill scenarios may not need a
sophisticated model when the spill volume is very small or if spill movement and fate predictions
can be made based on previous modelling results, the experience of specialists coupled with local
knowledge, or the use of the vector addition method shown in Figure 4.
Deep water drilling programmes, for which one or more scenarios may be a subsea release of oil,
are advised to use models that are capable of performing multifaceted subsurface and surface fate
and trajectory analyses. These complex models may also be used to simulate the application of
spill response techniques, such as the use of subsea dispersants and their potential effectiveness,
which can be useful during strategy development.
It is important to note that these models are only capable of making predictive estimates of fate
and trajectory, and the quality of the input data will influence the quality of the model output.
Users of the modelling data should understand the model limitations and the inherent difficulties
OSRL
in predicting oil fate processes (e.g. evaporation, emulsification, etc.).
19
IPIECA • IOGP
Sensitivity mapping
Once planners have defined what incidents could occur, where the oil might go and how it could
behave and weather in the environment, it is then necessary to determine which environmental
and socio-economic resources could be affected and the degree of sensitivity of those resources to
accidental oiling. Three sensitivity themes are considered:
l shoreline type and its general environmental sensitivity to oil spills;
l sensitive ecosystems, habitat, species and key natural resources; and
l sensitive socio-economic (including cultural heritage) features.
The combined modelling output of all the spill scenarios defines the overall zone of potential spill
impact and outlines the geographic area of interest for sensitivity mapping. Potentially vulnerable
sensitivities within this area of interest should be identified and characterized, and the probability
of the spilled oil having an impact on these resources should be considered. This is best
accomplished by developing a sensitivity map or analysing existing maps of the area, which may
already be established and regularly maintained, usually by government programmes, regional
cooperative efforts, or industry.
The sensitivity data is used in the risk assessment process to determine the potential
consequences of a spill scenario and the probable impacts on key habitats and species as well as
socio-economic features. The evaluation will provide planners with information on the location of
high-risk areas and the resources and data to support their prioritization for protection, for
example for optimum shoreline exclusion booming. Strategic sensitivity maps are developed to
identify protection priorities and their ranking of importance, which is vital for setting response
objectives and supporting decision making during a response. This can be a complex process and
is closely tied to net environmental benefit analysis (NEBA) (see page 26).
Sensitivity maps also contribute vital information during a response. They can be used to convey
essential information to on-site spill responders by illustrating the location of sensitive areas and
Sensitive environmental
and socio-economic areas
resources, such as bird and turtle nesting areas and mariculture facilities. The maps can also be
and resources at risk expanded to contain a wide range of operational planning information such as logistics data, site-
should be illustrated in specific tactics for priority protection areas, trajectory modelling, equipment stockpiles, staging
sensitivity maps. areas, emergency medical facilities, potential command centres, etc.
20
Figure 8 Coastal sensitivity viewer—webGIS interface tool
BP Angola
Sensitivity mapping can be presented as a simple hard-copy map with tables listing resource
details, or integrated into a geographic information system (commonly referred to as GIS) capable
of containing large volumes of data. Maps developed in GIS may be accessed either by printing
hard copies or by viewing the information electronically, including via internet access (see Figure 8).
Sensitivity maps developed in GIS can also be integrated into electronic emergency management
systems, and linked to other databases for enhanced command and control and a depiction of
response activities, resources and status. This is referred to as a common operating picture (COP).
Although GIS is becoming widely used in local and national administrations and by industry, it is
not always necessary and basic printed maps may be suitable for smaller operations.
It is recommended that hard-copy versions of maps are generated for use by on-site
responders, as the use of electronic devices may not always be feasible or reliable in remote or
extreme locations, and the maps may serve as a record for later reference during incident
investigations and claims preparation. Care must be taken to avoid printed maps becoming
too cluttered and difficult to interpret.
Detailed guidance on sensitivity mapping for oil spill response can be found in IPIECA/IMO/IOGP,
2012.
21
IPIECA • IOGP
Evaluate risk and select oil spill planning scenarios
After the spill scenarios are defined and analysed, planners should make a final selection that
represents the full range of response challenges and risks against which response strategies and a
tiered capability can be defined. This should reflect the tiered response approach and result in a
range of scenarios covering small operational spills up to and including a worst credible case
discharge scenario. Worst credible case represents the scenario with the most severe
consequences and which is considered plausible. Regulatory requirements should also be
consulted as they may dictate specific scenarios that must be included in contingency planning.
A common method used to facilitate and refine the final selection of planning scenarios is a risk
assessment matrix (RAM). It is used to plot the likelihood and consequence outcomes from each of
the spill scenarios and can be presented in a variety of formats. An example of a RAM is shown in
Figure 9. The matrix provides a view of the overall risk profile and a comparison of the risk
associated with each potential spill scenario. Overall risk reduction is achieved with effective
prevention and mitigation measures. Reducing the likelihood of a spill occurring through
prevention is the primary aim, yet despite best intentions a residual risk always remains. The risk
comparison, together with a review of each scenario’s unique influences (e.g. oil type, prevailing
conditions, local sensitivities), informs the choice of an appropriate set of oil spill planning scenarios
to formulate mitigation measures. For smaller operations only a few scenarios may be identified,
one of which may provide the information needed to plan the most effective response strategies to
mitigate risks. For larger and/or complex operations, numerous scenarios may be identified, in
which case a well-rounded, representative set covering a range of risks will need to be selected.
Figure 9 Example of an oil spill scenario risk assessment matrix (RAM)
high risk
s v
medium risk
6
low risk
consequence
u
Risk rating
l
t
likelihood
Assess the risks: likelihood x consequence = risk rating
l = Loss of containment during fuel transfer quayside; 10 tonnes; diesel fuel

t = Small maintenance leak; 10 litres; hydraulic fluid
6 = Pipeline rupture near shore; 1,000 tonnes; light crude
n = Offloading at sea; 400 tonnes; diesel fuel
u = Subsea leak; 1,500 tonnes; crude
s = Subsea well blowout; 1,500 tonnes/day for 30 days; crude oil
v = Vessel grounding—loaded ultra-large crude carrier
22
Response strategy development

After a range of oil spill planning scenarios are selected, consideration shifts to the development
of appropriate response strategies, which are comprised of available and viable response techniques
and which adequately mitigate the impact and consequences of each scenario. Planners should
consider how the response for a scenario might develop over time and how the response strategy
may need to adjust as the spill evolves. The realities of the situation and the limitations of techniques
and equipment must be well understood. Extreme weather conditions, the presence of ice, highly
It is important to
volatile or heavy viscous oils, remote/inaccessible locations, and proximity to highly-sensitive areas consider all the
can all heavily influence and restrict or dictate the selection of suitable response techniques. In all response techniques
cases, the response strategy should be established in consultation with the relevant authorities and that are appropriate
stakeholders, with consideration given to the greatest net environmental benefit (see page 26). for the conditions.
ECRC~SIMEC
OSRL
OSRL
The response strategy should be focused on clear, attainable goals by first establishing a set of
Below: the presence of
response objectives for the planning scenarios. Objectives are based on a number of inputs
ice pack may preclude
(Box 7), however, those that are largely common to all spill scenarios are to:
the use of containment
l protect the health and safety of responders and the public;
booms. Oil contained
l control the source;
by the ice itself may be
l contain and recover spilled material; recovered with
l maximize protection of sensitive areas; and appropriate skimmers,
l minimize damage to environmental and socio-economic resources. other equipment and
relevant expertise.
Health, safety and, in certain circumstances, security considerations are a

significant part of a response and are always the top priority. Detailed
information on establishing strategies for the health and safety of responders
can be found in IPIECA-IOGP, 2012a. Information on source control can be
Box 7 Important aspects to consider when defining scenario response objectives
l Health, safety and security

l Regulatory requirements, such as response timelines and priorities
l Proximity of priority protection sites and resources at risk
l Stakeholder and public expectations and priorities
l Corporate philosophy and priorities
Lamor
23
IPIECA • IOGP
obtained from various websites including the Subsea Well Intervention Service offered by Oil Spill
Response Limited, OSPRAG, the Marine Well Containment Company, and others (see page 51).
The identification of sensitive resources and priority protection sites, as determined by the
sensitivity mapping, provides the site-specific information to inform the NEBA discussions and
develop response strategies that best meet the objectives of sensitive area protection and the
minimization of damage.
A response strategy can consist of a single Box 8 Examples of response techniques

response technique or a combination of
techniques (Box 8). Response techniques are l Surveillance modelling and visualization
also commonly referred to as response l At-sea containment and recovery
options or methods.
l Offshore surface dispersant application
l Controlled in-situ burning
An appropriate response strategy for a minor
l Alternative technologies (e.g.
scenario may consist of one or two
bioremediation, herding agents, etc.)
techniques, such as surveillance and vessel-
l Monitoring and evaluation
based offshore surface dispersant application.
l Protection of sensitive resources
l Shoreline and inland assessment (SCAT)
Scenarios that are more complex may require
one or multiple strategies consisting of l Shoreline clean-up
various combinations of techniques at

different tier levels, possibly in different
locations or for varying seasonality. For
example, a scenario with the potential to occur both in winter when ice is present and in summer
when open water conditions exist will likely require multiple strategies, since the preferred
techniques will change due to the seasonal conditions. A scenario with the potential for impact on
offshore, near-shore and shoreline areas will require a strategy with a variety of techniques
suitable for use in those unique environments.
Topics to be considered when establishing response strategies are summarized in Box 9.
All response techniques have advantages and disadvantages. Numerous technical papers and
guidance documents detailing the various options for offshore and shoreline response, as well as
real spill experiences, are available from a variety of sources, including:
l IPIECA-IOGP Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (www.oilspillresponseproject.org)
l ITOPF Technical Information Papers (www.itopf.com)
l API Technical Reports (www.oilspillprevention.org)
l Arctic Oil Spill Response Technology Joint Industry Programme
(www.arcticresponsetechnology.org).
24
Box 9 Response strategy considerations
l Health, safety and security of responders and the public
l Oil spill planning scenario(s) information:

l Spill volume
l Oil properties and weathering characteristics
l Prevailing and limiting conditions
l Predicted trajectory, fate and transport from the oil spill modelling data
l Distribution and sensitivity of environmental and socio-economic resources at risk, and their
prioritization for protection
l Response technique effectiveness and limitations, including:

l Effectiveness given the oil properties and weathering profile
l Time window of opportunity for the use of certain response techniques
l Limitations on performance and feasibility of techniques given local prevailing conditions
l Volume of waste material generated
l Regulatory framework, such as:

l Mandated response times
l Defined equipment capacity calculations
l Government oil spill contingency plan restrictions or preferences for certain response techniques
l International compensation schemes and funding
l Existing response resources and their availability and capability, such as:
l Specialized oil spill response equipment
l Adequately trained and experienced oil spill response personnel
l Supporting equipment (vessels, cranes, etc.) and services (catering, housing, waste removal and
disposal, etc.)
l Net environmental benefit analysis (NEBA):

l Stakeholder and community considerations
l Analysis of the response options to inform the choice of best techniques to minimize the impacts
on people and the environment
l Selection of the most effective response strategy based upon priorities and trade-offs
25
IPIECA • IOGP
Net environmental benefit analysis
Once the most effective and feasible response techniques are identified for each scenario, a net
environmental benefit analysis (NEBA) should be carried out to determine which of those
technique(s) will have the greatest net environmental benefit. The NEBA process provides a
structured approach for selecting the best response actions to minimize potential impacts on
people and the environment. It presents a useful framework to achieve science-based planning
and stakeholder consensus prior to, and away from, the emotive atmosphere prevalent at the time
of a spill.
NEBA uses the planning scenario information—including data on the environmental and socio-
economic resources identified in the sensitivity mapping process—experience from previous spills,
and scientific expertise to inform an assessment of the environmental and social impacts that
could potentially result from the use of certain response techniques at specific locations. The NEBA
process weighs the advantages and disadvantages, or trade-offs, of the available techniques so
that an effective response may be formulated to achieve the maximum overall benefit for the
environment. Finding consensus is an important part of the process; conflicts do occur, and an
informed discussion should take account of the various stakeholder priorities and concerns that
may be raised at each location.
Natural recovery (i.e. no human intervention) is used as the benchmark against which to evaluate
response actions. Past experiences have shown that, for some habitats, certain clean-up
techniques bring little ecological benefit and may worsen damage if they are too invasive. For
example, if the use of intensive clean-up techniques on remote shorelines is not going to bring
meaningful socio-economic benefits, or if it has the potential to exacerbate the ecological
damage, its validity should be questioned. Such considerations should take account of the
recreational, economic and wildlife uses of the shorelines, the safety of the public and responders,
and the possibility of bulk oil remobilizing and spreading the contamination further afield.
Through the use of NEBA, the relevant stakeholders in contingency planning should be able to
understand the reasons why certain response options are included in the response strategy. If
regulatory approval for a particular technique, such as offshore dispersant application, is
required, the NEBA discussion provides an opportunity for that technique to be evaluated and
pre-approved for spill situations matching the planning scenarios. Should a spill occur,
stakeholders only need to verify that the assumptions considered in the NEBA and the pre-
approval are still applicable. If the actual spill situation deviates significantly from the planning
scenarios, the NEBA-based approval process will still be expedited since many of the assumptions
established during planning will still apply.
Guidance on conducting a net environmental benefit analysis can be found in IOGP-IPIECA, 2013a;
IPIECA-IOGP, 2015d; and Aurand et al., 2000.
26
Determination of response capability

Once suitable response strategies are assessed and agreed for the planning scenarios, focus turns to
identifying the appropriate equipment, personnel and logistics resources needed to implement the
strategies and ensuring their availability within the necessary time frame. Using the tiered response
approach, the provision of resources should be flexible and adaptable enough to handle not only the
smaller, low-impact spill scenarios but also the integration of additional regional and global resources
to address more complex spills, such as worst credible case discharge scenarios or an escalating
response. Ultimately, the goal of planners is to determine an adequate capability to mount and sustain
an effective response to a spill of any magnitude as applies to an organization’s unique risk profile.
Determination of response capability consists of:

l defining tactics and their logistics to implement the chosen response strategies;
l identifying the resources (equipment, personnel) to support the tactics;
l evaluating the availability of those resources and ensuring their timely provision; and
l ensuring all necessary supporting response elements (e.g. communications, waste management,
etc.) are included in the overall response capability.
Tactical planning and resource identification
Planners should consider how to execute the selected strategy for each planning scenario, and
what equipment, personnel, logistics and supporting elements will be necessary in each case. A
combination of resources is needed to successfully implement and sustain a response (see Box 10
on page 29). Logistics, in particular, covers a vast array of equipment and services. The amount of
logistics and waste management support required to adequately maintain even a small spill is often
underestimated. Planners should ensure that these aspects are not overlooked.
Determining appropriate tactical methods and the various resources necessary to support them
requires input from multiple sources and can be complex (see Box 11 on page 30). Planners should
consider their zone of potential impact, and the various conditions in which they might need to
Below: equipment
operate and for how long. Offshore, near-shore, shoreline and riverine settings, and even seasonal
must be suitable for
variations, will require different considerations for the type of equipment, deployment conditions, the oil properties and
quantity and skills of required personnel, and support for maintaining operations over time. local operating
Certain techniques, such as the use of dispersants, will have important windows of opportunity for conditions if it is to
effective use. function effectively.
ECRC~SIMEC
Lamor
OSRL
27
IPIECA • IOGP
For each response technique, planners must determine what resources they will need, how much of
those resources are required, how quickly those resources are needed and for how long. For example,
when examining an offshore containment and recovery scenario, planners need to consider: the
type and amount of boom and skimmer combinations that are best suited for the local offshore
conditions and anticipated oil properties; specifications for vessels suitable for deploying and operating
the equipment; distances and travel times from staging areas for re-supply and waste off-loading;
limiting weather and sea conditions; recovery rates and waste storage requirements; and numbers of
personnel and their support requirements. If the spill scenario anticipates that the slick will move
toward shore, planners then address similar issues for the near-shore techniques of the response
strategy. If protected species are known to inhabit the area, there may be special considerations for
operating parameters (e.g. vessel speeds) and personnel requirements (e.g. wildlife observers).
Regulatory requirements such as recovery or containment capacity, storage capacity, or response

timelines may also heavily influence the arrangements and resource needs, and compliance with
these requirements may need to be demonstrated within the contingency plan.
Organizations are encouraged to maximize the use of local resources when considering tactical
arrangements (Figure 10). In many locations, the majority of non-specialist resource requirements
can be sourced locally. This reduces costs, provides opportunities for local vendors, vessel operators
and labourers, and decreases mobilization times. Local knowledge of conditions and navigational
hazards can also be invaluable.
Consider the use of Figure 10 Local non-specialized resources can be combined with specialized resources to maximize efficiency and
specialized the use of resident services
containment, recovery
Consider viable tactical options to maximize the safe and effective use of local resources
and temporary waste
storage equipment Shrimp boat with two Oyster boat with single 500' of 24Ð36" boom
which is compatible containment booms 24' boom on each side
with the specifications
of locally available containment containment
boom boom boom arm
vessels of opportunity.
In this example, local
fishing vessels are
skimmer
incorporated into the
300' swathe
containment and 10Ð15' chain opening width
boom arm
recovery capability.
temporary
skimmer
waste storage transfer shuttle
Adapted from Hall et al., 2011 tow boat
Hall et al., 2011
Lamor
28
Use of local
businesses can
provide valuable
knowledge of terrain
and prevailing
conditions as well as
Whitewater Rescue Institute

community
involvement.
Box 10 Examples of response resource categories
Specialized oil spill resources Non-specialist resources

l Equipment: l Equipment:
l Boom l Light equipment (pressure washers,
l Dispersant spray equipment lighting, generators, shovels, buckets, etc.)
l Wildlife response equipment l Vessels of opportunity (VOO)
l Skimmers and pumps l Heavy equipment (excavators, cranes, etc.)
l Oil spill response vessels l General communication and computer
equipment (phones, radios, etc.)
l Computer modelling
l Temporary oil storage facilities (fastanks, l Personnel:
dracones, inflatable barges, etc.) l Vessel captains and crew (VOO)
l Aircraft for remote sensing observation l Labourers
and dispersant spraying
l Administrative staff
l Communications equipment (satellite
phones, air-to-ground radio, etc.)
l Security
l Volunteers
l Personnel:
l Subject matter experts
l Logistics and supply:
l Spill response contractors
l Temporary storage facilities
l Trained field responders
l Staging areas
l Government agencies
l Medical aid
l Trained vessel captains and crew
l Land transport services
l Trained pilots and crew
l Catering and housekeeping
l Accommodation
l Logistics and supply: l Sanitary facilities
l Dispersants l Command centres
l Computer modelling l Aircraft for visual observation and transport
l Satellite imagery of resources
l Sorbent materials l Waste transport, treatment and disposal
l Spare parts services
l Personal protective equipment l IT (information technology) services
29
IPIECA • IOGP
Box 11 Examples of topics typically addressed when determining tactics and response resource requirements
l Health, safety and security issues

l Likely effectiveness and limitations of techniques, such as windows of opportunity, seasonal variations,
regulatory requirements and prevailing or limiting conditions
l Recommended or required response times, recovery rates and storage capacity
l Recommended equipment configurations
l Suitable equipment and vessel support to safely and efficiently support the tactics
l Identification of specialist service providers to support implementation of the tactics, if required
l Quantities of equipment and personnel needed to implement the tactics for the anticipated
operational periods
l Logistics support required to implement and sustain response levels
l Waste management requirements to support the tactics
l Types of specialized and non-specialized resources that can be maintained or sourced locally
l Proposed location and condition of staging and launch sites
l Shoreline access, terrain and anticipated degree of oiling
l Consideration for cascading additional resources into the response if the tier level escalates, and
integration of those resources into the response
l Planning scenario worst credible case discharge or regulatory-mandated spill planning volume
l Government approvals processes and requirements for the anticipated tactics
l Mutual aid or cooperative arrangements for sharing regional resources
l Experience and lessons learned from previous responses
l Cultural heritage sites and the concerns of Indigenous Peoples
l Impacts on commercial and tourist areas
l Seasonality (fishing, nesting, tourism, etc.)
l Wildlife protection and response
l Endangered or protected species that may be encountered
Logistics covers a
wide array of support
and services for a
response, from
maintaining
personnel in the field
to procurement,
mobilization and
integration of
additional resources.
ITOPF
30
A significant spill may require a large number of workers. These individuals will require
accommodation, transportation, meals, sanitation, medical support, decontamination, etc. This
may involve an intensive logistics operation, particularly for a remote location. Possible service
providers and locations, e.g. barracks, schools, hotels, halls, etc., or providers of mobile facilities
that could be used for these purposes, should be identified for inclusion in the contingency plan.
Large amounts of protective clothing and other equipment may also be required. Local vendors
potentially able to provide the projected type and amounts quickly should be noted.
Shoreline clean-up can involve a substantial workforce, which is often supplied by local labour.
Organizations may consider training pre-identified local labour or services for oil spill response
activities. Local community organizations, cultural factors, and labour laws can influence training
requirements, working hours, logistics needs and manpower numbers, all of which will affect
estimations of personnel resource requirements. In some jurisdictions, large numbers of
volunteers may arrive on site. If volunteers are anticipated, procedures for their integration into
the response should be considered. For further information on the management of volunteers see
IPIECA-IOGP, 2015e.
Time and effort must be

dedicated to training
local labour to function
safely and properly in
an oil spill response
environment, and care
must be taken to
provide suitable
personal protective
equipment for the
conditions.
OSRL
OSRL
Tiered provision of resources
As planners refine their list of required equipment, personnel and logistics, they should evaluate
whether the resources currently available to the organization are sufficient to meet tactical needs
within the required time frame. The scale of tiered capability for each response technique will be
contingent on how many resources are needed, how quickly they will be needed, and how rapidly
they can be accessed and deployed. This, in turn, will greatly depend on the availability of local
and regional resources and the distance, time and logistical challenges associated with
mobilization and deployment.
Considerations for ensuring an adequate provision of resources are listed in Box 12 on page 32. For
additional information on tiered provision of resources see page 6 and refer to IPIECA-IOGP, 2015a.
31
IPIECA • IOGP
Readily available Tier 1 capability is an essential component of an effective contingency plan. The
ability to react rapidly and contain a minor oil spill in the vicinity of an organization’s operating area
requires immediate access to equipment, either on-site or from immediately-available local sources.
Personnel must be appropriately trained and aware of the capabilities of the equipment and how it
should be deployed and operated. This will enable a response to be mobilized within minutes of a
spill being detected.
Box 12 Considerations for ensuring adequate resource provision (based on IPIECA-IOGP, 2013a)
l Verification that existing resources, including mobilization times, are adequate

l Procurement of additional resources at Tier 1 or Tier 2
l Repositioning of existing Tier 1 or Tier 2 resources to improve response times
l Taking up membership with existing Tier 2 facilities or developing new Tier 2 facilities
l Ensuring access to a Tier 3 cooperative through membership
l Improving the facilitation and integration of Tier 3
l Identification of adequate logistic capacity (aircraft, vessels, road transport, support services),
including the potential need to procure, contract or retain services
l Minimizing the impact of barriers to the cascading of resources in from other countries or regions
l Waste management resources availability for handling, transport and disposal
l Supply chain management reliability for consumables, such as personal protective equipment (PPE)
and sorbent
l Availability of non-specialized labour and equipment supply
l Refining training and exercise programmes to improve and expand local capacity
l Availability of resources from government agencies, e.g. coastguard, military
Developed regions with established oil spill response facilities and expertise may have ample access
to existing Tier 2 resources via contracted providers, mutual aid agreements or industry
cooperatives. Areas without a regional support system, or with difficult or prolonged travel required
for the mobilization of supplementary resources, should explore the options of either maintaining a
larger Tier 1 capability or streamlining cross-border equipment movement and upgrading logistics
and infrastructure access to improve mobilization times for Tier 3 providers.
Below: Alaska Clean
Seas base in It is essential for organizations to consider the complexities of cascading large numbers of resources
Deadhorse, Alaska into their response. Planning documentation should include an escalation process and resource
integration procedures for the activation and mobilization
of the identified Tier 2 and Tier 3 resources, if a spill
exceeds the response capability at Tier 1. This includes
procedures for immigration and customs, and any
emergency dispensation information for cross-border
movement of personnel, equipment and material.
Alaska Clean Seas
Transport of certain goods within a country may require

special transportation licences and paperwork that may
delay delivery if not considered beforehand.
32
Substantial oil spill

response resources
are available from the
oil industry’s global
stockpiles and
commercial service
providers, and
through regional and
international
Alaska Clean Seas

agreements.
OSRL
In actual incidents, spills do not always fall into convenient categories and the boundaries between
tiers will inevitably be blurred. It is, therefore, important to be prepared to involve the next highest
tier from the earliest moments. It is easier to stand down mobilized resources than to try to escalate
a response by calling up unprepared reserves at a late stage.
Planners may need to re-evaluate strategy decisions if, upon analysis of tactics and resources, it is
determined that the necessary capability required to implement the initial strategy choices is not
feasible or realistic. This can be a cyclical process until the most efficient and logical arrangement
for provision of resources is achieved. Planners should keep in mind that under international
compensation regimes, the cost of strategies and resources should be realistic and reasonable.
Supporting response elements
There are a number of supporting elements that are essential to an overall response capability. The
degree of need will be contingent on the regulatory framework, planning scenarios, operating
location and the spill risks of the organization. They are, however, common to almost every oil spill
response and should not be overlooked when determining capability requirements.
Waste management
Recovered oil, oily debris, and contaminated sediment and water can be generated well in excess
of the original spill volume, and waste streams must be properly managed in accordance with the
local laws and regulations for hazardous waste storage, handling and disposal. This can have major
implications for an oil spill clean-up operation and can cause bottlenecks and delays unless
suitable arrangements are made. All too often, oil containment and recovery or shoreline clean-up
operations are slowed or discontinued temporarily for lack of adequate waste storage and/or
handling capabilities. For this reason, response techniques that result in reduced volumes of waste
are preferable.
Oiled waste management can be a major logistics challenge that can also raise serious legal and
cost issues in some countries. It must always be coordinated with the relevant authorities, and care
must be taken not to create another environmental problem. Suitable equipment, vehicles,
33
IPIECA • IOGP
OSRL
OSRL
The treatment and temporary storage sites, and final disposal methods and locations should be identified and their
disposal of waste is availability agreed with the local authorities during contingency planning; they should also be
simplified if waste identified in the contingency plan or a supporting waste management plan along with licensed
types (e.g. liquid and
waste transport and disposal contractors.
solid waste, and oiled
and non-oiled waste)
are segregated at the For detailed guidance see: IPIECA-IOGP, 2014a; ITOPF, 2011c; and IPIECA-IOGP, 2013c.
clean-up site.
Response communications
Reliable and secure communications are of paramount importance in ensuring a safe and effective
response operation. Field teams must be able to communicate with each other and with the
response management team. The level of equipment and technology, and the need for subject
matter experts required to operate a communications network, are often underestimated,
particularly with today’s prevalent use of complex technology. Large volumes of incoming calls
can quickly overcome phone lines and delay or disrupt communications. Operations in remote
areas may require additional satellite and radio capability, or there may be military or national
security restrictions on the type of communication equipment, frequencies and channels that may
be used. If there is the potential for hazardous environments, intrinsically-safe radios and mobile
phones must be used.
A template response communications plan can be pre-populated with the known details
established during planning, including any operational limitations, requirements for permits, or
restricted frequencies or devices. The types of devices available for communications and IT should
be listed along with radio frequencies and telephone and fax numbers. Contact information for
information technology (IT) assistance, software management, GIS operators and other technology
specialists should also be included in the contingency plan.
Wildlife protection and response

If there is the potential for oiled wildlife or the presence of endangered or legally-protected
species, a wildlife response strategy should be agreed with government authorities, trustee
agencies and stakeholders during the planning process. The care and treatment of oiled wildlife
can be contentious and may attract a high level of attention and scrutiny. A swift and efficient
34
response is more likely to be achieved if discussion

and consensus are dealt with during the
Andrew Milanes, Environmental Science Services, Inc.

contingency planning process. Oiled wildlife
response requires specialized planning, personnel,
equipment and facilities. Details of the
arrangements for wildlife protection and the
response to oiled wildlife should be included in the
contingency plan or a supporting wildlife response
plan. Information specific to this subject is available
in IPIECA, 2014b. Additional reports, guidance
documents, and country profiles are also available
from Sea Alarm (www.sea-alarm.org).
Above: the presence

Sampling and monitoring
of nesting or
With the possible exception of small spills that are quickly cleaned up, a sampling and monitoring endangered species
programme will likely be required or prudent, particularly if surface/subsea dispersants or may influence the
controlled in-situ burning are used. A monitoring programme may be implemented to aid in choice of allowable
response activities
decision making, to monitor technique effectiveness, or to determine the extent of pollution or the
and logistics.
impact of the spill on the environment. Subject matter experts, qualified sampling organizations
and laboratories, and the equipment and logistics required to execute a monitoring programme
should be noted in the contingency plan. Guidance on establishing the objectives of the
monitoring programme and how to accomplish them should also be included, along with any data
and protocols that can be predetermined, such as handling and storage requirements, local
compliance requirements, available laboratory methodology and capability, and preliminary costs.
Conducting sampling and laboratory analyses Sampling and

in remote or less-developed regions may monitoring
present logistical and technological challenges. procedures and
resources should be
Local, in-country laboratories may not be able
considered during
to perform all desired analyses. Solutions
contingency
should be considered during planning while planning, and should
there is time to explore cost-effective be described in the
alternatives. Refer to ITOPF, 2012a for more plan documentation.
OSRL
detailed information.
Crisis (external) communications

Oil spill incidents often attract significant interest from the media and public. The power of internet
communication should not be underestimated, and the instant posting of pictures and opinions
from the public and media should be expected. To alleviate the spread of misinformation, external
communication procedures—for example media and public information management
procedures—with oil spill-specific considerations should be developed or added to an
organization’s overall crisis communications system. Templates and guidance for responding to the
news media, social media and internet information portals should be included in the contingency
planning documentation as a tool for response personnel involved in external communications.
35
IPIECA • IOGP
Oil spill incidents

often attract
significant interest
from the media and
the public; those
directly affected by a
spill should be

promptly and
properly informed.
ITOPF
Funding and compensation
Organizations will need to consider adequate budget resources to support preparedness, including
costs for purchasing Tier 1 resources, accessing Tier 2 and Tier 3 capability, training and exercising.
Spill response can also be costly, and a means of, or process for, funding the identified response
strategies should be considered. Workers may require payment at regular intervals, and invoices for
purchased items and services may have strict payment terms. For spills in remote locations, the
logistics required to securely transport funds to pay for wages and services should be considered.
Ensuring that suitable funding is in place may require the use of insurance and external sources of
money. Regulations may require proof of funding to be included within the contingency plan.
If the spill risks of an organization indicate that there may be environmental or socio-economic
damage or loss, there should be consideration for assessing impacts, and managing claims and
compensation. A process for mobilizing additional personnel and resources to intake, evaluate and
process claims could be included either in the contingency plan or in a supporting claims and
compensation plan. The process will depend upon the organization providing compensation and
the country affected by the oil spill, and whether countries are signatories to international
compensation regimes or have their own legislation.
Local businesses and Record keeping is essential for claims and

individuals who are compensation processes. Planners should ensure
placed at a that document preservation processes and any
disadvantage due to associated legal requirements, including the
the presence of
collection of vital records and data, are noted in
pollution or response
the contingency plan.
activities may be
eligible for
For more detailed information on claims and
compensation.
compensation, see ITOPF, 2012b and
IPIECA-IOGP, 2015b.
36
Contingency plan preparation

An oil spill contingency plan (OSCP) is a document, or suite of documents, that provides guidance
on how to respond to an oil spill of any tier as applies to the risks of an organization. A successful
contingency plan will facilitate an effective and efficient initial response to incidents and will
provide the decision making tools and information needed to organize and support an ongoing or
escalating response while adjusting to the realities of changing conditions. It is important that the
contingency plan provides the instruction and information needed in a response. Additional
background information or material not directly required in a response, such as planning
justification and preparedness details (e.g. risk assessment documentation, training and exercise
programmes), should be available for the regulatory review process, planning assessments and
later contingency plan review and update, and should be included in supporting documents or
appendices. The contingency plan and supporting documentation together should demonstrate
that a rigorous planning process was undertaken in building response capability.
Internal management-level approval of the contingency plan is essential as it confirms an

organization’s commitment to meet and maintain the planned level of capability. External
regulatory approval is often a mandated and controlled process ensuring that legislative
requirements are met. It also confirms support and agreement from government agencies for the
preparedness levels and response management cooperation outlined in the contingency plan.
Depending on the complexity of an organization’s operations, one OSCP may be sufficient, or a

suite of documents may be more appropriate. For example, a number of offshore platforms in one
field may each have their own Tier 1 resources and site-specific OSCP, but may share Tier 2 and 3
capabilities coordinated under a wider OSCP. A port or terminal will likely require only one
document covering all applicable tiers. An OSCP with numerous response options or sensitive
areas may benefit from supplementary tools for responders, such as response tactics handbooks or
operational sensitivity maps for site-specific tactical instruction. Supporting elements, such as
wildlife response and sampling and monitoring, can be included within the OSCP but are also
often arranged as standalone supporting plans to avoid complicating and overcrowding the main
body of the OSCP with too much detail. Planners should scale the content appropriately according
to the type of operation, the level of risk, and the needs of the end-user personnel.
It is important to keep in mind that there is no standard format for a contingency plan that meets
the needs of all operations. Many organizations have contingency plan standards and practices
that have been tested and proven suitable for their activities. Some regulators prescribe a format
that is dictated by government regulations or national oil spill contingency plan frameworks. If a
regulatory-mandated layout of a contingency plan is cumbersome for responders to navigate, the
use of a standalone handbook (sometimes referred to as a Spill Emergency Field Guide, Checklist,
or Quick Guide), particularly for the initial response, may prove useful.
Some regulators do not prescribe a format, or their suggested format may be optional. In the
absence of specific guidance, organizations are encouraged to develop plans that are appropriate
for their end user and formatted in a manner that is effective for use in an emergency situation.
Actionable versus general background information should be included in the main body of the
plan to better inform responders on what specific actions they should be taking. The plan
organization should be logical; information is best provided in the same sequence as it is needed
during a response. This will aid in accessing key information and in the retention of where in the
37
IPIECA • IOGP
plan the information is located. Diagrams and flow charts that clearly and concisely communicate
the direction needed during a response are particularly helpful.
The sections below describe the core areas that any OSCP should address. This is followed by a
description of potential appendices and supporting documents. A corresponding outline is
provided in Annex 1 on pages 52–55, however planners should recognize that no standard
template is applicable for all operations.
Specific guidance is available for shipping in ITOPF, 2011a and for offshore oil and gas exploration,
production and pipeline facility operators in API, 2013.
OSCP introduction
The OSCP introduction should:

l list the overall response aims, priorities and objectives;
l outline the scope (including a summary description of operations and spill risks) and
geographical coverage of the plan; and

l provide instructions for document control with respect to updates, amendments and plan
distribution.
The introductory section also provides the opportunity to state corporate philosophy and describe
any integration with national response systems, government contingency plans or other
applicable plan coordination.
Integration with other plans

Illustrations of the contingency plan integration with other plans and the national response
framework, if any or as previously agreed with the authorities, will help to avoid confusion during
a response (Box 13). If external organizations and third parties are involved, the interface with their
plans should be clearly stated in bridging
documents. For example, a response to an
incident involving a ship may include the
shipowner and/or the ship’s insurer or salvor. It
is also commonplace for third-party service
companies (e.g. drilling contractors) to be
involved in implementing oil and gas projects;
their participation in a response to an incident
A response can
involve the
should be integrated. Misunderstandings and
participation of a an unorganized response may result if clear
variety of lines of cooperation and communication
OSRL
organizations. between the various parties are not defined.
If other internal emergency response plans are to be implemented concurrently, the oil spill
contingency plan should demonstrate how the spill response will be managed and coordinated
with additional response operations. For example, a simultaneous draw on personnel and logistics
38
Box 13 Integration with other plans (example list)
Internal emergency response plans External emergency response plans

l Medical evacuation plan l Contractor emergency response plans
l Facility emergency response plan l Local authority crisis management and
l Crisis management plan emergency response plans
l Business continuity plan l Regional oil spill contingency plans
l Source control plan l Local and regional tactical plans
l Well capping and containment plan l National oil spill contingency plans
l Relief well plan

l Contractor bridging documents
l Firefighting response plan
l Salvage plan
l Towing plan
to support both source control and spill response efforts can create gaps and a lapse in response
time if not planned appropriately.
Initial actions
Initial response information is critical in guiding responders through the first hours or days of an
incident. This information should be located near the front of the plan for quick access, and should
provide the direction and information necessary for responding individuals to:
l make required notifications;
l assess an incident and mitigate hazards, usually based on incomplete and rapidly evolving
information;
l activate an informed, immediate response;
l activate additional response resources including the management team, as needed; and
l review sensitive areas at risk.
Notifications and reporting
Timely notification of key internal and external personnel and organizations is instrumental in
mounting an effective response. A summary of typical notifications is provided in Box 14 on page 40.
Notification procedures, responsibilities and regulatory requirements (including forms, timelines
and instructions) should be provided along with a directory of contact information. Flow charts
and diagrams are effective ways of displaying the flow of notifications that are often required. The
provision of a checklist and log will assist in the documentation and evidence of timely reporting
and alerts. It is important to specify the management role responsible for ensuring that
notification and reporting requirements are met.
39
IPIECA • IOGP
Box 14 Typical notifications to be included in the plan*
l Company personnel
l Primary response team (internal or contractor)
l Government agencies (required and supplemental)
l Incident or response management team
l Community contacts and media press releases
l Key stakeholders and land managers
l Nearby industry or facilities
l OPRC (Article 4) and MARPOL requirements
* Contact information for contractors, suppliers and other response resource providers should be included in the resources section or in a
separate resource directory where information is actively kept up to date.
Assessment
Information on the oil type/characteristics, spill size, location and trajectory path is crucial in
determining the health and safety hazards posed by the spill, the appropriate response strategies,
and the identification of potentially threatened environmental and socio-economic sensitivities.
Contingencies should Under certain circumstances, security assessments may be needed before workers can be
be considered for deployed. Guidelines and information should be provided for:
locating and tracking
l evaluating site health, safety and security;
spills when conditions
l implementing surveillance;
of low visibility,
l observing, tracking and assessing the spill, initially and over time;
darkness, safety or
security prevent l determining current and forecasted meteorological and hydrodynamic conditions;
visual surveillance l activating modelling support for predicting oil trajectory; and
from being deployed. l evaluating the potential scale, tier level, and impact of the incident.
Detailed information on site safety and

health assessments can be found in
IPIECA-IOGP, 2012a. For information on oil
spill surveillance, tracking and
observation see IPIECA-IOGP, 2015f.
Organizations are encouraged to take a

proactive approach to the potential need
for escalation, with a conservatively high
estimate of the potential scale and impact
of the incident. It is generally easier to
stand down additional resources than
attempt to mobilize them reactively in
Alaska Clean Seas
last-minute haste.
40
Response resources
Rapid mobilization of resources is critical for mounting an effective response. Essential response
resources should be listed in the plan or a resource directory, along with their sources and
associated contact/activation information. The process for activating and mobilizing the primary
response organizations should be referenced, including designation of the management roles
with financing and mobilization signature authority. Procedures for a controlled cascading of
resources into a response should also be included to allow adjustments to be made as the needs
of the response are better understood.
The types of response resources that should be described (refer to Box 10 on page 29) include, but
are not limited to:
l spill response equipment (booms, skimmers, barges, skimming vessels, etc.);
l logistics support service providers and equipment/supplies;
l vessels of opportunity (required vessel specifications, lists of locally available vessels, etc.);
l local labour sources and volunteers; and
l subject matter experts.
An inventory of locally available Tier 1 response equipment should always be maintained directly
in the plan. For plans covering wide geographical areas and spill risks, a complete resource list can
become extensive and be subject to frequent review and update. Maintaining an up-to-date list
can be particularly challenging in less developed areas where the availability of resources and
services can fluctuate. A standalone resource directory or electronic database may be more
efficient under these circumstances. The use of an electronic database allows for rapid and easy
identification of resources and updating of information. It can also be linked to GIS and response
management software for real-time inventory updates and status reports.
For each key resource or response contractor, it is recommended that the information required for
their identification, activation and mobilization be included (Box 15). The International Offers of
Assistance (IOA) Guidelines developed by the IMO (Parker et al., 2014) provide a common set of
terminology for significant equipment and personnel types typically offered or requested from
Box 15 Suggested relevant Information for inclusion in the response resource list
l Category of capability or response technique

l Equipment type
l Quantity
l Size/capacity
l Owner/source
l Contact information
l Location
l Mobilization and deployment time
l Special logistics requirements
l Activation protocol, e.g. contractual arrangements or mutual aid agreement
41
IPIECA • IOGP
international sources during Tier 3 responses. When confronted with large or complex oil spill
incidents, common use of terms will assist in managing requests for spill response resources and
offers of assistance from other countries and organizations. The resource data should be verified
and updated regularly with strict document control to ensure a current version is always available
with correct and relevant information.
Response management
It is imperative that a system is in place for managing oil spill incidents, with a functional incident
management organization that can expand and contract in size to operate effectively at all tier
levels. An oil spill is one of many crises an organization may face, and a well-exercised incident
management organization and framework should already be in place with established processes
and procedures. This section of the contingency plan should describe the organization’s incident
management system as it applies to an oil spill response. This includes information such as:
l the response organization;
l roles and responsibilities;
l management and planning processes and procedures; and
l response management facility location and activation procedure.
A clear An understanding of the expected participation of

understanding of both internal and external parties is critical for the
roles and management structure to function cohesively. Role-
responsibilities specific checklists of responsibilities and tasks can be
promotes a excellent reference guides for those who are
cooperative
assigned positions within the response organization.
atmosphere.
A documentation system is an essential

management process for an oil spill response. It
should be defined in the contingency plan, or in an
appendix, recognizing that there may be a
government mandated approach to documentation
ITOPF
and document preservation.
The IPIECA-IOGP Good Practice Guide on incident management (IPIECA-IOGP, 2016) provides
additional detail on this subject. Further information is also available in the IMO guidelines on
incident management systems (IMO, 2012), the United States Federal Emergency Management
Agency ICS Resource Center (http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/ICSResource/index.htm) and the
ITOPF Technical Information Paper on leadership, command and management (ITOPF, 2012c).
Sensitive areas
The immediate identification of environmental and socio-economic sensitivities potentially at risk

from an oil spill, together with any pre-designed protection tactics, is vital in ensuring the most
appropriate allocation of equipment and personnel.
42
Responders need clear procedures and tools for the immediate identification of potentially
threatened sensitivities, as well as the protection priorities and tactical measures developed and
agreed during planning. This section of the plan should include topics such as:
l identification of environmental and socio-economic resources at risk and sensitive areas;
l protection priorities;
l sensitivity maps; and
l operational sensitivity maps/site-specific tactical plans/geographical response plans.
The pre-identified sensitivities and high-risk areas within the potential geographic response area
should be listed and their locations shown on a map. Associated stakeholder contact information
and pre-determined protection strategies and tactics should also be referenced together with any
limiting factors or operations that should be avoided. The tactical and strategic sensitivity maps
must be accessible to facilitate decisions on priority areas for protection and the choice of
techniques and strategies.
Operational sensitivity maps, also commonly referred to as geographic response plans, site-
specific tactical plans or action plans, could also be developed for the most sensitive sites during
contingency planning. They are effective tools for informing response teams about high-risk areas
and can consist of:
l details of the site-specific environmental and socio-economic sensitivities;
l pictures, topographic maps and satellite imagery;
l protection and clean-up techniques;
l deployment schematics and instructions;
l technique constraints and limitations;
l operational features;
l prevailing and limiting conditions, including hazardous landscape forms;
l seasonal weather restrictions;
l logistics information, including predetermined locations for staging areas and temporary waste
storage sites;
l stakeholder and land owner/manager contacts; and
l regulatory reporting and approvals requirements.
These maps are often compiled as an atlas and included as an appendix, with an index of sites
listed within the plan for reference. Depending on the size and scope of the contingency plan,
they could alternatively be included directly within the Response strategy or Sensitive area sections
of the contingency plan.
The sensitivity mapping information should be arranged in a printable format for hard-copy use by
on-site personnel and linked into the GIS mapping database, if one is used. More information on
developing sensitivity maps can be found in IPIECA/IMO/IOGP, 2012. An example of a
geographical response plan atlas can be found on the website of the Region 10 Regional Response
Team and Northwest Area Committee at www.rrt10nwac.com.
43
IPIECA • IOGP
Response strategy
The response management team must be able to quickly gain an understanding of the strategic
guidance developed and agreed during planning, as well as of the techniques available to them.
During a response, the planned response strategies are confirmed or adapted as the situation
progresses and evolves. Over time, certain techniques may become ineffective and new response
options should be evaluated and employed as needed. The planning process cannot predict all
the potential outcomes or conditions that may be encountered. A clear explanation of the
available techniques, tools and guidance for making decisions will assist management in adjusting
the response in accordance with the actual trajectory, conditions and time to impact encountered
on the day.
Flow charts, decision trees or comparable graphical approaches are common and effective
methods for providing guidance on decisions relating to the response strategy and suitability of
techniques. Summaries of the response techniques applicable to the planning scenarios should
be provided. Any techniques that were pre-identified using NEBA (see page 26) should be clearly
noted. Documentation of the NEBA should be included or referenced such that it may provide a
foundation for re-evaluation of techniques using real-time conditions, if they deviate from those
considered in the planning scenarios.
A quick reference tool, such as a scenario matrix, can provide responders with critical planning
scenario information in a compact, user-friendly format. Table 1 presents some suggested
headings for a scenario matrix. Direction should also be included for conditions that warrant no
active response other than surveillance, and for situations where a response is not feasible due to
safety, weather or other restrictions. An instruction to justify and document any deviations from
the planned strategies should be included.
Table 1 Scenario matrix headings
It is important to know whether the use of certain techniques has been pre-approved. If pre-
approval has not been obtained, guidance on the process for obtaining approval should be
provided. Pre-approval for techniques such as dispersant application or controlled in-situ burning
is strongly recommended, as the windows of opportunity can be time-sensitive and any delay in
the mobilization of resources may compromise effectiveness.
Tactical plans or handbooks to support the provision and implementation of a specific technique
or capability are helpful tools for responders and management. This level of detail is not always
required, but can provide an efficient means of compiling the multiple features involved in
successfully implementing response techniques from start to finish. Depending on the scope of
the contingency plan, planners should decide whether this information is more effectively
included within the main contingency plan or as supporting documentation. Annex 2 on page 56
highlights the topics typically covered in tactical response plans/handbooks.
44
Waste management
It is essential that planners do not lose sight of the need to pre-plan for waste management. The
lack of proper waste handling, temporary storage, transport and disposal can lead to hold-ups,
disruption of clean-up operations and potential violations of regulatory requirements. Details and
guidance for implementing the waste management strategy and recycling, treatment or disposal
arrangements should be included within the oil spill contingency plan or as a separate waste
management plan.
Decontamination
Decontamination requires unique Pre-identified secure

consideration with respect to health, safety areas for cleaning
and waste management, as well as supporting equipment and
logistics. It must be implemented from the vessels, in particular
to prevent secondary
outset of a response and be capable of
contamination due to
handling the decontamination of personnel
run-off, should be
and the gross decontamination of equipment listed in the plan, or
on a daily basis. As resources are demobilized guidance on
from the response, more comprehensive establishing
decontamination will be required. Pre- decontamination
OSRL sites should be
identified locations and approved cleaning
agents for decontamination should be listed in included.
the plan. Large response vessels may require dedicated berths or dry docks for cleaning.
Arrangements for cleaning third-party property, such as the hulls of fishing boats or other vessels,
may also be considered, if applicable. Guidance for compiling a spill-specific decontamination plan
is a helpful tool for inclusion.
Demobilization and termination of the response
Management are responsible for ensuring that the scale of the response remains appropriate. As
the needs of the response change, or as objectives are met, resources will need to be withdrawn
from the response. Over time, the organization will be downsized as the response requirements
diminish. This requires procedures for executing an orderly, well-documented process of
demobilization. Guidance should be provided on the prioritization of resources for demobilization,
keeping in mind cost-effectiveness and the most efficient utilization of resources.
The plan should include guidance for response termination. A response operation is usually
considered for termination when:
l response objectives are met;
l treatment end points are met;
l no net environmental benefit can be achieved through a continuation of response efforts; or
l it is determined that a longer-term project of restoration will be required to achieve end-point
criteria.
45
IPIECA • IOGP
The criteria to be considered when making the decision to terminate the operation should be
specified in the Incident Action Plan along with a process of consultation with appropriate
stakeholders. The plan should also identify the decision maker who has the authority to sign off
completed areas and approve the termination of response operations. For additional information
on treatment end points and the completion of a response see IPIECA-IOGP, 2014c.
Response debrief
A process for post-incident critique, with feedback of lessons learned and follow-up actions, is
important for continued improvement of the contingency plan and response preparedness. Post-
response reviews should include the management team, field response supervisors and external
organizations (e.g. government, contractors), as appropriate.
Appendices or supporting documents
Detailed information relevant to the needs of responders may not fit neatly into the main body of
the contingency plan but should be easily accessible when needed. Planning information which
does not contribute directly to a response should be documented separately such that it does not
interfere with the guidance provided in the OSCP. Appendices and supporting documents provide a
means for compartmentalizing material in an organized and accessible manner. This might include:
l overall response information—health and safety, in-field communications and documentation
forms;
l background information—facility descriptions, baseline environmental and socio-economic
information, and the risk assessment;

l frequently updated material or large volumes of information—site-specific tactical plans and
contact and resource directories may benefit from being tracked under a document control
process separate from that used for the main body of the plan, especially if they are to be
updated frequently; sensitivity maps and general tactical plans can be large documents that may
easily overwhelm the main body of the plan;
l specialized subject-specific guidance and plans, such as shoreline assessment, wildlife protection
and response, sampling and monitoring, claims and compensation, external communications
and waste management; and
l plan justification and other preparedness material—scenario planning justification, plan and
equipment maintenance/audit schedules, and training and exercise programmes.
It should be noted that critical response information typically required in the first 12 to 24 hours of
a response should be contained in the plan and not referenced in external documents, to avoid
using valuable time accessing those documents and the information.
46
Implementation
Training
The successful implementation of a response is It is vital that those

not only a function of appropriate response with an identified role
capability and capacity, but is also contingent in a response
upon the competence of the individuals organization receive
appropriate training.
involved. Training should include an
appropriate level of theory and practical
elements as well as equipment deployment,
depending on the role. Familiarization with
relevant contingency plans and procedures
should also form part of the training package.
Training should provide managers with an understanding of response management processes,

and with a foundation for educated decision making. Field managers and responders must fully
understand the technical aspects of equipment use, its limitations and safe operating
requirements. For detailed guidance on oil spill training see IPIECA-IOGP, 2014d.
Exercises and equipment deployments
Tabletops, drills and functional exercises are an excellent way for personnel to practice in their
pre-assigned emergency roles, and to test and verify contingency plans and procedures. Joint
exercises provide the opportunity to test the roles and expectations of the various parties
involved. Exercises carried out during the initial implementation of a contingency plan will test the
developed response system and ensure that it meets the objectives of the plan, as well as assure
compliance with regulatory requirements. Practical deployment of the response equipment in the
operating environment will verify that the tactical arrangements and resource specifications are
appropriate, and will highlight any adjustments that need to be made. Valuable lessons can be
learned from such exercises, and
these should be used to improve Practical equipment
contingency plans. Personnel will deployments ensure
not only feel more comfortable that field responders
are trained and
after constructive exercising, they
competent in
will also benefit from strengthened
activating and
connections with other response
implementing
team members. Important tactical plans.
relationships with external
organizations, government entities
and contractors are also fostered
during full-scale exercises or joint
simulations.
For guidance on planning and

implementing exercises see
Lamor
IPIECA-IOGP, 2014e.
47
IPIECA • IOGP
Review and update

Contingency planning and competence building are not one-time events. Contingency plans
should be dynamic, and the information they contain needs to be regularly reviewed to ensure
that its validity is maintained. At the basic level, this may involve ensuring that contact details and
equipment lists are current, or it could involve more fundamental updates in light of feedback
from exercises or actual spill response activities. Should operations and the risk change, for
example if new assets are introduced or additional oil types are identified, planning changes may
be introduced which, in turn, means that new strategies and capabilities will need to be devised.
Spill response technology and scientific data are constantly evolving due to ongoing research and
development as well as feedback from exercises and actual responses. The strategies and tactics in
the plan should be periodically reviewed and updated in line with advancements and
improvements in equipment and techniques, and to reflect any improved knowledge of the
potential response area and sensitivities.
In many cases, regulation will dictate a system of review and evaluation for approved plans. In the
absence of regulatory guidance, organizations will need to implement their own programme of
review and audit for ensuring sustained readiness and competency.
All plan holders need to be made aware of updates that are made, and plans that have been
issued should be subject to document control procedures to prevent confusion and the misuse of
outdated versions. New personnel within the organization, as well as government agencies and
contractors, will require training and exercising to ensure they are familiar with the processes and
procedures in the contingency plan. Individuals who have previously received training will need to
attend refresher courses to make sure their competence remains valid. In addition, equipment and
facilities will require maintenance and care to assure sustained readiness.
A schedule of
maintenance and
audit for response
equipment,
consumables,
warehouses and
command post
facilities should be
defined in the plan.
OSRL
48
References and further reading

API (2013). Guidelines for Offshore Oil Spill Response Plans. American Petroleum Institute Technical
Report 1145. Washington, D.C. API Publishing Services.
AMSA (2013). Technical Guideline for the Preparation of Marine Pollution Contingency Plans for Marine
and Coastal Facilities. Australian Maritime Safety Authority, March 2013.
Anderson, C. M., Mayes, M. and LaBelle, R. (2012). Update of Occurrence Rates for Offshore Oil Spills.
OCS Report. BOEM 2012-069. BSEE 2012-069. Herndon: Department of Interior Bureau of Ocean
Energy Management and Department of Interior Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
Aurand, D., Walko, L. and Pond, R. (2000). Developing Consensus Ecological Risk Assessments:
Environmental Protection In Oil Spill Response Planning, A Guidebook. United States Coast Guard.
Washington, D.C.
DECC (2012). Guidance Notes to Operators of UK Offshore Oil and Gas Installations (including pipelines)
on Oil Pollution Emergency Plan Requirements. UK Government, Department of Energy & Climate
Change. DECC/OPRC/OPEP Guidance, July 2012.
Hall, C. J., Henry, W. J. III and Hyder, C. R. (2011). Hopedale Branch: A Vessel of Opportunity Success
Story. In International Oil Spill Conference Proceedings, March 2011, Vol. 2011, No. 1. pp. abs.407.
http://ioscproceedings.org/doi/abs/10.7901/2169-3358-2011-1-407
IMO (1990). International Convention on the Oil Pollution, Preparedness, Response and Co-operation
(OPRC). www.imo.org/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/ International-Convention-on-
Oil-Pollution-Preparedness,-Response-and-Co-operation-(OPRC).aspx
IMO (1995). Manual on Oil Pollution—Section ll: Contingency Planning. International Maritime Organization.
IMO (2010). Manual on Oil Spill Risk Evaluation and Assessment of Response Preparedness. International
Maritime Organization.
IMO (2012). Guidance Document on the Implementation of an Incident Management System (IMS).
International Maritime Organization, IMO Publishing, UK.
IOGP-IPIECA (2013a). Net Environmental Benefit Analysis for Effective Oil Spill Preparedness and
Response. PowerPoint™ presentation, retrieved August 2014 from http://oilspillresponseproject.org.
Output from the IOGP Global Industry Response Group (GIRG) Work Programme.
IPIECA-IOGP (2012a). Oil spill responder health and safety. IPIECA-IOGP Good Practice Guide Series, Oil
Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP Report 480. http://oilspillresponseproject.org
IPIECA-IOGP (2013a). Oil spill risk assessment and response planning for offshore installations. Report of the
IOGP Global Industry Response Group (GIRG) response to the Macondo incident in the Gulf of Mexico in April
2010. IOGP-IPIECA Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). http://oilspillresponseproject.org
IPIECA-IOGP (2013b). Guidelines on oil characterization to inform spill planning and decision making.
Report of the IOGP Global Industry Response Group (GIRG) response to the Macondo incident in the
Gulf of Mexico in April 2010. IOGP-IPIECA Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP).
http://oilspillresponseproject.org
49
IPIECA • IOGP
IPIECA-IOGP (2013c). The use of decanting during offshore oil spill recovery operations. Report of the IOGP
Global Industry Response Group (GIRG) response to the Macondo incident in the Gulf of Mexico in April
2010. IOGP-IPIECA Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). http://oilspillresponseproject.org
IPIECA-IOGP (2014a). Oil spill waste minimization and management. IPIECA-IOPG Good Practice Guide
Series, Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP Report 507.
IPIECA-IOGP (2014b). Wildlife response preparedness. IPIECA-IOPG Good Practice Guide Series, Oil Spill
Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP Report 516. http://oilspillresponseproject.org
IPIECA-IOGP (2014c). A guide to oiled shoreline assessment (SCAT) surveys. IPIECA-IOPG Good Practice
Guide Series, Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP Report 504.
IPIECA-IOGP (2014d). Oil spill training. IPIECA-IOPG Good Practice Guide Series, Oil Spill Response
Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP Report 499. http://oilspillresponseproject.org
IPIECA-IOGP (2014e). Oil spill exercises. IPIECA-IOPG Good Practice Guide Series, Oil Spill Response
Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP Report 515. http://oilspillresponseproject.org
IPIECA-IOGP (2015a). Tiered preparedness and response. IPIECA-IOPG Good Practice Guide Series, Oil
IPIECA-IOGP (2015b). Economic assessment and compensation for marine oil releases. IPIECA-IOPG
Good Practice Guide Series, Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP Report 524.
IPIECA-IOGP (2015c). Oil spill preparedness and response: an introduction. IPIECA-IOPG Good Practice
Guide Series, Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP Report 520.
IPIECA-IOGP (2015d). Response strategy development using net environmental benefit analysis (NEBA).
IPIECA-IOPG Good Practice Guide Series, Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP
Report 527. http://oilspillresponseproject.org
IPIECA-IOGP (2015e). Volunteer management. Report of the IOGP Global Industry Response Group
(GIRG) response to the Macondo incident in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010. IOGP-IPIECA Oil Spill
Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). http://oilspillresponseproject.org
IPIECA-IOGP (2015f). Aerial observation of oil spills at sea. IPIECA-IOPG Good Practice Guide Series, Oil
IPIECA-IOGP (2016). Incident management system for the oil and gas industry. IPIECA-IOPG Good
Practice Guide Series, Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP Report 517.
IPIECA/IMO/IOGP (2012). Sensitivity mapping for oil spill response. IPIECA-IOPG Good Practice Guide Series,
Oil Spill Response Joint Industry Project (OSR-JIP). IOGP Report 477. http://oilspillresponseproject.org
50
ITOPF (2011a). Contingency Planning for Marine Oil Spills. ITOPF Technical Information Paper (TIP) 16.
ITOPF (2011b). Fate of Marine Oil Spills. ITOPF Technical Information Paper (TIP) 2.
ITOPF (2011c). Disposal of Oil and Debris. ITOPF Technical Information Paper (TIP) 9.
ITOPF (2012a). Sampling and Monitoring of Marine Oil Spills. ITOPF Technical Information Paper (TIP) 14.
ITOPF (2012b). Preparation and Submission of Claims from Oil Pollution. ITOPF Technical Information
Paper (TIP) 15.
ITOPF (2012c). Leadership, Command & Management of Marine Oil Spills. ITOPF Technical Information
Paper (TIP) 10.
ITOPF (2014). Introduction to oil spills. (Film)

www.itopf.com/knowledge-resources/library/video-library/video/1-introduction-to-oil-spills
Owens, E. H. and Taylor, E. (2007). Guidelines to Evaluate Oil Spill Contingency Plan Adequacy,
Response Competency, and Sustained Readiness. Proceedings Asia Pacific Health, Safety, Security and
Environment Conference and Exhibition, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richardson, TX, 6 pp.
Parker, H.A., Knutson, S.R., Nicoll, A. and Wadsworth, T. (2014). International Offers of Assistance
Guidelines – Developing an IMO Tool to “Internationalize” Oil Spill Readiness and Response.
Proceedings of the International Oil Spill Conference: May 2014, Vol. 2014, No. 1, pp. 328–339.
Taylor, E., Steen, A., Meza, M., Couzigou, B., Hodges, M., Miranda, D., Ramos, J. and Moyano, M. (2008).
Assessment of Oil Spill Response Capabilities: A Proposed International Guide for Oil Spill Response
Planning and Readiness Assessments. Technical Report IOSC-009.
http://edocs.dlis.state.fl.us/fldocs/oilspill/federal/2008IOSC.pdf.
White, D. and Benns, G. (2011). The Oil Spill Contingency Planning Process; A Process Commonly
Misunderstood. IOSC 2011. Proceedings of the International Oil Spill Conference: March 2011, Vol. 2011,
No. 1, pp. abs126.
For information on source control see the following websites:
Oil Spill Response Limited, Subsea Well Intervention Service

www.oilspillresponse.com/services-landing/subsea-well-intervention-service
Oil and Gas UK, Oil Spill Prevention and Response Advisory Group (OSPRAG)
www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/knowledgecentre/OSPRAG.cfm
Marine Well Containment Company www.marinewellcontainment.com
Subsea Well Response Project http://subseawellresponse.com
51
IPIECA • IOGP
Annex 1: Preparing a contingency plan

The format of a contingency plan should be in compliance with existing:
l local legislation and regulations;
l company policy and standards; and the
l national contingency plan.
In the absence of prescriptive content defined by government regulations or company standards,

the format presented in this Annex may be used as a guideline. The content of an OSCP is
intended to provide instructional actions specific to initiating and conducting a response. If a large
volume of material creates difficulties in navigating the core procedures and information in the
main body of the plan, it may be better to include some material as appendices or as separate plans
(supporting documents). Examples of such material include sensitivity maps, tactical plans,
directories and supporting elements. Material requiring frequent updates and redistribution (e.g.
contact and resource directories, operational sensitivity maps, site-specific tactical plans) may benefit
from separate document control and tracking. In some locations this may not be an issue; however
in developing regions, contact information, local supply services and logistics details will often need
regular updating. Background information and capability justification, which has been compiled over
the course of the planning effort, should be included as appendices or separate supporting documents.
There is no standard format for a contingency plan that meets the needs of all organizations; the
format will vary depending on the scope of the plan and should be scaled accordingly, i.e. sections
may be added or removed based on the level of risk and the need for the listed contingency plan
components. Planners should arrange the format in the most effective manner for the particular
operation, and in accordance with the local and national regulatory framework.
Simple techniques, such as the use of tabs, arranging pages into sections, and creation of a well-
organized table of contents will help users to navigate to key information in the contingency plan,
and will also simplify the plan update process. Tables, flow charts and decision trees should be
used as much as possible to simplify the presentation of material and facilitate the most efficient
use of the contingency plan in an emergency situation.
A suggested format for a contingency plan is summarized below.
Introduction
l Overall response priorities and objectives
l Plan scope (including a summary description of operations and risks)
l Geographical area of coverage
l Integration with other plans
l Document control (plan custodian, distribution, review and update records)
Initial actions
l Initial actions and strategy decision guide
l Initial site safety and spill assessment
l Initial response priorities and objectives
l Initial action checklists for key personnel
l Immediate notifications and reporting
l Activation of response management team
52
l Identification of environmental and socio-economic sensitivities

l Immediately available Tier 1 resources and contacts
l Activation and deployment of Tier 1 resources
l Response escalation procedures
l Key facility information
Notifications and reporting

l Internal requirements and procedures
l External requirements and procedures
l Supplemental notifications, if any
l Contact details and forms (included either within the main body of the plan or as a separate
directory for ease of frequent updating)
Assessments
l Site health, safety and security assessments
l Spill surveillance techniques (aerial surveillance, tracking buoys, etc.)
l Spill observation and assessment guidance
l Meteorological and hydrodynamic forecasting
l Spill trajectory and modelling
l Tier level assessment and escalation potential
Response resources
l Resource inventories and services list including required logistics support, contact information
and mobilization times (included either within the main body of the contingency plan, or as a
separate directory if lists are extensive and/or frequent updates are anticipated)
l Resourcing procedures
l Vessels of opportunity (required vessel specifications, lists of locally available vessels, etc.)
l Local labour sources and volunteers
l Subject matter experts or speciality expertise
Response management
l Response organization
l Roles and responsibilities
l Management processes and procedures
l Response management facility activation and location
Sensitive areas
l Identification of sensitivities
l Protection priorities
l Sensitivity maps (include either a full set of maps within the main body of the contingency plan,
or a reference list of maps that are supplied in a separate document or GIS; the best
arrangement will depend on the volume, size and type of maps)
l Operational sensitivity maps/site-specific tactical plans/geographical response plans (include a full
set within the main body of the contingency plan, or a reference list of maps/plans that are supplied
in a separate document; the best arrangement will depend on the volume and size of the material)
53
IPIECA • IOGP
Response strategy
l Strategy decision guidance (flow charts, scenario matrix, NEBA decision guidance, etc.)
l Scenario-specific response strategy summaries
l Offshore, near-shore, shoreline and inland waterway response capabilities, as applicable
l Regulatory pre-approvals and/or approval application procedures
l General tactical plans, if any (included either within the main body of plan or as separate
documents) see Annex 2 for detail
Waste management
l Regulatory requirements
l Procedures (including segregation, minimization, site removal, etc.)
l Guidance for developing spill-specific waste management plan
l Pre-designated temporary storage sites
l Treatment and final disposal arrangements or options
Decontamination
l Health and safety guidance
l Procedures and approved cleaning agents
l Pre-designated decontamination sites
l Guidance for developing a spill-specific decontamination plan
Demobilization
l Procedures (final equipment and vessel inspections, personnel checkout, resupply of
consumables, claims for repairs, return of hired gear, etc.)
l Guidance for developing a spill-specific demobilization plan
Termination of response
l Guidance on establishing treatment end points and response termination criteria
l Designation of the roles with authority to sign off on completed areas and approve termination
of the response
Response debrief
l Responsibilities and guidelines for conducting a post-spill analysis
54
Potential appendices or supporting documentation
General response information

l Health and safety guidelines
l In-field communications
l Documentation requirements and forms
Frequently updated information or large volumes of material

l Resource and contact directories
l Site-specific plans
l Sensitivity maps and general tactical plans
Background information
l Description of the facility and/or operations (including facility information, oil types and
volumes handled, oil properties and weathering data, etc.)

l Baseline environmental and socio-economic information
l Meteorological and hydrodynamic information (including both prevailing and limiting/extreme
conditions)
l Risk assessment
Specialized subject-specific plans

l Shoreline assessment
l Claims and compensation
l Sampling and monitoring
l Crisis (external) communications—public information, media, stakeholder engagement
l Wildlife protection and response
l Waste management
Finance and administration

l Human resources procedures (hiring, managing and compensating local labour)
l Financial responsibility and sources of funding
l Contractual agreements
Plan justification and other preparedness material

l Risk assessment and scenario planning
l Spill prevention and detection
l Training and exercise programme
l Plan and equipment review and audit schedule
55
IPIECA • IOGP
Annex 2: Tactical response plan/handbook topics

Tactical plans or handbooks to support the provision and implementation of a specific capability
are helpful tools for responders and management. This level of detail is not always required, but
can provide an efficient means of compiling the multiple features involved in successfully
delivering response techniques at planned tiers from start to finish.
Response capability overview (e.g. at-sea containment and recovery, controlled in-situ burning, etc.)
Safety and security protocols
Regulatory requirements
l Parameters of existing pre-approval, or procedure for applying for approval
l Reporting requirements
l Relevant government agencies
Inventory and mobilization of resources at each tier

l Resource inventory (type, use, equipment capacity or recovery rates, personnel/shift)
l Specialist resources
l Non-specialist resources
l Logistics support
l Service providers
l Subject matter expertise
l Relevant mutual aid agreements or industry cooperative support
l Mobilization of resources
l Location of resources
l Procedures for activation and mobilization
l Cross-border movement requirements (visas, import papers)
l Delivery and deployment times
l Appropriate staging areas and launch points
l Supply chain for consumables
Deployment and operations

l Deployment methods and schematics
l Constraints and limitations of use
l Environmental considerations
l Waste management support
l Monitoring for effectiveness
l Transport requirements (vessels, aircraft, specialized ground transport, etc.)
Personnel requirements
l Management team roles and responsibilities
l Field supervisors
l Labourers
Communications
Decontamination and demobilization
56
Acknowledgements
The text for this guide was prepared by Lauren Glushik of Trellis Environmental, LLC. The author
would like to thank the following colleagues for contributing their valuable expertise and advice in
developing the content of this document: David White, Marty Cramer, Dave Rouse, Rachele Sheard,
Vince Mitchell, Elliott Taylor, Robert Castle, John Wardrop, Marcus Russell and Chris Hall.
A note of appreciation also to Amy Anderson, Deborah McKendrick, Merlo Gauvreau, Chris
Galagan, Paul Hopgood, Andrew Milanes and Ragnhild Lundmark Daae for their assistance
compiling the figures and photographs. And a special thank you to Jo Wilkin for her support.
57
IPIECA is the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and IOGP represents the upstream oil and gas industry before
social issues. It develops, shares and promotes good practices and international organizations including the International Maritime
knowledge to help the industry improve its environmental and social Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
performance; and is the industry’s principal channel of communication Regional Seas Conventions and other groups under the UN umbrella.
with the United Nations. Through its member led working groups and At the regional level, OGP is the industry representative to the
executive leadership, IPIECA brings together the collective expertise of oil European Commission and Parliament and the OSPAR Commission for
and gas companies and associations. Its unique position within the the North East Atlantic. Equally important is OGP’s role in
industry enables its members to respond effectively to key environmental promulgating best practices, particularly in the areas of health, safety,
and social issues. the environment and social responsibility.
www.ipieca.org www.iogp.org
© IPIECA-IOGP 2015 All rights reserved.

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Contingency planning

for oil spills on water

International Association of Oil & Gas Producers

IOGP Report 519

Note on good practice

The guide consists of nine main sections:

l The contingency planning process provides an overview and starting point.

The contingency planning process

Select oil spill planning scenarios

affected by the oil spill risk and a potential spill’s

l Tactical planning and resource identification

documentation; and Obtain company and regulatory approval

preparedness. Contingency plan written and approved

Organizations are then responsible for regularly Implementation

contingency planning process and maintaining an Verify capability and plans

Review and update

Tiered preparedness and response

Box 1 Tiered preparedness and response: a three-tiered system

may potentially escalate beyond the scope of

suited to a range of strategic response options.

The regulatory framework

International conventions and agreements

Noxious Substances, 2000 (OPRC-HNS Protocol); and the

l Fund Convention (1992 Fund);

l Supplementary Fund Protocol (2003);

l Bunkers Convention (2008); and

l HNS (Hazardous and Noxious Substances) Convention (2010).

Regional and binational agreements

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional

as to international good practice. Efforts should be made to achieve a common understanding of

Environmental and cultural conventions and agreements

Box 2 Environmental and cultural conventions and agreements

Near right: Ha Long

Trellis Environmental, LLC

Nature) Red List

Box 3 Potential stakeholders

Trellis Environmental, LLC

l Caspian Sea, Black Sea and Central

Oil spill planning scenario development

Scenario information to be determined Analysis

l identify hazardous events that could result in spills;

l analyse the characteristics and likelihood of the hazardous

events; Identify oil spill scenarios for

suitable for consequence analysis;

scenario if they were to occur; and Consequence analysis

Hazardous event identification and characterization

to facilitate hazard identification. A l Loss of well control leading to a blowout

Data from Anderson et al., 2012

probability, high-consequence releases associated with

Release volume and discharge rate

Oil type and the behaviour of spilled oil

l can be used to predict persistence in the environment and toxicity;

Event location and prevailing conditions

An oil slick moves at

same speed as the

surface current and at A 100% of current speed

‘Prevailing conditions’ refers to the typical weather Unique planning

Relevant data for use in oil spill scenario definition

Alaska Clean Seas