Presentation
Back to Basics: Revisiting the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC 90)
DescriptionNot long after the US passed the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC Convention or OPRC 90). OPRC 90 entered into force in 1995 after 15 countries ratified it. A protocol to OPRC 90 relating to hazardous and noxious substances (the OPRC-HNS Protocol) was adopted in 2000. There are 112 states that are parties to the convention.
To this day OPRC 90 still “provides a global framework for national, regional, and international co-operation and mutual assistance in preparing for and combating major incidents or threats of marine pollution.” It recognizes that “prompt and effective action is essential to minimize the damage from oil spills … and the need to promote international co-operation to enhance existing national, regional, and global capabilities. It also considers the special needs of the developing countries and small island States. Moreover, it states that there is an important role of the oil and shipping industries in building preparedness and response capacity. Historically, the oil industry has contributed to these goals through the joint efforts of Ipieca and other industry trade associations and institutes, and international OSROs, in collaboration with IMO.
This paper highlights some of industry’s initiatives with IMO in the Wider Caribbean Region, with particular focus on the challenges to enhance and sustain preparedness and response progress in a region of significant exploration, production, shipping, and terminal activity.
To this day OPRC 90 still “provides a global framework for national, regional, and international co-operation and mutual assistance in preparing for and combating major incidents or threats of marine pollution.” It recognizes that “prompt and effective action is essential to minimize the damage from oil spills … and the need to promote international co-operation to enhance existing national, regional, and global capabilities. It also considers the special needs of the developing countries and small island States. Moreover, it states that there is an important role of the oil and shipping industries in building preparedness and response capacity. Historically, the oil industry has contributed to these goals through the joint efforts of Ipieca and other industry trade associations and institutes, and international OSROs, in collaboration with IMO.
This paper highlights some of industry’s initiatives with IMO in the Wider Caribbean Region, with particular focus on the challenges to enhance and sustain preparedness and response progress in a region of significant exploration, production, shipping, and terminal activity.
Lead Presenter/Session Organizer
Director, Regional External Affairs
Moderator
Presenter/Panelists
Director, Regional External Affairs
Senior Response Specialist
Event Type
Special Session
TimeWednesday, May 15th1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Location286-287