BOEMRE Oil Spill Program -- Preparedness

Oil spill response without a clear understanding of even the most detailed of plans will always result in a less than optimal outcome. So too, expensive response equipment will not operate at maximum efficiency without the benefit of trained operators. The best way to become proficient in the understanding and use of both response plans and equipment is through classroom and hands-on training, and exercises. Regulations of the BOEMRE (30 CFR Part 254 – Oil Spill Response Requirements for Facilities Located Seaward of the Coastline) focus on these key components, requiring equipment training for oil spill removal organizations, regular table top exercises using BOEMRE-approved oil spill response plans (OSRPs), and annual classroom training of those expected to play any role during an oil spill response.

The BOEMRE subjects owners or operators that have approved OSRPs to unannounced drills to test how well they can react to a simulated spill from one of their facilities. Evaluation of the drill uses 15 key criteria from the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) (531 KB PDF file) a program that forms the basis for all exercises conducted or required by the BOEMRE, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Transportation–Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and U. S. Coast Guard. Through this nationally coordinated program, plan holders complying with PREP guidance concurrently comply with individual agency requirements as well.

The tragedies of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in 2001, and the widespread destruction from hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 highlighted the critical nature of coordination between federal, state, and local governments, private responders, volunteers, and others during large-scale emergencies. Processes documenting this coordination during emergencies are found in the National Response Framework (NRF), guidance based upon the National Incident Management System (NIMS), of which the Incident Command System (ICS) is a major component. BOEMRE requires that all members of spill management teams are trained in and operate consistent with NIMS and ICS principles and practices.