Jordan Times
Friday, January 23, 2004
Jordan joins International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation
AMMAN (JT) Jordan has joined the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC), the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.According to International Maritime Organisations (IMO) website, the 14-year-old convention is designed to facilitate international co-operation and mutual assistance in preparing for and responding to a major oil pollution incident and to encourage states to develop and maintain an adequate capability to deal with oil pollution emergencies.
The international agreement stipulates that ships are required to carry a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan and to report incidents of pollution to coastal authorities. Moreover, operators of offshore units under the jurisdiction of parties are also required to have oil pollution emergency plans or similar arrangements which must be coordinated with national systems for responding promptly and effectively to oil pollution incidents.
The convention, furthermore, calls for the establishment of stockpiles of oil spill combating equipment, the holding of oil spill combating exercises and the development of detailed plans for dealing with pollution incidents. Parties to the convention are required to provide assistance to others in the event of pollution emergency.
In 2000, the IMO adopted the Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Cooperation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS Protocol) which follows the principles of the OPRC Convention.