Contingency Planning in Chile

Abstract

While Chile had experienced various major oil spills (including the 1974 Metula spill of 52,500 tons, the 1978 Cabo Tamar spill of 12,500 tons, and the 1987 Cabo Pilar spill of 7,500 tons), contingency planning for oil spills had been carried out on a voluntary basis. The Chilean maritime authority had assumed the responsibility for oil spill control in terms of equipment and trained personnel. Since November 1992, a new regulation is in force. Responsibility for oil and chemical spills control is assumed by the industry. According to the new regulations, every oil and chemical terminal must have contingency plans to deal with spills, proper equipment, and trained personnel. Vessels, Chilean or foreign flag, must have approved contingency plans in line with Regulation 26 of Annex I of the International Convention on Prevention of Pollution from Ships, MARPOL 73/78. Even though Chile is not party to MARPOL 73/78, Annexes I, IV, and V of the convention were incorporated as national regulations by Decree No. 1, 1992. Maritime authorities will continue to have their own equipment and will act only if needed. Almost all oil terminals and refineries have implemented their contingency plans and are in the process of purchasing equipment and training personnel.