Prevention of Marine Pollution Through Understanding

Abstract

In order to place new emphasis on marine pollution prevention in the complex field of tanker operations, the author developed, and is currently conducting, a Shipboard Pollution Control Indoctrination and Training Program. This program, presented on-board during passage, covers all aspects of ship operations at sea and in port which have pollution potential. Through the use of movies, slides, formal and informal discussion sessions the officers and crew are given a better understanding of the economic, legal and technical factors of marine pollution; good operating practices are reviewed; the ship/terminal relationship is explored; the policies and programs of management are emphasized; personnel are prepared for more effective action should an incident occur; and the overall pollution control posture of the vessel and terminals is evaluated. Meetings with management are held before and after the shipboard session as a result of which comprehensive pollution control programs are instituted or updated based to a great extent upon the feedback from the ships and recommendations of the author. Based upon experiences with independent, oil company and government contract tanker operators, and government agencies functioning in the field, 1) details of the program and its reception are reviewed, 2) observations are presented relative to conditions and particular problem areas encountered, 3) suggestions for further concerted efforts in the direction of pollution prevention are set forth and, 4) further desirable actions in the direction of education and training are outlined.