Network of Stand-by Oil Spill Response Vessels: Drills and Exercises. Annual Report 2021

In order to provide additional support to the pollution response mechanisms of EU Member States in a cost efficient way, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) operates, in European waters, a range of oil pollution response services (PRS) consisting of a Network of stand-by oil spill response vessels, Equipment Assistance Service (EAS) arrangements, including specialised stand-alone equipment, and dispersant stockpiles as well as the MAR-ICE network of chemical experts. The PRS are available at the request of a coastal State, a Private Entity, and/or the European Commission for responding to oil and chemical spills at sea caused by ships as well as by oil and gas installations.

To achieve the level of performance for pollution response required by the Agency, the contracted response arrangements have to perform regular trainings, drills, Equipment Condition Tests (ECTs) and exercises.

The evaluation of the contractors’ performance during vessel drills, ECTs and exercises by the Agency’s staff in line with the “Guidelines on Conducting Drills / ECTs and Exercises for the EMSA Contracted Vessels / EAS arrangements” is an effective tool to ensure that the adequate level of preparedness of the pollution response services is constantly maintained.