Hopscotch around the Highlands

We have undertaken a series of nine training courses for Caledonian MacBrayne, Hebridean & Clyde Ferries at various locations along the West Coast of Scotland. CalMac Ferries Ltd’s fleet of 29 vessels provide passenger, vehicle and shipping services on 26 routes to the islands off the West Coast. The ferry services are the lifeline for the island communities with more than 5 million passengers and 1 million vehicles being carried in 2006. It was therefore imperative that CalMac remains compliant with OPRC legislation.

The courses were tailored to CalMac’s risks, revolving primarily around small day to day operational oil spill events associated with managing port and ferry services, loading and unloading cars and commercial vehicles.

The majority of the courses were aimed at Port Assistance and Pier Workers who would become First Responders in the unlikely event of an oil spill. The other courses were aimed at Port Managers and Port Supervisors, who have responsibilities for activating the Oil Spill Contingency Plan and to act as On-Scene Commanders for Tier 1 events.“ More than 35 people received the training, emphasising the importance that CalMac place on oil spill preparedness.