National IMO Training Course in Azerbaijan

The further development and implementation of the national oil spill contingency plan for Azerbaijan has been on the national agenda for several years, but due to different national circumstances it has progress less quickly than many have desired.

With assistance from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and supported by the oil industry in Azerbaijan, the State Maritime Administration in co-operation with a number of national key-players has now taken the initiative to re-vitalize the National Planning Process.

The first step on the road towards an official adopted and implemented National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan for Azerbaijan was taken when Kevin O’Connell and John Østergaard, were contracted by IMO to lead a national OPRC Level 2 training course for Supervisors and On-Scene Commanders. The Training Course was attended by more than 30 nationals and guests from Kazakhstan, representing key Governmental agencies, the National Academia and the oil and shipping industry.

During a technical excursion the participants familiarized themselves with the oil spill response equipment at both the BP’s oil spill contractor’s and the Ministry of Emergency Situation’s oil spill response bases.