Lebanon’s capacity to respond to oil spills received a significant enhancement last week through a virtual training event organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
From 13 to 15 August, 21 senior managers and administrators, pivotal to Lebanon’s oil spill response operations, participated in the OPRC Level 3 course.
This interactive online training, which included lectures, exercises, and discussions, aimed to refine participants’ decision-making abilities, underscoring the critical need for swift action to mitigate the effects of potential oil spills. The sessions stressed the importance of strong collaboration—not just within Lebanon, but also with neighbouring countries and the broader international community.
Participants delved into key topics such as defining roles and responsibilities before and during an incident, understanding relevant regulations and conventions, and navigating issues related to liability and compensation.
The course also provided an opportunity to review and discuss improvements to Lebanon’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP), enhancing the nation’s preparedness for future incidents.
Beyond skill development, the event offered valuable networking opportunities, promoting a cooperative approach to oil spill readiness and response. The course was conducted by the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC) as part of IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP).
