The OPRC and OPRC-HNS Model Training Courses have been developed in line with the guidance issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The courses are geared towards the local context, and tailored to meet the needs of stakeholders of Singapore’s maritime, oil and petrochemical industry.
Our instructors take into consideration the local response limitations, and the types of resources and supports available to respond to an oil spill effectively. This includes knowledge of the local area’s environmental and economic sensitivities and the appropriate response strategies for them.
The International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC 1990) and (OPRC-HNS Protocol 2000) set the international framework for oil and HNS-related spill preparedness and response standards. They are implemented in member states by national legislations, enforcing the requirements of the Convention and its Protocol. The requirements include provisions for oil spill and HNS-related response training.
In Singapore, the Convention and its Protocol are implemented through two sets of local regulations enforced by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) – the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation) Regulations, 1999, and Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Hazardous and Noxious Substances Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation) Regulations, 2004.
These MPA regulations require the operator or owner of an oil/HNS handling facility in the port to render such assistance and services as required by the MPA for eliminating or reducing the oil/HNS pollution.