Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the incident management industry has revolutionized the way we practice and respond to incidents. Once performed in large Incident Command Posts (ICPs), the pandemic has now prevented face-to-face gatherings of Incident Management Teams (IMTs). As an industry, we’ve had to rethink the approach without reducing the effectiveness of [...]
To restore and facilitate area contingency planning and management activities at the local COTP/FOSC level (as discussed above and so directed by the NCP) and to align with the rest of the service, distinct coastal zone ACPs and associated area committees will now be maintained/managed by the pre-designated FOSCs at both Sector Columbia River and [...]
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a message announcing promulgation of an updated Emergency Management Manual Vol. IV: Incident Management and Crisis Response. Visit this link to read the bulletin.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Governor has issued safety and statewide guidance. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSRO) Drills & Exercises Unit has developed guidance to be implemented at any in-person drills and exercises being held to comply with OSPR requirements where credit will be [...]
The U. S. Coast Guard issued a message directing the modernization of the USCG oil spill response program. Among other things, it provides for the removal of all Spilled Oil Recovery Systems from seagoing buoy tenders and the retention of Vessel of Opportunity Skimming Systems (VOSS) at National Strike Force (NSF) units. Link: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/bulletins/296de02
The U. S. Coast Guard issued a notice to all holders of USCG-approved vessel response plans (VRPs) that incorporate salvage and marine firefighting (SMFF) core geographic specific appendices (GSAs) by reference. SMFF core GSAs have recently been submitted to and reviewed by the Coast Guard. VRPs incorporating such core GSAs must be revised to reflect [...]
In preparing for the 2020 hurricane season, FEMA has developed a document that provides actionable guidance to State, Local, Tribal & Territorial officials to prepare for response and recovery operations and encourages personal preparedness measures amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While this document focuses on hurricane season preparedness, most planning considerations can also be applied [...]
Please see USCG Memo on Area Contingency Planning and Drills The USCG has relaxed its normal timelines/deadlines for conducting various response planning drills due to the COVID situation. In particular, all CG Preparedness for Response Exercise Programs (PREP) associated with the area contingency plans are currently suspended and will be rescheduled. The USCG anticipates PREPs [...]
Contingency Plan - Drills and Exercise deadline for 2020 exercises extended 90 Days - Local restrictions on gatherings are also resulting in delays to the Spill Management Team regulations currently under development. Additional California COVID-19 Updates
These were pictures taken by the Texas General Land Office – Oil Spill Division (TGLO) during the Hazards and Risk Assessment training that was provided to their First Responders. The TGLO is a state agency that responds to coastal oil spills in Texas. Being a former with the TGLO, I was able to provide [...]