Muscat: The events of the national oil pollution control exercise (Al Nawras 2023) in Sohar concluded last Monday. The primary goal of the exercise was to activate the national plan for addressing oil spills in Oman and the corresponding regional emergency plan.
These plans were developed based on the 'Protocol on Regional Cooperation in Combating Oil Pollution and Other Harmful Substances in Emergency Situations'. The exercise, conducted by the Environmental Authority, was crucial for coordination between the Environmental Authority and various regional organisations involved in preparedness and response to oil pollution. It aimed to provide technical, scientific, and operational support in accordance with signed protocols and agreements.
The simulated scenario began at 8:10 am on Monday near the Port of Sohar. It depicted a collision between the oil tanker "MT Everton" and the departing tug "Pearl," resulting in an oil spill. The collision led to a breach in the cargo tank, causing a gradual leakage of 2,100 cubic metres of crude oil intended for export to Kuwait. Additionally, a crew member of the tug was 'injured' and required medical assistance.
The emergency plan for the Port of Sohar was activated, and initial response measures were initiated. The Environmental Authority notified all national entities involved in the plan, and the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC) was activated to support the port in response operations and pollution control.
Considering the incident's developments and the environmental and economic sensitivity of the region, the National Oil Pollution Combat Plan in Oman was elevated to Level 2. The National Committee for Emergency Management was mobilised, and the main incident management committee and operations room were formed to monitor actions and support the port and established response teams in implementing the response plan. The exercise also tested the effectiveness of communications between the Environmental Authority and relevant regional organisations involved in oil pollution preparedness and response.
The Environmental Authority utilised equipment from the national stockpile, activated response equipment for actual oil spill levels 1 and 2, and mobilised all service providers. During the exercise scenario, the main incident management committee requested the National Emergency Management Committee to escalate the incident to Level 3. Assistance requests were made to neighbouring countries in accordance with regional emergency plan provisions, receiving approval for external support.
The exercise was a collaborative effort by the Environmental Authority, the Port of Sohar, and the Free Zone. Various government, military, and security entities, including the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, the Maritime Security Centre, the Royal Navy of Oman, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority, the Royal Oman Police (Operations, Coast Guard), the Public Authority for Public Services Regulation, and the Environment Society participated in accordance with the national plan to combat oil pollution.
All actions by the Environmental Authority, the port, and participating entities successfully responded to the simulated incident, demonstrating effective planning and decision-making in line with established regulations and procedures. The exercise highlighted the national workforce's adeptness in using modern equipment and technologies in response operations.
It's important to note that dealing with such incidents at the national level is coordinated through the National Emergency Committee in collaboration with the Environmental Authority's Environmental Emergency Centre. The centre coordinates with relevant entities for field response operations based on the committee's decisions. After implementing the response plan under the national plan and a unified scientific strategy, all involved entities can control the incident through various pollution control measures, actions, and necessary precautions.
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