National Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NOHSCP): Safeguarding Sri Lankan Waters
Sri Lanka’s strategic location along the busy East-West maritime route sees over 400 vessels passing daily and more than 5,000 annual port calls. With expanding port activities and increased oil-related operations, the risk of oil and hazardous and noxious substance (HNS) spills is significant, posing serious threats to marine ecosystems and economic stability.
To address these risks, the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, first introduced in 2000, has been updated and refined over the years (2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016) into the National Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NOHSCP). Prompted by recent maritime incidents, this updated plan incorporates advanced measures to effectively manage both oil and chemical spills.
Developed under the Marine Pollution Prevention Act No. 35 of 2008, NOHSCP ensures Sri Lanka is equipped to handle spill risks efficiently.
Preparedness
- Conducts risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
- Ensures readiness with advanced equipment and trained personnel.
- Establishes inter-agency coordination for effective response.
Response
- Swiftly deploys resources to contain and clean spills.
- Utilizes spill modeling to predict and mitigate impacts.
- Protects sensitive ecosystems through collaborative efforts with relevant agencies.
Post-Spill Recovery
- Restores affected marine and coastal areas.
- Manages waste generated from clean-up operations.
- Monitors environmental impacts to mitigate long-term effects.
National Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NOHSCP) - Digital Dashboard
The National Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan is a comprehensive document providing detailed guidance for managing oil and HNS spills. However, its length and complexity can make it challenging to refer to during emergencies.
To address this, a digital dashboard has been developed, enabling users to access critical information quickly and efficiently. This dashboard facilitates better coordination and collaboration among stakeholders during emergencies by streamlining response efforts. Relevant data and protocols are readily available, ensuring a swift and organized response when every second counts.