PROJECT MARINER: ENHANCING HNS PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS VIA INNOVATIVE TRAINING TOOLS

ABSTRACT Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) are chemicals which, if introduced into the marine environment pose hazards to health, ecosystems and legitimate uses of the sea. Recent figures suggest approximately 2,000 HNS regularly transported by sea in excess of 200 Million tonnes annually. Data identify over 100 incidents reported globally between 1998 and 2013, with a cumulative volume released of 1,560,000 m3 (IMO, 2016). Large maritime incidents involving HNS, whilst rare, have the potential for major impact upon both the environment and human health e.g. MV Rena in 2011 (CEDRE, 2016a). Thus it is imperative to develop robust planning and response mechanisms which can be readily engaged should the worst happen. Much work has been undertaken in this field but outcomes are fragmented. In view of this, a 2 year project (“MARINER”) was initiated in 2016 aimed at collating global best practise into innovative tools for training and planning (MARINER, 2016). Framed in the European Atlantic Area and fund...