OPRC IMO Level 1 training for Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. in the Philippines

The International Convention for Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response, and Co-operation (OPRC), is a framework agreement developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to help nations and organizations to prepare for and effectively respond to oil spill incidents.

The OPRC IMO Level 1 training course focuses on oil spill response for the first responders. It typically last 4 days and combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. Key topics include the behavior of oil spills, incident management, safety protocols and response strategies. This course is essential for operational staff involved in initial spill assessments and clean-up operations.

Accreditation is often provided by organizations like Nautical Institute, ensuring compliance with international standards in oil pollution preparedness and response.

Highlights of the training days 

The comprehensive training days for Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. were designed to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge essential for effective oil spill response. The days included a safety briefing to ensure all participants were prepared for offshore operations. This was followed by the offshore boom deployment exercise, a key component of the OPRC IMO Level 1 training, which gave participants hands-on experience in deploying response equipment in a marine environment.

Participants engaged in group discussions during theoretical lessons, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding of response strategies. The training also included a session on the Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT), equipping attendees with skills to evaluate and address oil contamination on shorelines effectively.

Additionally, a maintenance training session was held at the Harbor Star warehouse, emphasizing the importance of properly maintaining response equipment to ensure readiness.

The days concluded with a graduation ceremony, celebrating the participants' dedication and marking the successful completion of the training program. With this achievement, Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc is now officially certified as an oil spill response organization.