This edition of Section IV draws on the experience and lessons learned by Governments and industry in responding to marine oil pollution world-wide during the last thirty years. It builds on earlier editions, first published in 1972 and revised in 1980 and 1988, and provides a clear and concise overview of the present level of knowledge, expertise and understanding in the field of oil spill response.
It covers the behaviour and fate of different types of oil when spilled and the effects on marine and coastal resources and includes new chapters on in situ burning and bioremediation measures. Guidance is provided on training, exercises and equipment maintenance and storage - information is also given on liability, compensation and cost accounting.
The revision of this section of the Manual on Oil Pollution was undertaken by the Oil Pollution, Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) Working Group and approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of IMO
