BVI Strengthens Oil Spill Response Capabilities with Training Exercise

A marine pollution training and tabletop exercise recently brought together twenty-two public officers and partners in a concerted effort to fortify the British Virgin Islands Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

Led by Director of Disaster Management, Mr. Jasen Penn, the exercise aimed to evaluate and bolster the Territory’s readiness in mitigating marine pollution incidents.

Emphasising the importance of collaborative preparedness, Mr. Penn underscored the significance of the exercise in fostering effective coordination among Virgin Islands responders. “This training exercise provided an invaluable opportunity for our officers and partners to collectively assess our national oil spill plan, pinpointing areas for improvement,” remarked Mr. Penn.

The training regimen delved into international best practices, equipping participants with insights into diverse pollutant risks and management strategies. A pivotal aspect of the exercise was the tabletop simulation, which challenged responders to navigate a multifaceted at-sea incident entailing search and rescue operations, diverse pollutant scenarios, and the mobilization of external resources.

Facilitated by experts from the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency, including Head of Counter Pollution and Salvage, Stan Woznicki, and Environmental Science Lead, Neil Chapman, the training was seamlessly integrated into the Department of Disaster Management’s annual calendar of activities.

Representatives from various governmental bodies and agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, BVI Airports Authority, and Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, actively participated in the exercise. External stakeholders such as Delta Petroleum and SOL also contributed their expertise to the collaborative endeavor.

Regular testing and refinement of the Virgin Islands Oil Spill Contingency Plan are essential not only for compliance with international standards but also for ensuring the Territory’s preparedness in safeguarding its marine environment.