Spill Prevention and Response Protocols Formalized

The Thirteenth U.S. Coast Guard District and Washington state (Ecology) have formalized protocols for improved coordination of their oil pollution prevention and response efforts in Washington state waters. Capt. Myles Boothe, Chief, 13th Coast Guard District Marine Safety Division; and Dale Jensen, Ecology’s spills program manager, signed the protocols last Friday at the 13th Coast Guard District office. In May 2001, Governor Gary Locke and USCG Rear Adm. Erroll M. Brown signed a Memorandum of Agreement to work together to achieve a coordinated and efficient working relationship. The new protocols for Washington waters apply to all oil spill incidents and include information sharing, vessel and oil facility inspections, oil transferring, investigations and coordinated spill response efforts. The purpose of the protocols is to maximize the oil spill prevention, preparedness, and response efforts of the Coast Guard and Ecology by reducing duplication of efforts, using resources more effectively and improving communications. “The protocols reinforce the commitment of the Coast Guard and the Washington Dept. of Ecology to cooperate fully and coordinate our efforts to protect and maintain the pristine waters of the Pacific Northwest,” said Capt. Boothe. “This is a very positive step forward,” said Jensen. “We are working together to build a strong partnership between the Coast Guard and the State of Washington.”