 The creation of the Oil Spill Service Centre (OSSC) by BP in Southampton in 1981 saw the emergence of the first dedicated team of Oil Spill Operators to combat the threat of oil spills. Borne out of a series of notable spill incidents and drawn from a predominately maritime background, they paved the way for an evolution that has so far spanned almost three decades. As knowledge and competence grew, the term ‘Operator’ was gradually replaced by the more fitting title of ‘Oil Spill Technician’. In addition to marine skills, the profession also started to benefit from the contributions of academics, environmental professionals and ex-military servicemen. In growing the remit of their responsibility and skill toward a more supervisory and consultative basis, these multiskilled individuals continue to drive the evolution to create the Spill Response Specialist we see today.
TAN SWEE HUANG
Oil Spill Response Spill Response Specialist
"Today’s spill response specialist hails from a variety of backgrounds, and the challenge is how to use these diverse skills to enhance work performance and deliver quality service. Being trained in environmental technology and having a chemistry background, I was able to work with a group of scientists to conduct dispersant effectiveness monitoring using fluorometry techniques during a recent spill incident.” |
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BERNIE BERNETT
Former North Sea Crisis Manager for BP
“Today’s spill response specialist must be a proactive member of any response team. They must gain the trust and respect of their client through displaying confidence, diplomacy, authority and team working skills in addition to a deep technical knowledge. No one can be a master of all oil spill response skills so they must use their personal networks to deliver quality solutions. Such a person would be invaluable to a response team.” |
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RICHARD SIMS
Oil Spill Response Operations Manager
“Other than equipment deployment, there are wider issues that have implications on what a spill response specialist is trying to achieve. The Erika incident in France showed me that many different ‘hats’ were needed to oversee the different activities undertaken daily, including site assessments, supervising 250 local labourers and maintaining dialogue with the local provincial mayor on the progress of the response.” |
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