Activate Us

Our activation procedure including contact details and forms for activation, in addition to equipment stockpile and aviation status reports can be found here.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Please note that:

Response services are guaranteed ONLY for Members. Non-members are not guaranteed a response and will be required to sign a Non-member contract. Services and rates differ. Duty managers can be contacted for exercises.

Oil Spill Response Limited Oil Spill Response Limited

Welcome to OSRL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Click on the tabs and questions within each to find the answers. If your question is not listed, please Contact Us and we will help with your enquiry.

What is the difference between your distance learning and on-demand courses?

Our on-demand courses are done at your own time. Once your access password is issued for the course you have 3 months to complete the course.

Do I need any software to access your distance learning or on-demand courses?

We run our distance learning courses mainly using MS Teams or Zoom. If you cannot access these platforms then please contact us for options. For our on-demand courses, you will be given access to the OSRL learning management system to access the training.

Can I use my ipad or other tablet to access distance learning courses?

We use MS Teams and Zoom as our primary online platforms. They can be accessed by all types of devices such as laptops, tablets, and phones. We encourage you to use a laptop or desktop computer if possible so that you can view materials (such as pdf and word docs) used in group activities seamlessly, and have better ergonomic experience.

To achieve the full NI accreditation for your IMO 2 equivalent course, will you be scheduling dates for OSRL practical deployment exercises at a later date?

Yes. Please see the Remote On Scene Commander Level 2 – Practical Day information. If you do not see dates or locations that work for you then please contact us for more information. 

How strong an internet signal/download speed will I need to attend the distance learning training course without any issues?

The recommended bandwidth for video conferencing, which we use for our remote training, is 2.5 Mbps.

What are the benefits of face-to-face compared to distance learning courses to justify the higher course cost and travel costs - e.g. the oil spill response management course?

Travelling to an OSRL base for training gives the added value of visiting a Tier 3 response base, inspecting and deploying a variety of equipment, working alongside full time response specialists, interacting with other delegates from industry and having access to experts in all aspects of oil spill response.

What is the difference between an IMO course and an OPRC (IMO equivalent) course?

The OPRC (IMO equivalent) courses have been designed to be delivered remotely during Covid-19 travel restrictions. They contain the theory and table top exercises of the equivalent face to face courses. They cannot replicate the practical course element which is required for full IMO2 course accreditation. For this full accreditation you should add a practical day to the on-scene commander remote theory training. Please see the Remote On Scene Commander Level 2 – Practical Day information.

Is there any way to do the IMS 300 online as well as the 100 and 200?

The IMS300 is offered as a remote course - which means it is online through a scheduled video conferencing course where you can interact with trainers. It is not currently available as an independent learning online course.

What is the 'pre-learning' option on the Management Course?

The OPRC Oil Spill Management Course (IMO3 equivalent) requires 24 hours training. Up to 30% of this is pre-course study to reduce the time spent online remote training. Pre-learning in the form of self study, following an OSRL study guide, allows you to compile learning to the equivalent of 7 (face-to-face) course hours, reducing the length of online remote training. There is an assessment of knowledge on the pre-learning material to ensure completion.

What hotels can you recommend near to your training bases?

Near our Southampton base we can recommend the following hotels:

Jurys Inn Southampton, Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel, Premier Inn Southampton West Quay, Premier Inn Southampton City Centre, Novotel Southampton, IBIS Southampton, Grand Harbour Hotel. 

Near our Singapore based we can recommend the following hotels:

Village Hotel Changi, Capri by Fraser Changi City

 

Near our Fort Lauderdale base we can recommend the following hotels:

Hilton Garden Inn - Dania Beach, Hyatt House - Dania Beach, Residence Inn Marriott - Dania Beach.

 

Near our Aberdeen office we can recommend the following hotels: 

Premier Inn Aberdeen City Centre, Hotel Ibis Aberdeen Centre

I don’t see any dates on your course calendar that work for me but I need to train my personnel. What are my options?

We offer fully customised training services. By working closely with you, understanding your training requirements, and sharing our knowledge and experience, we can offer courses creating specifically for you at your desired location.

Can I make a course booking for more than one person at a time?

Yes. Once you’re logged into your MyOSRL account, you can navigate to the page of the course you wish to book and you will be given the option to book multiple delegates.

Do I need to complete IMO 1 to take IMO 2 or IMO 2 to move on the IMO 3?

The IMO courses are not hierarchical. The level numbers indicate the position or role of  the person taking the course and not the progression of the course.

Is there an OSRL course suitable for me?

When choosing your training, always opt for the course that’s most relevant to your role in your emergency response team. You should also consider the legislative requirements.  Please visit www.oilspillresponse.com/training/which-course-is-right-for-me to find out a list of courses most relevant to your role. If your role is not covered by our list, let us know or contact us for more advice.

 

What does it cost to attend a course and what does the course fee cover?

All course fees are quoted in the Training Course Directory and on the Company’s website. Prices are exclusive, unless otherwise stated, of any and all taxes and bank charges. Any unavoidable change in fees will be advised at the time of registration.

All fees, except for online courses, include tuition, lunch, refreshments and course materials. Some evening meals and entertainment are included in a selection of courses. Details are included in the joining instructions. Course fees do not include accommodation, living expenses and transport, other than transport for exercises applicable to the course.

In which countries do you conduct training courses?

Most courses are held in Southampton (UK), Singapore and Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA) as well as other locations within Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Americas. Please visit the Training section for specific locations.

You don't run courses in my country yet. What options are there for me?

You can either choose to attend one that is outside of your country or have us deliver a custom-built training course at your base. The latter is particularly convenient and cost-effective if you are planning to train a large number of delegates.

Training your team members at your own base helps build confidence as they learn how to effectively use local equipment and also understand their roles in the event of an incident, thereby mitigating the risks identified in your OSCP.

Are OSRL courses available as distance or online learning programmes?

OSRL has a ready selection of e-learning courses as follows:

  • BEIS Level 1
  • Oil Spill Awareness for Vessel Crews
  • IMS 100
  • IMS 200
  • SWIS Appreciation

 

A growing number of companies have been working with us to develop their own bespoke e-courses. We are always improving our course offerings and plan to develop more e-learning courses soon. If you would like us to customise any of our current e-learning courses or develop brand new ones to meet your learning needs, please contact us

 

Some courses that you deliver are not certified by MCA, BEIS or hold an equivalent IMO certification, are these courses worth taking?

Of course. Where applicable, OSRL courses carry the relevant level of certification. Where a course is awarded an OSRL Certificate of Completion, it is simply because oil spill response is such a wide subject that the awarding bodies do not currently recognise every aspect of spill response training covered by our courses. Read about our Training Standards for more information.

If I take a course in Singapore will it be the same as the one delivered in the UK?

The course will be the same unless otherwise stated. For example, the Oil Spill Management Workshop will have region-specific content which will be different in Asia and the UK. 

OSRL is presenting four different IMO Level 2 courses, which one is best for me?

Oil Spill Clearance is a general oil spill knowledge-building training course with a broad international focus. Available only through OSRL, this course provides an excellent level of oil spill response training for both inland and marine response and includes three hands-on practical exercises: inland, offshore and onshore.

 

UK Response and Control is a UK-specific oil spill knowledge-building training course. It is designed for On-Scene Commanders and Emergency Responders operating in the UK and includes UK-specific content and shoreline and offshore exercises.

 

IMO Model Training Level 2 is a marine-based training course. If you are looking for a purely marine-based Incident Command Level course, our IMO Model Training Level 2 is the right choice.

 

Oil Spill Preparedness and Response is the North American equivalent of OSRL’s Oil Spill Clearance course. This long-established course is relevant to personnel who may perform a functional role within the tactical response teams in any marine or inland response operation. This course provides initial Incident Commander Level and satisfies the annual refresher requirements of US OSHA HAZWOPER training (US 29 CFR 1910.120(q) (6)) and awards certification of ICS 100 Level training in accordance with the US National Incident Management System (NIMS).

When do I need to refresh my training certificate?

All courses are delivered to an internationally recognised training standard. IMO, MCA and BEIS must be refreshed every three years to retain certification. To retain your certificate, you will need to attend a one-day refresher course within 39 months of your last course. OSRL recommends that all training is refreshed every three years, regardless of the level of certification.

Do you issue letters of invitation (LOI’s) for visa application for people travelling to your UK, USA and Singapore bases?

Yes we organise LOI’s for delegates travelling from abroad to our UK, USA and Singapore courses. Please let us know if one is required when you place your order. We do not provide LOI’s for other internationally-held courses. We can provide LOI’s for our USA courses to OSRL Members and government officials when required for visa application. If you have any questions about LOI’s please contact us. http://www.oilspillresponse.com/contact-us/

How do I receive regular information about OSRL training and news?

You can sign up via the “News Updates” section located at the bottom of our home page www.oilspillresponse.com

How do I book my place on a course?

There are many ways to book your place on our Training Course. Registration may be made online or by emailing, faxing or posting a duly completed Registration Form to us. All bookings will be considered provisional until a duly completed registration form and course payment have been received.   

 

Booking online

Booking online via the Training section of our website is the most convenient way to secure your place on our training courses.

 

Email

Email your completed Registration Form to: bookings@oilspillresponse.com

 

Fax and post  

For course codes beginning with ‘U’

By fax: +44 (0)23 8033 1972

By mail: Oil Spill Response, Lower William Street, Southampton, SO14 5QE, United Kingdom

For enquiries, or to make provisional bookings please phone: +44 (0)23 8033 1551

 

For course codes beginning with ‘S’

By fax: +65 6266 2312

By mail: Loyang Offshore Supply Base, 25C Loyang Crescent, (Block 503 TOPS Avenue 3), Singapore 506818

For enquiries, or to make provisional bookings please phone: +65 6266 1566

What happens after my booking has been confirmed?

You will receive an email confirming your place on the course. If you pay online you will also receive payment transaction receipt from Worlpay, our online payment handler.

When is the last possible time I can book on a training course?

We encourage early bookings as there are 5% early-bird discounts on all our published courses.  The cut-off dates for discounts are indicated on the website.  The course will be closed when the number of maximum attendees is reached.  In general, as long as there are spaces available on a course, and we receive prompt payment, you can join a course up to three (3) working days before the start date/time. Acceptance of course participants registering less than three (3) working days before the start date/time will be on a case to case basis.

For online courses, you can book anytime, there is no closing date.

How do I pay for my training course?

There are various ways you can pay for your training course:

 

Online

Where online payment is available, credit or debit card payments can be made instantly via our website at the end of the booking process. Payment will be taken in the currency set out against each individual course on the website. We currently accept the following payment methods powered by WorldPay.  

Payment Method Logos_with AMEX.jpg

 

Bank Transfer

If you book your course online through the booking process, you can still select to pay at a later date by bank transfer. We will acknowledge your booking until payment has been made. We will produce an invoice based on the details given to us on your booking form and send it to you as soon as possible after you have made your booking. This invoice will include payment terms and instructions on how to pay. Your place on the course is not confirmed until we have received payment.

 

Telephone

You can make a card payment over the telephone. You must have booked your place online and selected “Bank Transfer” as your method of payment, or send us a Registration Form and you must have received an invoice from us prior to making payment over the telephone.

 

Additional Points

Invoices or online payment requests are calculated based on the information you provided in the Registration Form. If any of the information should prove to be inaccurate, we reserve the right to issue you an additional or amended invoice and claim any such additional sum payable.

 

All course fees quoted in the Training Course Directory and on the Company’s website are exclusive unless otherwise stated, of any and all taxes and bank charges. 

When I book onto a course when will payment be due?

In all cases, payment must be received before the course. For registrations made: 

  • More than 30 days before the course start date, payment must be received within 30 days of invoice issue date.
  • Less than 30 days before the course start date, payment must be received at least 5 working days prior to course start date.
  • Less than 5 days before the course start date, payment must be received immediately upon registration.
  • Online payment is taken instantly.
Is it more expensive to book online?

No, whether you contact us by email, telephone or book online the price is the same.

Why can’t I pay online?

We are unable to process online payment for the below scenarios:

  • For courses held in Ghana and/or Nigeria
  • Where invoices are to be sent to addresses in Ghana and/or Nigeria

 

In these circumstances, please complete your online booking and we will contact you to arrange payment by another method.

Why can’t I book online?

If for some reason you are having trouble using our online booking system, please contact us:

 

Email: bookings@oilspillresponse.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

I haven’t received a receipt for my online payment.

If for some reason you have not received this, please contact us.

 

Email: bookings@oilspillresponse.com, we’ll investigate and get back to you as soon as possible.

I haven’t received booking confirmation

If for some reason you have not received this, please contact us.

 

Email: bookings@oilspillresponse.com, we’ll investigate and get back to you as soon as possible.

When I book onto an e-learning course when will I be sent my password?

Your online access password will be issued as soon as payment has been received. The password is active for 12 months from the issue date. Failure to complete the course within 12 months will require the re-purchase of the e-learning course at the then prevailing rate.

Can I book training courses without signing up for MyOSRL account?

On-line booking can only be processed with a MyOSRL account.

I have booked and paid for a training course. Upon receipt of MyOSRL account validation, I realise that I am entitled to member’s rates. Will there be any refund?

Please contact us via  bookings@oilspillresponse.com 

 

When will I receive my Joining Instructions?

Course Joining Instructions will be issued once full payment is received and near to the course start date.

 

This will include where applicable:

  • Confirmation of course details and dates
  • Venue and contact details
  • Confirmation of accommodation reservations (if applicable)
  • Copy of the course programme
  • Maps of the designated hotel and venue
  • Advice on travel to Southampton or Singapore (if applicable)
  • Details on what to bring
  • Dress code
Will I get a certificate?

You are required to attend 100% of the course and pass the assessment (where applicable) in order to be awarded a certificate of completion.

If I lose my certificate, can I get a replacement?

Yes, you can get a replacement by writing to us and stating your name and the course attended.

Will OSRL arrange overnight accommodation at the training venue for me?

No, we request that you make your own accommodation arrangements.

How do I get to and from my hotel to your base every day?

Please make your own transport arrangement from hotel to the training venue.

For courses in Fort Lauderdale, the classroom is in the designated hotel and all transport to field exercises originates from the hotel (Hilton Garden Inn).

I need to get to the airport check-in an hour before the course is due to finish, can I leave early?

It is important to note that when you are booking your travel please ensure that your travel arrangements don’t affect your ability to attend the whole course. If you leave early, or fail to attend the entire course, you will not be awarded your certificate.

Is parking available at your UK and Singapore bases?

Parking at our UK base is limited. There is no parking at our Singapore base. Public car parks are available near both bases.

Can OSRL courses also be run as a tailored event for my organisation?

Client Tailored training is simply your own course delivered where you want and when you want.

 

Our team will work closely with you to develop your course to ensure the content is as requested and delivered to the highest standard. We’ll be more than happy to discuss your requirements and tailor the best solution for you, simply Contact us.

If I book my place on a course and then find I cannot attend, will I be charged?

Cancellations and transfers will only be accepted without charge if notice of cancellation or transfer is received in writing, (fax and email acceptable), at least 20 days prior to the course start date. Where notice of a transfer is received, a new course date must be selected and a place will be allocated, subject to availability. If an alternative course place is offered by the Company but not accepted by the Client, this will be treated as a cancellation.

  • Notice of cancellation between 20-11 days of the course start date will be subjected to a charge of 50% of the course fee.
  • Notice of cancellation within 10 days or less of the course start date will be subjected to a charge of 100% of the course fee.
  • Notice of transfer between 20-11 days of the course start date will be subjected to a charge of 25% of the course fee. No refund or credit note will be issued.
  • Notice of transfer within 10 days or less of the course start date will be subjected to a charge of 50% of the course fee. 
Can I nominate another delegate to attend the course if I cannot attend?

In lieu of a cancellation, the Company will accept a request for substitution of an alternative nominated delegate to attend the course, made not less than 5 days before the course start.

What is MyOSRL all about?

MyOSRL is an online portal that allows the account holder to access:

  • records of training courses booked online,
  • invoices
  • certificates
  • other personalisation features as and when they are being introduced.

We are continually enhancing the features of MyOSRL, so look out for continuous improvements.

How do I register for MyOSRL?

Please click on the Register link located at the MyOSRL sign in box at the top of the homepage.

Can I submit my personal email (instead of company email) for my MyOSRL account?

We ask for your Work/Company email address so we can verify your MyOSRL account and ensure you receive any OSRL Member discounts that you are entitled to, based on the Company for which you work. 

Why does my MyOSRL account need validating?

If your company is a Participant or Associate Member of OSRL, you are entitled to discounts on all of our Training courses, and other services, as such we need to verify membership status against our records.

If your company is not a Participant or Associate Member of OSRL, check out our membership page to see if you would benefit from becoming a Member.

How long will the MyOSRL validation process take?

This will usually be within the next working day.

Will having a MyOSRL account entitle me to training discounts?

No, having a MyOSRL account facilitates your on-line booking and payment. Training discounts are only applicable for delegates whose companies are Participant or Associate Members of OSRL.

How do I know if I can enjoy Oil Spill Response Limited Member rates for training courses?

You can find a list of all of our Members on our website or by clicking here.

Alternatively, you can contact us to find out your Oil Spill Response Limited Membership status.

What if I forget my password?

Please use the “forgotten password” option on the Login page to have your password reset.

If I am no longer working in the same company, will my MyOSRL account be valid? Will my records still be accessible? How will that affect the price of training courses which I have signed up for?

You can update your profile in your MyOSRL account

Any price difference as a result of the change of membership status will be billed/refunded accordingly.

Who can I contact if I still have issues accessing my account even after a password reset?

If for some reason you are still unable to access, please contact MyOSRL@oilspillresponse.com

Can I book training courses without signing up for MyOSRL account?

On-line booking can only be processed with a MyOSRL account.

How can my company sign-up to become a member of OSRL?

You can visit our Membership section to find out the benefits of becoming an OSRL Member or contact us to speak to one of the Team.

How do I delete my account?

Please contact MyOSRL@oilspillresponse.com for assistance.

We have now reached the point in our operations where we would like to join and execute the agreement and I would like to arrange that with you please. How do we start the process?

Please contact the OSRL Membership who shall be happy to guide and assist you thought the process.

What are the benefits of an Integration Workshop?

An Integration Workshop is run to brief every new Member on the essential steps to be taken to achieve maximum value from our services. 

Topics include:

  • Mobilisation procedures
  • Information on our resources
  • Roles and responsibilities

The workshop is also an opportunity for the Member to provide us with details of its operating areas, key corporate messages and company structure details, and to identify any specific risks together.

Can Associate Membership apply across different countries?

Yes, Associate Membership is available for defined sites only but this can be spread across different countries.

How do I find out if the company I work for is a member of OSRL?

A full list of our members can be found on our website. Alternatively please contact the membership team.

How is OSRL activated?

OSRL can be activated by calling the Duty Manager at our Southampton, Singapore or Fort Lauderdale base.The activation procedure can be found on our website.

Our Duty Managers are on standby 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. They can also be contacted for exercises and drills. 

What is the difference between a Participant and an Associate Member?

Participant members become shareholders in OSRL and share in the growth and benefits of the company; as well as participating in determining the strategic direction of the company.

Participant members do not need to name specific sites that their membership will cover as it covers global operations.

What are the benefits of an APR?

As part of our commitment to continually develop relationships and mutual understanding every Member is entitled to an Annual Preparedness Review meeting. This meeting is intended to ensure that the Member has the capability to effectively integrate our response services in the event of an incident.

What is an asset?

The asset (or site) is the physical, geographical location of the activity. For each asset we take into consideration:

  • Location
  • Type of activity(ies) and associated risks
  • Number of activities