API PUBL 4620:1995

This proceedings represents the 14th biennial International Oil Spill Conference (IOSC). Since its inception a quarter of a century ago, the Conference has slowly evolved upward as the political winds of oil spill interest have waxed and waned. Today, this Confernce stands as the premiere international technical conference and trade exposition for the world's oil spill community. In a maturing and more sophisticated industrialized world, nations of all sizes have recognized the importance of international environmental stewardship. Oil spills, though generally of relatively short term, localized influence, are one more environmental perturbation that can be minimized and mitigated by man's active intervention. The goals of this Conference remain much as they were in 1969: '...to delineate the overall dimensions of the oil spills problem, explore the present state of the art of prevention and control of oil spills, and review the relevant research and development efforts of government and private industry, both here and abroad.' The 1995 Conference takes another step forward to maintain its position as the premiere international conference on oil spill issues. To further develop the international cooperation and flow of information, the long time sponsors - the American Petroleum Institute, U.S. Coast Guard, and Environmental Protection Agency - are joined this year by two international organizations. Representing the international regulatory community is the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and representing the international petroleum industry is the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA). With this new partnership, the IOSC will greatly enhance its international balance of technical contributions and trade exhibits. More importantly, it will help to communicate the latest in oil spill information to nations of all sizes throughout the world. The long term benefits should include reduced loss of oil to the seas, quicker cleanup, and less environmental impact due to cleanup practices. During the past half dozen years, new oil spill management regulations have been implemented in the United States and internationally. Although complex and detailed, one primary facet is better preparation and training of response personnel. Unfortunately, the level of interest and involvement in oil spill activities in the world communities is inversely related to the length of time since the last major, newsworthy oil spill event. For that reason, the theme chosen for the 1995 Conference is 'Achieving and Maintaining Preparedness.' How do we get and stay prepared? The technical papers to be presented, although covering a broad range of topics, were selected with this theme in mind. What is new for the 1995 Conference? Many changes have been made to continue the process of improving the Conference and to meet the needs of the attendees. This year, one of our goals was to continue the improvement of the technical quality of the papers accepted. A selected group of 45 international reviewers chose 136 papers for this Proceedings and presentation at the Conference. This was from more than 490 submitted. Additionally, 126 poster presentations will be displayed in seven special sessions over a two day period, and are also included in this Proceedings. A new Abstract Book and a day-at-a-glance chart has been developed to assist attendees in selecting the presentations of their choice. Almost 300 vendors of oil spill related goods and services are participating in the associated trade show. Two major west coast spill cooperatives are conducting an on-water demonstration of spiil equipment and techniques. Many other special events are planned. A theme session, highlighted by a keynote luncheon address by the Rt. Honorable Lord Donaldson of Lymington, will feature the Braer oil spill in the Shetland Islands. IMO and IPIECA are hosting a special evening session summarizing a recent world-wide seminar series they have sponsored. There also will be a special evening session dealing with Natural Resource Damage Assessment. Another new feature is the preparation and distribution of three selected topic 'white papers.' These reviews wiil cover major topics of interest and will be formatted to provide detailed discussions and information on relevant issues. Corresponding panels of experts have been invited to discuss and debate the issues raised in these white papers. A sponsors' scholarship program has been instituted to support students and other interested parties who might contribute to and participate in the Oil Spill Conference. Most importantly, this Conference provides a place where the world's experts can meet, visit, and exchange the latest information. As can be seen, many changes have been made to ensure that the Conference continues to improve to meet the needs of the oil spill community that supports it. In order to continue fulfilling this role, it is most important that attendees provide feedback on the content and quality of this Conference. The sponsors of the 1995 IOSC would like to thank all of the contributors, reviewers, and others who have made this Proceedings volume possible. I would also like to acknowledge the considerable contribution of time by the various members of sponsoring organizations who have staffed the Steering and Program Committees. They are the heart and soul of the IOSC. Finally, I would like to recognize the professional contributions of Courtesy Associates, and Trade Associates, who have been responsible for the organization and management of this Conference and the trade show. Their considerable expertise brings order out of chaos on a biennial basis. James P. Ray