We will continue to work with BP to provide training locally.  The information given below was posted on May 17, 2010 at the following website: http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/542683/

Deepwater Horizon Response:  Vessels of Opportunity Program

As part of the effort, operators of many types of vessels throughout the Gulf Coast are using their boats in a variety of clean-up activities, including transporting supplies, performing wildlife rescue, and towing and deploying "booms" (floating barriers designed to contain, deflect, or hold back oil floating on the water's surface).

Already more than 1,000 people have received training in such areas as oil spill response safety and boom towing and handling, and vessels are being organized in 25-boat "task forces" that can be dispatched from numerous spots along the coast. More than 500 vessels of opportunity are now operating as part of the program.

Eligibility Process for Participation

The Vessels of Opportunity program has been established to obtain additional resources to support the Mississippi Canyon 252 spill response to the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico.

The instructions below explain the steps for participating in the program.  More information will be provided at the Orientation / Training sessions.

Eligibility Requirements

The following process describes how to submit your vessel as a potential candidate for use in MC252 spill response operations in the Gulf of Mexico. To become eligible for the Vessel of Opportunity (VoO) program, candidates must first:

·         participate in a local orientation/training session

·         register the proposed vessel for evaluation, and

·         sign a contractual letter of agreement

Participation in Orientation and Training Sessions

The captain and crew (“Contractor Vessel Party”) must participate together in the scheduled local orientation and training session to become eligible for the VoO program. It is recommended that the vessel owner also attend, but it is not required. During this session you and your team will learn the requirements to become eligible and active in the Vessels of Opportunity (VoO) program.

These sessions will include:

·         Health, Safety and Environmental review

·         Contract Review - A contract will be issued to the Contractor Vessel Party during the session. You are not expected to sign the contract immediately and are encouraged to review with your attorney if desired and return the signed contract at a later time. Your Contractor Vessel Party will be mailed a copy of the contract from BP at a later date.

·         Your local community coordinator will instruct you where to submit the signed contract.

Registering your Vessel

Once the contract is signed, it is included in the state of vessel registration database. Gulf state vessels are preferred for use in the program. Upon completing the registration process, the vessel is eligible to become active and may be called upon at the discretion of BP’s contractor. The vessels are categorized as:

·         More than 65 ft.

·         45-65 ft

·         30-45 ft

·         Less than 30 ft

Reaching Active Status

An eligible vessel reaches active status if it is selected from the database as a candidate for response operations deployment. A local coordinator will notify the Contractor Vessel Party of its active status. Instructions will be given with the specific date, time, and location to report for additional information. It is absolutely critical that you record details of where to report. The Horizon Response Call Center does not maintain your reporting instructions should you lose it.

Vessels in active status will be required to pass inspection by BP’s contractor for functional operability.  If the vessel passes inspection, the captain and crew (as applicable) will be required to take additional training from BP (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, booming, etc). Once these requirements are fulfilled you and your crew may have an opportunity to participate as needed.

Scott L. Nelson, FPEM
Wakulla County Emergency Management Director
Wakulla County Sheriff's Office
850.926.0861

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snelson

 

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