Chapter

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Current reference

1

Introduction
This chapter sets out the aims of the manual, the contents of the manual and procedure for updating the manual.

1/1/05-E

Volume 1 - Operations

2

Recommendation Concerning the Command Structure and Operational Cooperation for Joint Combating Operations
This chapter sets out the Bonn Agreement recommendations for organising response operations, so that each Contracting Party that is involved has a clear understanding of who is to do what.

1/2/05-E

3

Recommendation Concerning Radio Communications in Joint Combating Operations
Good communications are an important foundation for cooperation in response operations. This chapter sets out the agreements on how to manage radio communications between those involved in joint response operations.

1/3/05-E

4

Aerial Surveillance - Cooperation on Aerial Surveillance Over the North Sea
Surveillance (both from aeroplanes and satellites) is an important part of the work of maritime pollution remedy and prevention. It helps locate oil spills and other threats. The knowledge that regular observation is carried out helps deter vessels and offshore installations from breaching the internationally agreed anti-pollution rules and standards. This chapter sets out the agreed procedures for this cooperation in surveillance.

1/4/05-E

5

Recommendation Concerning the Introduction of a Pollution Reporting System (POLREP) for Notification of Incidents of Marine Pollution to Contracting Parties
This chapter sets out what should be included in a report alerting other Contracting Parties to a threat of pollution from an oil slick or other event.

1/5/05-E

6

International Early Warning Reporting System for Pollution Caused by Algal Blooms
From time to time, aerial surveillance aircraft will observe an algal bloom that may present a threat to marine life, or which may be significant for the study of eutrophication. This chapter sets out what a report of such an event could include.

1/6/05-E

7

Exercises
An important part of preparing to respond to maritime pollution emergencies is training the operatives involved. This chapter sets out the basis on which joint exercises are arranged.

1/7/05-E

8

Offshore windfarms
The need to generate more energy from renewable sources has led to the growth of substantial numbers of offshore wind-farms. The pylons supporting the rotors are a new risk for shipping, and present special problems in cleaning up oil slicks that come inside the wind farm. This chapter sets out the considerations that need to be taken into account.

1/8/06-E

19

1/19/09-E

20

Inventory of Assessment Tools (Computer Models)
This chapter gives information about Contracting Parties' assessment tools and their availability.

1/20/05-E

21

National Contact Points
This chapter gives national contact points for POLREPs, aerial surveillance, ALGPOLREPs, MOU on Port State Control and requests for equipment.

1/21/09

Volume 2-Strategy/Policy

Policy/Strategy of Pollution Combating

22

Policy Strategy of Pollution Combating
Oil spilled at sea threatens individual organisms, resources in the immediate vicinity and the ecosystem as a whole. It also poses a potential threat to the shore and to estuaries. Special techniques are required to assess the threat of a spill to establish whether or not response is necessary. This chapter gives information on the problems that can be encountered during clean-up at sea, on shore and in estuaries.

2/22/05-E

23

Dispersants
In certain circumstances, some Bonn Agreement Contracting Parties consider that the most appropriate form of remedy will be to use chemicals to disperse oil. (Other Contracting Parties do not use dispersants, often because their shorelines are not appropriate for this solution). This chapter sets out the agreed approaches to the uses of dispersants where they are considered appropriate.

2/23/05-E

24

2/24/10-E

25

Remote Sensing
This chapter explains the various types of equipment that can be used to detect the presence of oil on the sea from aircraft, and the limitations on their use. It also sets out the principles that should govern the use of remote sensing equipment.

2/25/05-E

26

Hazardous Materials
This chapter deals with incidents involving Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS). It contains brief information for Operational Control Authorities and On-Scene Co-ordinators about the procedures to be followed, and possible measures to be taken, after notification has been received that an accidental spillage of bulk “chemicals” or packaged goods containing hazardous substances other than oil has occurred.

2/26/06-E

27

Places of Refuge
This chapter sets out the agreed approach for the designation and use of places of refuge in incidents involving fire, explosion, damage to a ship, collision, pollution, impaired vessel stability, or grounding.

2/27/05-E

28

Emergency Towing
The best response to a vessel that has broken down or been involved in a collision will often be to tow it to a safer place or a place of refuge. This can sometimes be done by commercial tugs. Because of the reductions in the number of commercial tugs, some Contracting Parties have arranged for the stationing of emergency towing vessels around their coasts. This chapter sets out operating guidelines and general procedures for such towing vessels.

2/28/08-E

Policy/Strategy: General

Volume 3 - Administration

General

29

Text of the Bonn Agreement for Cooperation in Dealing with Pollution of the North Sea by Oil and Other Harmful Substances, 1983
Full text of the Bonn Agreement, together with the Rules of Procedure and Financial Rules.

3/29/06-E

30

Checklist of Administrative and Organisational Problems Which Could Arise in Assistance Operations and Possible Solutions to those Problems
When vessels and operatives are working away from their bases, there are many administrative and organisational issues that need to be resolved. This chapter identifies these, and sets out possible answer to many of the problems involved.

3/30/05-E

Guidelines

31

Guidelines for Reporting Performance of Counter-Measures in Pollution Incidents
Sharing experience on how incidents have been handled is an important part of improving cooperation. This chapter specifies what it is helpful for a report to contain about an incident and its handling.

3/31/05-E

32

Oil Spill Identification System within the Bonn Agreement - Part I Oil Sampling (4MB word file)
Part II of this chapter on oil spill analysis is under preparation
Chemical analysis of samples from oil slicks can often show either that the oil is the same as oil sampled upon a vessel, or that the oil is probably from a given oil field. Such evidence can be useful in pinning down responsibility for the discharges that created oil slicks. This chapter sets out the preferred method of analysis and the limitations attaching to it.

3/32/07-E

33

Guidelines Concerning Reimbursement of Assistance Costs in the Context of Bilateral Agreements
The Contracting Parties usually help each other in responding to emergencies on the basis that the Contracting Party who is helped will pay the costs of those who help. This chapter sets out the basis for this reimbursement.

3/33/05-E