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Specific Policies
The Bonn Agreement has developed common approaches to all the main issues that are involved in remedying and preventing maritime pollution. These conclusions are consolidated in the Bonn Agreement Counter-Pollution Manual. The chapters dealing with specific policies are:
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.
Chapter 19: Joint responsibility zones (this chapter is under preparation)
Four areas in the North Sea Area have been made the joint responsibility of two or more Contracting Parties. This chapter explains how these joint responsibilities will be handled.
In certain circumstances, some BONN 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.
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.
Chapter 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.
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.
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.
Chapter 32: Oil spill identification (this chapter 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.
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