Page 13: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (September 2023)

• On technical disasters the truth is very hard to hide. • Oversight does not mean making a reasonable response more complicated or burdensome.

These sample Ground Rules require further explanation in the training setting and have underlying experiences and war stories that are fun (or sometimes horrifying) to relate to the next generation.

If these Ground Rules are not fully absorbed by all stake- holders, it can result in frustrations that result in response de- lays. For example, the last above noted Ground Rule; “Over- sight does not mean making a reasonable response more complicated or burdensome” is often violated in smaller di- sasters such as non-spill minor salvage responses where gov- ernment oversight is required.

This results in an undesirable effect. A reputable salvage company prepares a salvage plan that is reasonable and real- istic and that can be immediately implemented. The plan is sent for review, but the plan reviewer wants to show that they have the power and knowledge to insert their opinions and provides additional requirements. This then results in further discussions and, once agreement on those further require- ments has been achieved, the need for the salvor to bring in the resources to meet the additional requirements.

This then results in a delay in the response, additional costs, and the appearance of response ineffectiveness to the public due to delays. Moreover, it raises many additional issues such as: Is the government reviewer really more capable in design- ing salvage plans than the reputable salvor? If the salvor needs to add additional requirements after government review, is that salvor really capable of performing the work? Or is the salvor actually purposely simplifying their plan, taking into account that government reviewers will feel compelled to add addition- al requirements regardless of the viability of the plan anyway?

There are no villains in that scenario, each stakeholder is simply functioning to the best of their ability and responding to their fear of the unknown. However, when all stakeholders have a deeper knowledge of that dynamic, they can adjust their actions to create a more effective approach and that is where mutual training comes in.

These, and many other conceptual OPA90 issues, are be- ing discussed and evaluated in the OPA90 Forum, an industry group of stakeholders that is interested in perpetuating the public bene? ts of OPA90.

The organization is still in its early stages, but it may be of bene? t to stay in touch with OPA90 Forum if at some time in the unde? ned future one may be faced with having to come up with rapid and ef? cient solutions to commercial disasters.

For each column I write, MREN has agreed to make a small donation to an organization of my choice. For this column I nominate New

Jersey Marine Mammal Stranding Center www.mmsc.org Almost 50 years and thousands of turtle, seal, and dolphin rescues later, we can forgive them for confusing reptiles with mammals.

MR #9 (1-17).indd 13 9/6/2023 5:35:52 PM