Marine HNS Response Manual: Multi-regional Bonn Agreement, HELCOM, REMPEC.

Abstract

Maritime transport is often described as “the backbone of globalized trade and the manufacturing supply chain”, since more than 80% of the global merchandise trade by volume is carried by sea. Some of the goods transported are defined as Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS). HNS might be released into the sea as the consequence of illegal discharges or maritime accidents such as groundings or collisions; and whilst major incidents involving an HNS spill are rare, they can be very complex and potentially have severe impacts on human health, the environment, and socio-economic resources. The particular challenges associated with responding to HNS incidents are linked to the heterogeneity of the various substances considered as HNS, which include substances presenting various hazards (physical hazards such as fire and explosion, health hazards such as toxicity, and environmental hazards) and behaviours (gases/evaporators, floaters, dissolvers, sinkers). The objective of this Marine HNS Response Manual is to provide operational guidance for first responders and decision-makers during a maritime incident at sea or in port involving HNS. The manual does not cover all aspects of an incident involving HNS, but specifically addresses relevant offshore and onshore spill response techniques (but excludes topics such as search and rescue, salvage, medical treatment). The HNS Marine Response Manual consists of three parts: 1. Introductory background information relevant for understanding the concepts driving an HNS response strategy in seven chapters; 2. Operational fact sheets and decision- making flowcharts relevant for responders; 3. Annexes I, II and III include regional specificities (information on maritime transport, sensitive resources, etc.) for the Baltic Sea (Helsinki Commission (HELCOM)), North Sea (Bonn Agreement) and Mediterranean Sea (The Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC)) respectively.