Advancing Oil Spill Response: The Case for Unified Command
Tucker Mendoza.
Group Manager @ Spill Response Association | Emergency Oil Response Training
Enhancing Accountability and Progress in Oil Spill Response
Could establishing a single USA Incident Command Company enhance accountability and drive progress in the oil spill response industry? Should we consider returning to the organization and responses of the Jim Obrien days, or do we continue on the current path?
Think about it.
Currently, the oil spill response industry operates with multiple entities and stakeholders, each playing a role in response efforts but often without a centralized structure to coordinate and lead.
An Industry Incident Command Company with an Incident Commander could serve as a focal point for these efforts, streamlining responses by providing unified direction and strategy during crises. This consolidation would not only enhance efficiency but also ensure a more coordinated response across various organizations, government agencies, and private sector entities involved in oil spill mitigation.
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The Spill Response Industry is in need of a commander who recognizes that technology has changed and has an open mind to new methods of response. Work ethics have evolved, proper training is crucial, and the work ethics and morals of field responders have been transformed by the necessary diversity in our industry, leading to a shortage of qualified and well-trained responders.
This Spill Response Industry commander would bring the focus back to where it belongs: on spill response, rather than hurricanes, tornadoes, flood responses, tank or ship cleaning, waste transportation, or industrial cleaning.
An Incident Command Company with an Incident Commander dedicated to oil spill response is essential to ensure we are prepared and effective in our core mission.
Could it be that we need another qualified USCG officer to lead us into the next generation of response? A responder with a passion for the industry, who knows the industry, and who wants to see it progress today, tomorrow, and in the future.
Tucker J Mendoza SpillWarrior
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3 个月3 names really stand out to me, Buzz Rome, Jim O'brien and Gary Reiter...CZARS!
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3 个月Jim O'Brien days!!!
Marine Expeditor/Supt covering Ports/Terminals/Tankers with Capital Marine (UK) CSO support to TARC from Ghana & US As always, a member of "NH & region mutual aid" POSWG (Ships & Barges/Terminals/Ports), Hydrospatial
5 个月Have you looked at how Resolve or Hudson Marine, others are structured? Just before the last fall drill in 1 region, Resolve's Rep for the Region stopped in to give a presentation/update. Their prime focus being the RP/QI/IC for the ship side. They will also do shoreside. Hudson covers a broad range too. There are others... SMIT, Don Jon Marine, ...
Marine Expeditor/Supt covering Ports/Terminals/Tankers with Capital Marine (UK) CSO support to TARC from Ghana & US As always, a member of "NH & region mutual aid" POSWG (Ships & Barges/Terminals/Ports), Hydrospatial
5 个月On the seemingly "disconnected" entities, each has their roles/jurisdictions, responsibilities. There are times when they might not align with others but still should have a connection to others. Small issues, are one thing but when it moves up in impact levels? Each org needs to work with others. There have been times when "individuals play kingdom builders" and want to have the Cmd & Ctrl vs align with NIMS Unified Cmd/ICS. They want all to be under "their roof" even if way too small. When I picked up another port when working "just US". The port was known for good Fire Org on the Maritime side. Found, many had changed as people retired out, relocated, aged out/died off. Had worked in that region for a while many yrs before. Each was looking to be "the one in overall charge". Succession planning had failed there/failed them. In the end, a process of change for all to work together again. It can happen but it can as easily be resurrected again. People do change positions and new ones move up & must rise to the occasion. If you see/hear disconnects or "power plays"? Is the wrong path for those people. Different than those who are pushing to get others to do the right thing is possible too. Many perspectives