The U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) completed oil spill response training at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, July 14-17.
The training was executed under the NAVFAC Oil Spill Response Program and provided Navy and Marine Corps Facility Response Team (FRT) personnel with the requisite skills to quickly respond to on-water oil spills.
“This course is essential for teaching military, DoD civilian and contracted Port Operations personnel what they’re required to know as FRT members, and strategies for dealing with serious environmental emergencies of this type,” said NAVFAC EXWC Commanding Officer Capt. Mark. K. Edelson.
“We’ve all seen the environmental damage that results from large and small scale oil spills,” Edelson added. “The Navy places a high priority on being good stewards of the environment and preventive classes such as these are an important part of meeting that obligation.”
Although the course is primarily intended for FRT leaders and team members, it is also highly recommended for facility spill management team members who are assigned to the Incident Command System Operation and Planning Section billets.
Successful completion of the course certifies each student as a First Responder Operation Level as required by the Code of Federal Regulations for all personnel responding to an on-water oil spill.
NAVFAC EXWC contracted training is provided using EXWC procured oil spill response, containment and recovery equipment for waterfront facilities that manage ship, boat, barge or other marine operations with a potential for oil and fuel spills. EXWC also provides access to other oil spill training, expertise and support associated with on water oil spill response.
The NAVFAC Oil Spill Response Program annually conducts more than 50 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Facility Response Team on-water training and certification courses worldwide.
[mappress] Press Release, August 1, 2014; Image: US Navy