The US and Canada have signed an update to their Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan.
Both countries have agreed to continue to strengthen their collaboration on keeping mariners safe and protecting waters.
The contingency plan was originally established in 1974 to create an international marine pollution plan for the Great Lakes. The plan aims to promote a coordinated system and operational guidelines for national preparedness, planning and response to the release of pollutants and harmful substances in contiguous waters (more information on the participating areas can be found on p.6 of the plan). It also works to establish procedures for coordinating spill response efforts between Canada and the US.
The plan covers all potential sources of marine pollution, including from ships, offshore platforms, mystery spills and more.
The plan allows Canada and the US to fulfil their commitments towards the International Convention for Oil Pollution Prevention Response and Cooperation, which works to inform other nations of marine spills that may impact their waters, and to seek aid if the nation’s ability to response is not enough.
The confirmation that the US and Canada will continue to work towards these goals through their joint plan took place during a signing at the US Coast Guard and Canada summit in Grand Haven, Michigan on August 3rd.
Commissioner Hutchinson and Admiral Zukunft signed the updated plan to underscore both countries’ commitment to work together during marine environmental emergencies.
Read more about the Joint Marine Contingency Plan here.
Fathom-News
editor@fathom-mi.com
