Maritime and Port Authority Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) recently hosted the National Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC) Workshop focussing on the preparedness and effective response to oil spills.
Delivered through a collaboration with the Global Initiative for Southeast Asia (GISEA) Project which is an initiative under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the workshop brought together national focal points from both private and government agencies through discussion-led sessions for which participants gained enhanced understanding of the ROSCP, with a particular focus on the mobilisation and repatriation of people, equipment and material resources in the mutual offer and acceptance of assistance.
Image: MPABD
The workshop comprises marine pollution experts from ASEAN and the United Kingdom.
MPABD Deputy Chief Executive Mohammed Bahreen Dato Haji Hamzah in his welcoming remarks stated that the workshop is aimed at the protection of the marine and coastal environment by ensuring MPABD and other agencies plan and coordinate an integrated response, through the development and updating of Brunei Darussalam’s marine pollution strategy that is aligned with international standards and industry best practices.
Key outcomes of the workshop include raising awareness on the key aspects of the OPRC Convention, providing a global framework for international cooperation when responding to major incidents or threats of marine pollution, establishing a national system for oil spill preparedness and response, with a focus on sustained capacity building and programme funding; and fostering regional assistance (ASEAN MoU and ROSCP) as well as supporting the development of a roadmap for the ratification and implementation of the OPRC convention.
Image: MPABD
Image: MPABD
The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) was established in September 2017, with the vision to develop Brunei Darussalam as a conducive and dynamic maritime centre.
MPABD is the driving force behind the country’s port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, maritime safety champion, and national maritime representative. MPABD partners with the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime industry services, and promote local employment and manpower development.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
