(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman has proposed the setting up of a response unit to tackle oil spills in regional waters, according to a senior official in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA).
He added that Oman reaffirmed his commitment to protect marine life at the Regional Organisation for Protection of Marine Environment (ROPME) meeting recently in Doha where it was represented by Suleiman al Akhzami, director of Planning and Studies and acting director of Pollution Operations Control Center in MECA.
A senior official in the ministry said that Akhzami outlined Oman's plans to tackle oil spills at the meeting. ''The creation of a response unit to tackle oil spills was part of the proposal,'' he said.
The ROPME meeting discussed many issues including establishing docks for ships of member states in distress, setting up of response units, studying most vulnerable marine environments and reviewing emergency plans and oil pollution accident guidelines.
''Other suggestions included creating a marine emergency guideline for ROPME, forging ties with the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) and establishing a marine accidents investigation board. Besides, nomination of representatives to conduct investigations into oil spill accidents were also discussed, he added.
Regarding establishment of docks for ships facing technical problems in regional waters, he said, ''Representatives from the International Maritime Organization will soon discuss this matter with member states. Oman has proposed to set up docks for ships facing technical problems between Musandam and Dhofar governorates.''
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