Resolution 4
Development and implementation of a training programme for preparedness and response to pollution incidents by hazardous and noxious substances
THE CONFERENCE,
HAVING ADOPTED the Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances, 2000, (HNS Protocol),
NOTING that a key element in the International Maritime Organization's strategy for protection of the marine environment is the enhancement of national and regional capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and mitigate marine pollution and to promote technical co-operation to this end,
BEING AWARE that the capability of a State to respond to a pollution incident involving HNS depends on the initial assessment, the availability of suitable HNS combating equipment, where feasible, as well as of trained response personnel,
RECOGNIZING the role of the Organization in facilitating and organizing national, regional and global training courses and in developing training aids aimed at providing the necessary technical expertise, in particular for countries needing assistance in the field of responding to marine pollution incidents,
RECOGNIZING ALSO, due to the unique characteristics of hazardous and noxious substances, the role of industry in particular the chemical industry in providing specialized training,
RECOGNIZING FURTHER the support of the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme and several Member States of the Organization for the training component of the Organization's technical co-operation programme,
CONSIDERING the need for an increased global effort by all those concerned with the maritime transport of hazardous and noxious substances and their environmental impact toward the development of a global training programme for preparedness and response to pollution incidents by hazardous and noxious substances,
1. INVITES the Secretary-General of the Organization, in co-operation with interested governments, relevant international and regional organizations and, in particular, chemical and shipping industries, to endeavour to develop a comprehensive training programme for preparedness and response to pollution incidents by hazardous and noxious substances,
2. INVITES ALSO the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the Organization, on the basis of proposals made by the Secretary-General, to consider and endorse, as appropriate, such training programme for preparedness and response to pollution incidents by hazardous and noxious substances,
3. INVITES FURTHER Member States of the Organization to endeavour to make available the expertise necessary for the development and implementation of the training programmes.
