12 The MPA has first response capability for any chemical spill emergency. The MPA has built up its own fitst response capability with Marine Emergency Officers and Marine Emergency Assistants as well as two new fire-fighting craft. These officers and assistants are also trained in hazmat (hazardous material) response. Chemical terminal operators also have response capabilities at site. In addition, there are third-party response companies operating in Singapore.

　

13 As there are many types of chemicals and their characteristics are different, it is essential to quickly obtain information on the hazards and appropriate response to the chemicals in the event of a spill. In this respect, we have acquired an emergency response orientated Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) database (the CHEMWATCH) to complement our existing databases. In addition, in predicting the impact and areas that would be affected by a chemical spill, we have also acquired advanced oil spill model "CHEMMAP".

　

14 Other response capabilities in the port comprise the following:

　

15 Shipmasters and crew of chemical tankers and the chemical terminal operators have key roles to play to prevent any incident and to respond quickly should there be one. The action must be safe, prompt and effective as time is the essence during a spill incident. In a chemical spill, the top priority is to save lives and prevent environmental damage. Chemical terminal operators must inform the MPA immediately so that follow-up actions can be taken in a timely manner.

　

16 All chemical terminal operators in Singapore have contingency plans and response capabilities to deal with incidents within their facilities. Their staff is trained for any chemical emergency, in particular for the types of chemicals which they handle. They are required to conduct regular exercises so as to keep their staff prepared at all times.

　

17 To enhance our effectiveness in responding to chemical incidents, regular field and table-top exercises are conducted to test our response for an actual emergency. These exercises were found to be effective in testing our response to maritime mishaps and in ensuring that we stay prepared. The last chemical spill exercise, code-named "CHEMSPILL 2006" was conducted in May 2006 with the participation of shipowners, chemical terminal operator as well as the parties to the plan. A HNS handling facility, Vopak Terminals Singapore Pte Ltd was the key terminal operator which participated at this exercise. The exercise successfully tested the effectiveness, skills and responses in managing bulk Xylene based on the Chemical Contingency Plan (Marine). In addition, we also held a CHEMSPILL 2005 on 30 Sep 2005 with Exxon Chemical Singapore Pte Ltd, in conjunction with the International Chemical and Oil Pollution Conference and Exhibition 2005, on 28 - 30 Sep 2005.

　

18 Regional and international co-operation regimes for oil pollution are more established. For example, the ASEAN countries have its ASEAN OSPAR (Oil Spill Preparedness and Response) Oil Spill Response Action Plan and it would be activated to assist each other during major oil pollution. The three littoral countries of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, under the Revolving Fund Committee (RFC), have procedures for co-operation should there be an oil spill affecting the three countries.

　

19 The Intemational Maritime Organisation (IMO) has in place its Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 (OPRC Convention). Singapore is a party to the OPRC Convention since 10 Mar 1999. The OPRC Convention is a correct step forward to enhance the response capability of countries as well as a means for international co-operation during major oil pollution.

　

20 In the same vein, the IMO had developed a Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances, 2000 (OPRC-HNS Protocol). The OPRC-HNS Protocol was adopted at the Diplomatic Conference at the IMO on 15 Mar 2000. It is an extension of the scope of the OPRC Convention to cover the pollution by hazardous and noxious substance (HNS) involving ships, seaports and HNS handling facilities. Singapore is a party to the OPRC-HNS Protocol (since 16 Oct 2003).

　

21 The OPRC-HNS Protocol provides the framework for chemical response, similar to the OPRC Convention for oil, and allows the Contracting Governments to decide on the details to comply with the requirements. The Protocol requires the Governments to establish a national system for responding promptly and effectively to HNS pollution incidents. This includes, as a minimum, the creation of the national contingency plan, designated national authorities and operational focal point for HNS pollution preparedness and response, reporting and handling requests for assistance. The Protocol also requires operators in charge of seaports and HNS handling facilities where there exist risks of HNS pollution, to maintain HNS pollution incident emergency plans and to establish a minimum level of pre-positioned equipment for responding to pollution incidents.

　

22 It is our view that the Protocol would enhance co-operation among member states, as well as improve the co-operation between the Government and chemical industry, in preparing for and responding to pollution incidents involving HNS. The OPRC-HNS Protocol is one commitment which countries should look into seriously in view of the Increasing amount of chemicals / HNS moving around the world.

　

23 In the ease of oil pollution, the IMO has already in place well established compensation regimes for oil pollution damages. However, the IMO has yet to have in force another liability and compensation regime adopted in 1996 for damages caused by hazardous and noxious substances (i.e. the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996, or the HNS Convention).

　

24 The main objective of the HNS Convention is to provide adequate, prompt and effective compensation for loss or damage arising in connection with the carriage of HNS on sea-going ships. The Convention establishes a "two tier" compensation regime, similar to the existing regime for oil pollution for tankers. Compulsory insurance taken out by the shipowners will provide covers for initial loss or damage. (1^st Tier). The Convention will also create a compensation fund to cover the costs of loss or damage not fully compensated by the shipowners liability (2^nd Tier）.

　

25 However, the progress in ratifying the HNS Convention has been very slow. Singapore has been monitoring the progress of the HNS Convention very closely. We have been participating actively in the Correspondence Group of the IMO Legal Committee, which was established to monitor the progress in the implementation of the HNS Convention and to resolve issues related to the implementation of the convention. We are ct the view that these issues are resolved, member States would then start ta consider the rectification of the HNS Convention.

　

26 Singapore is party to both the CLC 92 and Fund 92 Conventions.

　

27 MPA's strategy is to prevent a chemical spill from happening. However, should such a chemical spill occur, the Chemical Contingency Plan (Marine) will be used to deal with it. We have to always be prepared and respond safely, quickly and effectively during a chemical spill. Therefore, the shipmasters and crew and the terminal operators must always be vigilant and act promptly and safely should an emergency occur.

　

28 During a major chemical spill in port, there is a need for a co-operative effort among all the relevant parties in combating and mitigating the incident. In this regard, apart from having contingency plans, equipment, resources and trained manpower to deal with such eventuality.