PUAOIL401
Apply decision making strategies in an oil spill response

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to make strategic, planning and operational decisions in an oil spill.

Application

This unit applies to individuals working in functional management roles within the incident management team who have the responsibility for ensuring the viability and success of a marine pollution response.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Establish context of spill

1.1 Gather intelligence to determine the size and impact of the situation.

1.2 Identify the character and behaviour of the oil spill.

1.3 Consult and involve appropriate advisors in establishing the context of the spill.

1.4 Identify and confirm response objectives.

1.5 Provide accurate, timely and relevant communication about the spill to stakeholders.

2. Consider response options to make a decision

2.1 Identify and review available response options to the spill.

2.2 Review strengths and weaknesses of options with appropriate advisors if necessary.

2.3 Determine risk areas and levels of risk.

2.4 Determine and select best response option/s based on critical factors.

2.5 Determine the scale of response to the spill.

2.6 Document decision making processes.

3. Implement response

3.1 Develop response plans for selected options.

3.2 Develop an incident action plan.

3.3 Communicate proposed response actions to relevant people/stakeholders.

3.4 Monitor and review response actions and modify as appropriate in response to changing circumstances.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

critical analysis

evaluation and decision making

assertiveness

ability to work within and/or lead a team

flexibility

advanced verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in mathematical concepts and calculations

ability to undertake a value chain analysis to review, strengths and weaknesses

ability to develop risk management plans and implement with due diligence

ability to implement a plan that has public and political impact

problem solving appropriate to identified risks

Required Knowledge

relevant organisational legal requirements

relevant legislation impacting on spill response operations, particularly in regard to health and safety, environmental issues, industrial relations etc.

strategic planning methodologies including political, economic, social and technological (PEST) analysis and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis (SWOT)

oil spill response equipment (limitations and benefits)

oil types, spill behaviours and effects within the marine environment

policies and procedures for liaising with media and politicians according to organisational policies and procedures

health and safety issues / management

international conventions and compensation regimes

protection and indemnity clubs ( P&I), the international tanker owners pollution federation limited (ITOPF) and similar organisations and the role of them and their representatives in oil spill response

indigenous and cultural issues

the role of salvors

Evidence Required

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

details of a management plan which includes stakeholder analysis, explanation of the risk context, critical success factors, identified and analysed risks, treatments for prioritised risks

knowledge of relevant legislation, codes of practice and national standards

details of monitoring arrangements for risk management plan and an evaluation of the efficiency of the risk management in treating risk

communication to stakeholders through Incident Action Plans

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must be based on a real or simulated oil response situation where multiple decisions may be made but where critical analysis of information allows for considered and justifiable actions.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

review of documentation

simulation

direct observation

third party reports

case studies

scenarios

action plans

reports

written or oral questions

Guidance information for assessment

It is important that assessment with other units relevant to oil spill management or incident management systems is taken into account.


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Sources of intelligence may include:

initial visual reports (location)

oil samples

MSDS

Australian dangerous goods code

oil spill response atlas

oil spill response trajectory modelling

reports from ship’s master indicating type and quantity

aerial observations

tides

current

weather forecast

reports from operational, technical and environmental advisors

net environmental benefit analysis

Character of oil could be defined by:

chemical characteristics:

aromatic content

aliphatic content

asphaltene content

wax content

physical characteristics:

flash point

pour point

in relation to surface water temperature

solubility

density (API gravity or specific gravity)

in relation to density of sea water

viscosity

viscous/non-viscous

thickness

stickiness

in relation to adherence to physical structures or habitats

persistence

oil character influence on response options:

selection of response equipment

amenability to chemical dispersion

Behaviour of oil could be defined by:

movement of oil:

volume

spread

drift

area of coverage

percentage coverage

rate of flow

flow continuing

flow stopped

weathering and influence on oil character:

spreading

evaporation

emulsification (mousse formation)

dispersion

dissolution

sinking/sedimentation

biodegradation

photo-oxidation

Advisors may include

operational, technical and environmental experts including:

environmental scientists

marine pollution experts

AMSA

oil importers/exporters

ships master

salvage advisors

government agencies

Context of the spill may include:

location

environmental sensitivity

estuaries

wildlife habitats

tourism

indigenous culture

business/industry

Objective is:

Consultative management to determine the desired outcomes of the incident which are then communicated through the response team

Stakeholders may include:

government agencies and representatives:

federal

state

local

businesses

community

protection and indemnity (P &I club)

indigenous communities

national response team

media

salvors

ship owner, charterer or manager

Response options may include:

mechanical

chemical

manual

observation and monitoring

manual clean up

Risk may include:

properties of oil

health and safety:

fire and explosion

ingestion

skin damage

restricted breathing

physical injury

contamination

proximity to land

community impact

wildlife habitats

environmental conditions:

weather

tides

currents

location

wildlife

inappropriate use of dispersant (not using the correct window of opportunity)

fatigue

hypothermia

hyperthermia

health impact of oil

flammability and volatility of oil

political

media

Levels of risk may include:

assessed through risk analysis and minimised through hierarchy of controls

Critical factors may include:

health and safety of responders and community

minimisation of impact

environment

appropriate approvals

Scale of response could take into account:

human resources

physical resources

access


Sectors

Marine pollution response.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.