Spill Response Procedures

In the event of a spill, the procedures below would be followed:

1. Report the incident

In the event of a spill, the closest regional Canadian Coast Guard station would be called:

2. Spill Management

In the event of a ship or an oil handling facility incident, the polluter would report the incident as required under the regulations of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.  The polluter would appoint an on-scene commander.  This is usually pre-identified in their oil pollution emergency plan or shipboard oil pollution plan.

3. Activation of Response Organization

The designated response organization would be activated and would provide a response on behalf of the polluter.

4. Monitoring by the Canadian Coast Guard

The Canadian Coast Guard monitors the response as the official Federal Monitoring Officer.

5. Advisory role of the Regional Environmental Emergencies Team ( REET )

The REET would provide scientific advice to the On-scene Commander on appropriate methods and procedures to best cleanup the spill.

6. Canadian Coast Guard as the On-scene Commander

The Canadian Coast Guard would become the On-scene Commander if the polluter were unknown, unwilling or unable to respond.

Select this link to find out more about the Canadian Coast Guard's environmental response program.

7. Compensation for oil spills

In the event of an oil spill, there are mechanisms that currently exist to cover the cost of clean-up activities. Select this link for further information.