Special Message : OSI 2016

The international convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation (OPRC 90) Article 6, set down a requirement for all operators of offshore installations, drilling rigs, terminals and ports to have in place an oil spill response system that will include contingency plans, prepositioned response equipment, training and regular exercise, appropriate to perceived risk. Considering the need for the comprehensive response system for Oil Spill Management in the maritime zones of India, the Committee of Secretaries to the Government of India had approved the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) in November'93. The Director General Coast Guard was designated as the Central Coordinating Authority (CCA) to implement the plan, and coordinate response activities in the event of oil spill at sea. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of Shipping, Oil Companies, Port authorities and Maritime States are also the stake-holders in the plan. Developing & managing pollution response systems for a vast county such as India necessitates pooling of resources and integrating the capabilities of industry stakeholders for this national cause. It gives me immense pleasure to know that 4th edition of OIL SPILL INDIA- 2016, the only conference of its type held in India is being organized in association with "Directorate General of Shipping", Ministry of Shipping & ONGC during 11-12 August 2016 in Mumbai. I am sure the conference will bring together the global spill response industry & its stakeholders in the region to deliberate and collaborate on the prevention & response frameworks whilst concurrently build an informative schedule of the raising Global Standards. My best wishes to all the participants for their successful endeavor towards the protection of the environment. With best regards,
Dharmendra Pradhan
Minister of State (I/C)
Petroleum & Natural Gas
Government of India
New Delhi