Effective response to Tier 1 spills is key to maintaining a high level of environmental performance and minimizing the duration of operational disruptions. For marine terminals handling a variety of fuels and lubricants, Tier 1 response strategies should reflect risks posed by a site's unique combination of products handled and the specific nature of its loading/off-loading operations. This paper covers strategies for selection and utilization of on-water response equipment and supplies to meet local needs, recognizing constraints imposed by limited manpower and reduced time available for skills maintenance and equipment upkeep Because manpower needed to get response equipment in place during an emergency situation may be limited at the start of an incident, Tier 1 response equipment should be light, highly portable, and mechanically simple and reliable. Complicated equipment that requires routine maintenance and checking for serviceability may be more effectively utilized when it is shared with other companies, contractors, or cooperatives through a local equipment stockpile. This offers more frequent use or allocated costs for maintenance and serviceability checks. Where implemented, it is important to ensure that shared resources can be delivered and deployed within timeframes required by site response plans. Operations where spill risks are of higher concern, such as transfers of heavy fuels or nighttime work should be evaluated with a greater degree of scrutiny. Other activities should be looked at from a risk of human injury as well. For example, operation of boom boats could be contracted (owned, maintained, and operated) by a third party where feasible, so that the special skills required for this activity can be maintained through frequent practice. Employees with full time responsibilities not related to boat operations may not achieve or maintain the level of agility or proficiency needed in an emergency situation.

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