Consistent and reproducible shoreline oiling assessments are critical for making decisions regarding shoreline treatment options and strategies. Industry recognised protocols such as the long established SCAT technique are embedded in many national contingency planning frameworks and are now considered best practice. This paper will describe the OSRL project recently embarked on with Owens Coastal Consultants (OCC) to fully embed the SCAT protocol into OSRL's internal training and response procedures. OSRL has long employed many elements of SCAT in their shoreline response planning process but required a consolidated integration of standard SCAT methodology, process and data handling. Key deliverables for the OSRL SCAT “upgrade” are summarised: Internal training A 4 day SCAT Team Leader training course constructed to provide a solid grounding in SCAT process, shoreline response programmes / management, coastal processes, shoreline impacts and protection techniques. Field work forms an integral part of this course with 2 x ½ day shore based classes covering segmentation, response techniques, shoreline dynamics and operational considerations. SCAT competency to be included at all levels of OSRL personal development plans. External training Introduction of a joint OSRL/OCC 3-day SCAT training course to the OSRL technical training suite at global locations with the aim of establishing OSRL as a lead SCAT training organisation in strategic partnership with OCC. 2013 saw UK, USA and Australia as key course locations. Advocacy A continuing programme of external engagement and messaging of the OSRL SCAT development programme at multiple forums globally. SLA Integration The most important part of the programme is embedding the SCAT process and tools into OSRL's internal response procedures and toolkits for use in spills of all magnitude. Such efforts include the development of mangrove Shoreline Oiling Summary (SOS) forms, OSRL SCAT Manual and Field book, internal training courses, exercises, SCAT data management options and personnel development plans. The trained pool of SCAT expertise will eventually extend to around 70 individuals to support multiple roles ranging from Team Leads, Coordinators, SCAT/OPS Liaison, Logistics Support and Technical Advisors. OSRL staff will also support a larger pool of international expertise that OCC are coordinating for SCAT response functions. Summary The paper will describe in greater detail the design and implementation of the SCAT programme into OSRL's Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the benefit of its Members globally.
