We’ve recently become aware of an incident where detergent was sprayed on an oil spill, so we’d like to share a reminder about the rules for using ‘oil spill control agents’ or OSCAs.
Dispersants can help reduce the amount of spilled oil reaching the shore, but we need to be sure that they are used in the right way.
Maritime NZ has strict rules on the use of dispersants and other OSCAs that make it illegal to spray anything like detergent on an oil spill. The rules require OSCAs to be approved by Maritime NZ and require appropriate authorisation from an On-Scene Commander before they can be used in a response, which is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Please report any oil spills to your local council, and remember not to spray anything on an oil spill without appropriate authorisation. You may use sorbent pads or put a sorbent boom around the oil spill if practicable.
