Maritime Transport Act 1994

Plans and responses to protect marine environment from marine oil spills - Marine oil spill responses

301: Function of National On-Scene Commander after notification

You could also call this:

"What the National On-Scene Commander does after a marine oil spill is reported"

Illustration for Maritime Transport Act 1994

When you hear about a marine oil spill, a National On-Scene Commander gets told. They decide if action is needed to respond to the spill. They consider using the national marine oil spill contingency plan or powers under the Maritime Transport Act 1994. If the Director thinks the spill is too big for the Authority to handle, they can ask for help. They can ask other countries or people for assistance, following the national marine oil spill contingency plan. This helps contain and clean up the spill. The National On-Scene Commander has an important role in responding to marine oil spills in New Zealand.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM337685.

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Part 23Plans and responses to protect marine environment from marine oil spills
Marine oil spill responses

301Function of National On-Scene Commander after notification

If a National On-Scene Commander is notified by the Director or otherwise becomes aware of a marine oil spill, he or she shall decide whether or not it is appropriate for any action to be taken in response to that marine oil spill, including the taking of any measures under the national marine oil spill contingency plan or the exercise of any powers under this Act.
If, in the opinion of the Director, containing and cleaning up any marine oil spill is beyond the capacity of the Authority, the Director may seek assistance from other States or persons in accordance with the national marine oil spill contingency plan.