ITOPF joins SASEMAR's workshop in Asturias, Spain

Regular training and exercises carried out before incidents occur help to bolster the readiness and preparation for when they do. ITOPF had the opportunity to assist the delivery of a joint workshop at SASEMAR’s Jovellanos training centre in Asturias, Spain in November.

The event brought together participants from the General Directorate of Merchant Marine (DGMM), SASEMAR, the International Group of P&I Clubs and Spanish Maritime Law firm Albors Galiano Portales.

It consisted of a one-day table-top exercise where participants completed several tasks relating to a major casualty incident off the coast of Northern Spain. The exercise was divided into several components based on the typical chronology of events following an incident of this nature and included facilitator-led discussions on notification procedures, information gathering, risk assessment and decision making.

The second day was focused on classroom-based activities, including presentations on the legal framework underpinning maritime incidents, the role of P&I Clubs and the International Group and the presentation of claims following pollution incidents. The workshop is the first among several programmed training events, with the Spanish maritime authorities over the next few months.