The Role of REMPEC in Prevention of and Response to Pollution from Ships in the Mediterranean Sea

With 20% of the global tank ship maritime traffic, and enhanced offshore oil and gas exploration and exploitation activities in the Mediterranean Sea, the risks related to oil pollution, inter alia, from ships are simultaneously increased. Governed by the Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention, REMPEC, in turn, assists Mediterranean coastal states in ratifying, implementing and administering conventions and generally accepted international rules and standards implemented by competent international organisations. The intention is ostensibly clear in so far as REMEPEC’s mission is to play an important role in mitigating all probabilities and possibilities of pollution from ships. In order to remain in the vanguard of action to prevent and reduce pollution from ships, REMPEC has further committed itself to assisting Contracting Parties of the Barcelona Convention to strengthen preparedness and response capacities through multifarious pragmatic actions, e.g. including remote assistance, on-site assistance, development of contingency planning, development and dissemination of guidelines, training and education and tools. Over the years, there has been a steady increase in the body of general and descriptive literature dedicated to the work of REMPEC. This chapter, however, concentrates on a more specific yet important area. As indicated in the title, this chapter provides an overview of the role of REMPEC pertaining to pollution from ships, with a special focus on oil pollution.