1 The Marine Environment Protection Committee,
at its fifty-fifth session (9 to 13 October 2006) approved a Briefing
package for senior government officials and high-level executives
in the event of major oil spills, prepared by the fifth session of
its OPRC-HNS Technical Group (2 to 6 October 2006), the text of which
is set out in the annex.
2 The Briefing package was developed as a framework
which will enable the preparation of a comprehensive but concise brief
for senior government officials and high-level executives, containing
basic information on technical and political issues arising from a
major oil spill, as well as an indication as to the probable implications
and consequences of the incident in question. The information so provided
will also enable the senior government officials and high-level executives
to produce appropriate answers to questions that might be asked by
the media and the public at large.
3 Member Governments and, in particular, Parties
to the 1990 OPRC Convention, are invited to bring the annexed Briefing
package to the attention of the appropriate departments within the
maritime Administration responsible for oil pollution preparedness
and response.