Maritime Pollution Prevention and Controls

Places of Refuge (PoR):

Useful files:

Emergency Response to Maritime Related Incidents

As part of the Pollution and Incidence Response Unit (PIRU) duties, Officers are required as requested or following feedback by Inspectors (P&YD Inspectorate Unit) to go on-site in case of smaller-scale maritime-related incidents. The actions associated with the latter include (1) initial assessment of the incident, (2) ascertaining correct response take place by the appropriate individuals or entities and overseeing or coordinating all necessary action, (3) liaising with third parties such as Terminal and Facility Operators, Civil Protection and Malta Environment and Planning Authority as necessary (4) determining that sufficient action has been taken to declare the incident closed and (5) compiling a report or recording the incident.

The PIRU is also involved in the CleanSeaNet initiative and the CleanSeaNet user group set up by the European Maritime Safety Agency where satellite technology is utilised to localise oil pollution at sea. Presently Transport Malta is the National Competent Authority for this measure.

Malta’s preparedness to response to a maritime incident

With respect to preparedness and response to large scale incidentis. An incident that a single terminal or entity may not be able to handle, the PIRU is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the National Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (NMPCP)and the maintenance and operation of offshore Oil Response Equipment newly acquired through the EEA Financial Mechanism. For more information on EEA Grants see this website. An annual full-scale oil pollution response exercise in collaboration with the European Maritime Safety Agency is carried out as part of ongoing oil and HNS spill response training.

Maritime Emergencies, Pollution Prevention, Preparedness and Response

Transport Malta is committed to safeguard the marine environment through the prevention of maritime emergencies and pollution incidents by ensuring the maintenance of effective preparedness and response arrangements for such incidents occurring within Malta’s waters and areas of responsibility.
Through the implementation of national and international obligations, Transport Malta acting as the local port authority works with Marine Terminals, Marine Facilities, Marinas and Yachting Centres, Government entities and other relevant stakeholders to enhance marine environmental protection and strengthen response capabilities.

Prevention

Prevention of marine pollution remains the most effective means of protecting the marine environment.
Transport Malta promotes a proactive and risk-based approach to pollution prevention through regulatory oversight, stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, operational preparedness and the implementation of recognised industrial practices.
Operators of ports, terminals, marinas and other marine facilities are encouraged to identify potential hazards associated with their activities and implement suitable preventive and mitigation measures.

Preparedness

Preparedness is essential to ensuring that marine pollution incidents and other maritime emergencies can be managed effectively and efficiently.
Transport Malta supports the development and maintenance of facility-specific emergency response and marine pollution preparedness arrangements through the publication of guidance material, regular inspections, training and the promotion of best practices.

Marine Operations and Incident Response Unit (MOIRU)

The Marine Operations and Incident Response Unit (MOIRU) supports Transport Malta’s preparedness and response functions relating to maritime emergencies and marine pollution incidents.
MOIRU contributes to the implementation of national response arrangements through operational coordination, preparedness activities, stakeholder engagement, training initiatives and participation in exercises. The Unit also supports the development and maintenance of facility specific plans, contingency planning arrangements and response capabilities aimed at enhancing Malta’s readiness to address maritime incidents.

Emergency Response Planning and Marine Pollution Preparedness Guidelines

Guidelines for Emergency Response Planning and Marine Pollution Preparedness have been prepared to provide a structured framework for the development, implementation and maintenance of emergency response plans, marine pollution contingency arrangements and supporting risk assessments.
The Guidelines provide practical direction on:
· Risk assessment and hazard identification;
· Emergency response planning;
· Marine pollution preparedness and response arrangements;
· Resource and capability assessment;
· Roles and responsibilities;
· Communication and reporting procedures;
· Training, drills and exercises; and
· Plan review and continual improvement.

Useful Documentation

For Terminals:
Marine Pollution Preparedness and Response Contingency planning Guidelines for Marine Terminals and Facilities - Link
Emergency Preparedness and Response Contingency planning Guidelines for Marine Terminals and Marine Facilities - Link
For Marinas and Yachting Centres:
Emergency and Marine Pollution Preparedness and Response Contingency Planning Guidelines for Marinas and Yachting Centres V1 - Link

Other Matters

Apart from the main duties carried out as listed above, additional work is carried out by the PIRU that includes handling participation in projects, aspects of environmental issues with respect to ports and shipping, delivery of internal training including refresher training and occasional delivery of lectures to external entities upon request. Ongoing projects and examples of such work include:

Calypso Project
Representation on several committees and working groups
Attendance to relevant meetings and workshops related to pollution prevention and control and environmental issues.
Liaison with national entities including other Authorities and Departments
Liaison with regional and international entities such as the European Maritime Safety Agency and the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea
Shipping, Ports and Environmental Issues ( e.g. reviewing environmental legislation and policies that affect directly or indirectly port and shipping activity at a national level).