The recent HELMEPA – Antipollution ER webinar, aimed at enhancing the knowledge and expertise in Hazardous & Noxious Substances (HNS) response, was a triumph in terms of both content and participation. Coordinated by HELMEPA and Antipollution, this training event was made possible through the invaluable support of the NGP Training Center. The event featured an impressive lineup of key speakers who shared their insights and expertise with a global audience.
Key Speakers:
- Andreas GIAKOUMELOS – General Manager of ANTIPOLLUTION.
- Giannis ALVERTOS – Head of Emergency Response Department of ANTIPOLLUTION.
- Cpt. Stefanos SKARVELIS – Training Director of NGP Training Center.
- Frédéric HÉBERT – Head of Sustainability Unit of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
- John DIPPLE – Master Mariner/Principal Instructor in HSE & Emergency Management.
The webinar delved into a wide range of topics crucial for an effective response to HNS incidents and covered a range of key areas. During the webinar, participants were exposed to a wealth of valuable information in various critical areas of Hazardous & Noxious Substances (HNS) response. They gained profound insights into EMSA Pollution Response Services, equipping themselves with the knowledge needed to comprehend essential oil spill response services and their mobilization during times of crisis. Additionally, the event delved into the intricacies of the OPRC HNS Protocol and Convention, offering a comprehensive understanding of these international agreements governing preparedness, response, and cooperation in HNS incidents. By presenting real-life incident case studies, the webinar provided a thorough exploration of the potential issues and response options in HNS incidents. The importance of addressing environmental, health, and safety concerns in HNS incidents was underscored to emphasize the critical need for minimizing adverse impacts. Lastly, participants learned about proper techniques for the management and disposal of hazardous wastes generated during HNS incidents, ensuring a comprehensive approach to handling these challenging situations.
The HELMEPA – Antipollution ER webinar achieved its goals by providing a holistic view of HNS response and management. The collaboration between HELMEPA, Antipollution, and NGP Training Center, along with the contributions of esteemed speakers, made this event an exceptional opportunity for participants to enhance their expertise in addressing hazardous and noxious substances incidents. The knowledge gained during this webinar will undoubtedly play a vital role in safeguarding our oceans and coastal environments from the potential harm of HNS incidents.