Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious
Substances, 2000 (OPRC-HNS Protocol)

Name of the agreement Aim of the document Important

Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances, 2000 (OPRC-HNS Protocol)

(Adoption: 15 March 2000; Entry into force: 14 June 2007)

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Provides a global framework for international cooperation in responding to major incidents or threats of marine pollution.

Deals specifically with preparedness and response to marine pollution at coastal state level.

Defines HNS as “any substance other than oil which, if introduced into the marine environment, is likely to create hazards to human health, to harm living resources and marine life, to damage amenities or to interfere with other legitimate uses of the Sea”.

Requires parties to establish national systems for responding effectively to pollution incidents and to establish a national contingency plan for preparedness and response, equipment stockpiles, training and response exercise programmes and to cooperate in the field of information exchange.

Ships carrying hazardous and noxious liquid substances are required to carry a shipboard pollution emergency plan to deal specifically with incidents involving HNS.