MAR-ICE Network
What is the MAR-ICE Network?
Marine Intervention in Chemical Emergencies (MAR-ICE) is a Europe wide network of experts to support maritime actors in the event of chemical emergency response at sea.
How does MAR-ICE work?
This network works on a 24/7 basis, upon request and free of charge. It provides an expert response within one hour of the request. The network consists of chemical experts and expertise from Cedre, Cefic, EMSA and the chemical industry.
How do you get in contact with the network of experts?
1. Get in contact with your authorized national MAR-ICE contact point. In some countries this is the local RCC and in some countries another actor.
a. The national MAR-ICE contact point is appointed by your country.
b. The MAR-ICE network has a list of authorized contact points; other persons/functions will not receive replies from the MAR-ICE network
2. Make sure that you have collected all the information for the MAR-ICE form.
3. Send the form through your national contact point, who will then start the expert support request process with MAR-ICE.
What kind of information does the network offer?
• Relevant HNS-specific documentation
• Additional expert advice on specific product properties and hazards through direct contact with a knowledgeable chemical company.
On a case-by-case basis and upon request, the service provides:
• Risk assessment for responders and the environment
• Drift and weathering modelling results, indicating areas potentially impacted by the released chemical
• Advice on response methods and options.
This network can also be used for exercises and drills.
Background
MAR-ICE was established by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and is developed in cooperation with the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and the Centre of Documentation, Research and Experimentation on Accidental Water Pollution (Cedre, France). MAR-ICE is based on the voluntary land-based chemical spills network (ICE, Intervention in Chemical transport Emergencies). National marine pollution response authorities in the EU, EFTA, EEA coastal states and coastal EU Candidate Countries are allowed to use the services during emergencies, drills and exercises.
Remember that
- Requests to MAR-ICE network are channeled through a dedicated MAR-ICE Contact Point. The services of the network are limited only for the use of nominated national authorities who are usually national competent authorities on marine pollution. Your national contact point will stay as the connection point for MAR-ICE throughout the expert information request process.
- MAR-ICE provides also very specific information, make sure that you have a national chemical expert available to interpolate the received information to fit into your needs