AAGREED

APPROVED

Ministry of Environment Protection and

Natural Resources

Corporation Poti Sea Port

General Director
___________________ (___________)
_______ _________________ 2009

____________________ (___________)
_______ __________________ 2009

COORDINATED
Ministry of Environment Protection and
Natural Resources
Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Regional Office
Head _____________________
____________________ (___________)
_______ __________________ 2009

CORPORATION "POTI SEA PORT"

POTI SEA PORT

OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLAN

Poti 2009

Page 2 of 105

Scientific Research Firm "GAMMA"

POTI SEA PORT

OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLAN

Scientific-research firm GAMMA

President: Vakhtang Gvakharia

Tbilisi 2009

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Contents
PREFACE ..................................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER I. Poti sea port contingency plan for oil spill into the sea ..........................................7
I. Introduction .........................................................................................................................7
II. List of persons responsible for plan management ................................................................9
III. List of amendments and supplements to the plan ............................................................. 10
PART I. Oil spill response strategy ........................................................................................... 11
1.1 Objectives and purposes .......................................................................................... 11
1.2 Relation to other plans ............................................................................................. 11
1.3 Agreements and conventions ................................................................................... 13
1.3.1 Other International agreements ......................................................................... 14
1.3.2 Georgian legislature ......................................................................................... 14
PART 2. General estimation of ecological risk .......................................................................... 16
2.1 Scheme of plan action zone (port response zone) ......................................................... 16
2.2 Port response zone location on the scheme of Georgian territorial waters .................... 16
2.3 Poti harbor water basin ................................................................................................ 17
2.4 Oil spill sources in port response zone ......................................................................... 17
2.5 Transfer operations in Poti ........................................................................................... 17
2.5.1 General description of oil transfer terminal ........................................................... 18
2.5.2 Liquid goods and technological scheme of oil terminal operation ......................... 18
2.5.3 Other shipping operations ..................................................................................... 18
2.5.3.1 General cargo ................................................................................................. 18
2.5.3.2 Bulk cargo ..................................................................................................... 19
2.5.3.3 Chemical cargo .............................................................................................. 19
2.5.3.4 Containers terminal ........................................................................................ 19
2.5.3.5 Ro-ro and ferry terminal ................................................................................. 19
2.6 Incidents with tankers .................................................................................................. 19
2.7. Oil spill simulation ..................................................................................................... 20
2.8 Environment sensitivity priorities of Poti harbor responsibility zone in the sense of
protection and response ..................................................................................................... 21
2.8.1. The Black Sea ecosystem and animal world of Poti port responsibility zone ........ 21
2.8.2 Recommendations on making maps of the Black Sea ecological sensitivity of Poti
port responsibility zone ................................................................................................. 22
2.8.3 Estimation of priorities of oil spill response strategy ............................................. 22
PART 3. Functions and duties ................................................................................................... 24
3.1 Oil spill response policy and organization.................................................................... 24
3.1.1 Functions and duties in case of oil spill ................................................................. 24
3.1.1.1 Port administration ......................................................................................... 24
3.1.1.2 Oil shipment terminal..................................................................................... 24
3.1.1.3 Customs ......................................................................................................... 25
3.1.1.4 Competent national authorities ....................................................................... 25
3.1.1.5 Competent State operational authority ............................................................ 25
3.1.1.6 National operational contact station................................................................ 26
3.1.1.7 Auxiliary governmental authorities ................................................................ 27
3.2 Accounting and information about pollution ................................................................ 27
3.2.1 Duty of accounting ............................................................................................... 27
3.2.2 Format of accounting and information .................................................................. 27
3.2.3 Accounting on regional level ................................................................................ 28
3.3 Aerial observation ....................................................................................................... 29
3.4 Duties and responsibilities ........................................................................................... 30

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3.4.1 Local On-Scene Commander ................................................................................ 30

3.4.2 Emergency response team ..................................................................................... 30
3.4.3 National support team in case of oil spill............................................................... 31
3.5 Incident management centre .................................................................................... 35
PART 4. Response strategies .................................................................................................... 36
4.1 Hierarchical response structure and resource conception.............................................. 36
4.2 Spills in open sea ......................................................................................................... 37
4.3 Control methods .......................................................................................................... 37
4.3.1 Sphere of methods usage ...................................................................................... 37
4.3.2 General strategy of methods.................................................................................. 37
4.3.3 Existing alternatives of response ........................................................................... 38
4.3.3.1 Observation and monitoring ........................................................................... 38
4.3.3.2 Chemical dispersants pulverization ................................................................ 38
4.3.3.3 Mechanical control and renewal ..................................................................... 39
4.3.3.4 Operations of oil emergency spill abatement in harbor water basin................. 39
4.3.3.5 Spilled oil collecting ...................................................................................... 40
4.3.3.6 Limited surfaces clean-up in Poti port water basin.......................................... 42
4.3.3.7 Water basin cleaning along piers and malls .................................................... 42
4.3.3.8 Water basin clean-up in piers corners ............................................................ 43
4.3.3.9 Cleaning of water basin sections under suspended piers and wharfs ............... 43
4.3.3.10 Cleaning of water basin bays and pockets..................................................... 43
4.3.3.11 Mechanical dispersion .................................................................................. 44
4.3.3.12 Sorbnets ....................................................................................................... 44
4.4 Oil wash ashore Sometimes the optimum version may be carrying of oil contaminated
water ashore with its further removal from the coast and abatement. ................................. 44
4.4.1 Oil wash ashore servitude ..................................................................................... 44
4.4.2 The necessity of consultations by environment protection specialists .................... 44
CHAPTER 5. Readiness and planning ...................................................................................... 45
5.1 Planning and coordination ........................................................................................... 45
5.2 National plan ............................................................................................................... 45
5.3 Oil spill emergency plan of oil terminals ..................................................................... 45
5.4 Response operations .................................................................................................... 46
5.4.1 Response organization model................................................................................ 46
5.4.2 Commander structure ............................................................................................ 46
5.4.3 Communication/commander facilities ................................................................... 47
5.4.4 Specialists teams ................................................................................................... 48
5.4.5 International multi regional response .................................................................... 48
5.4.6 Administration, logistical support and financing ................................................... 49
5.4.6.1 Logistical support of response ........................................................................ 49
5.4.6.2 Customs procedures ....................................................................................... 51
5.4.6.3 Flying procedures .......................................................................................... 52
5.4.6.4 Navigation procedures ................................................................................... 52
5.4.6.5 Medical insurance and medical aid ................................................................. 53
5.4.6.6 Responsibility for damage and harm .............................................................. 53
5.4.6.7 Documentation of response operations and connected expenses ..................... 53
5.5 Training and exercises ................................................................................................. 54
5.5.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 54
5.5.2 Categories of exercises ......................................................................................... 56
5.5.2.1 Notification exercises ..................................................................................... 56
5.5.2.2 Table exercises ........................................................................................... 56
5.5.2.3 Exercises of equipment preparation for operation ........................................... 56
5.5.2.4 Incident management (complex) exercises ..................................................... 57

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5.6 Notification about discontinuance of operations........................................................... 57

5.7 Control list of actions .................................................................................................. 58
CHAPTER 6. Plan reference book. Contact persons in oil spill case ......................................... 60
6.1 Contact persons in oil spill case from Georgia .......................................................... 60
6.2 Contact persons in case of oil spill. The Black Sea region ............................................ 69
6.2.1 Georgia ................................................................................................................. 69
6.2.2 Bulgaria ................................................................................................................ 69
6.2.3 Rumania ............................................................................................................... 70
6.2.4 Russian Federation ............................................................................................... 71
6.2.5 Turkey .................................................................................................................. 71
6.2.6 Ukraine ................................................................................................................. 72
Part II. Poti port contingency plan for oil spill on land .............................................................. 73
I. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 73
II. List of persons responsible for plan administration ........................................................... 74
III. List of amendments and additions introduced in the plan ................................................. 75
Chapter 1. Response strategy on oil spill on land....................................................................... 76
1.1 Objectives and purposes .............................................................................................. 76
1.2 Relation to other plans ................................................................................................. 76
1.3 The presumable sources of oil spill on Poti harbor territory ......................................... 77
1.4 Risk resources ............................................................................................................. 79
CHAPTER 2. Actions ............................................................................................................... 86
2.1 Control list of Poti marine harbor response measures ................................................... 86
2.2. Railway transport incidents......................................................................................... 88
CHAPTER 3. Plan reference book ............................................................................................ 89
3.1 Characterization of Poti land part................................................................................. 89
3.1.1 Climate ................................................................................................................. 89
3.1.2 Relief .................................................................................................................... 89
3.1.3 Flora and fauna ..................................................................................................... 90
3.2 Recommendations on creation of ecological sensitivity maps of Poti marine harbour
territories........................................................................................................................... 91
3.3 Safety procedures at oil spill results elimination .......................................................... 93
3.3.1 Directions on estimation of on-scene safety conditions ......................................... 93
3.3.1.1 Inspection of work place ................................................................................ 93
3.3.1.2 Analysis of work ............................................................................................ 93
3.3.1.3 Control of place ............................................................................................. 94
3.3.1.4 Material technical provision and supply ......................................................... 94
3.3.1.5 Need of disinfection ....................................................................................... 95
3.3.1.6 Personal sanitary ............................................................................................ 95
3.3.1.7 Clean-up of disinfection place ........................................................................ 96
3.3.2 Health and safety estimation form appropriate to working place specificity .......... 96
3.3.2.1 Oil reduction .................................................................................................. 98
3.3.2.2 Waste burial ................................................................................................... 98
3.3.2.3 Stabilization ................................................................................................... 99
3.3.2.4 Waste burial into ground ................................................................................ 99
3.3.2.5 Burn............................................................................................................... 99
Applications............................................................................................................................ 100
Appendix 1. Determinations and abbreviations................................................................ 101
Appendix 2. Scenarios of spill on land ............................................................................ 104

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PREFACE
According to requirements of Georgian law and with consideration of perfection of
environment protection measures the administration of the Poti marine harbor has
developed1 and activated the given Poti Sea Port oil spill contingency plan.
The mentioned plan is the unity of two documents and comprises Poti sea port oil spill
contingency plan for oil spill into the sea2 and Poti sea port oil spill contingency plan
for oil spill on land3.
According to the operating rule the Poti Harbor Master will implement the local plan on
oil spill response in case of spilling of oil and other harmful substances in port response
zone where his responsibility is extended. Before implementation the plan is approved
by Competent National Authority as the plan compatible with national plan (Georgia) of
response on oil spill into the sea.
In this sense Poti port oil spill contingency plan corresponds to the directions,
procedures and principles of action formulated in national plan of response on oil spill.
At the same time, guiding principles on planning of reaction on oil spill elaborated by
International Marine Organization are taken into account (source: Handbook on oil
contamination reaction by International Marine Organization, chapter 2, 1995).
In case of 1st step oil spill the Local On-Scene Commander will mobilize the necessary
local personnel and resources. The office of Poti Harbor Masters will perform the
function of Local On-Scene Commander post.
In case of 2nd step oil spill response level requires from National On-Scene Command
to mobilize the additional personnel and other resources existed inside the country.
After consulting with National On-Scene commander the Local On-Scene Commander
makes mobilization of emergency response teams.
In case of 3rd step spill the National On-Scene Commander (head of Maritime Rescue
Coordination Centre) issues the request for resources in agreement with competent
State Governmental Authority. 3rd step response resources could be provided under
international convention requests on the basis of regional and two-side agreements
formed within International Cooperation (Bucharest Convention, International
Convention on readiness, response and cooperation in oil spilling, 1990, Search-andrescue Convention). The International contractors on oil spill response may provide
support in supplying necessary facilities on the basis of the respective agreements.
Rescue Coordination Centre provides organization of preliminary receipt of document
copy for quick interchange of faxes in case of summons.

A contingency plan (17 September 1997) for oil spills exists and is approved by the Ministry of Environment. The
skimming plan covers organizations of skimming actions in the harbor, notification procedures and some
recommendations on skimming technology. Although no equipment for oil spill abatement is available inside the
port, quotations have been requested from international suppliers. The skimming plan outlines the structure of the
specialized Division for Contamination Prevention. Bashtannyy, R., Webster, L & Raaymakers ,S. 2002. 1st Black
Sea Conference on Ballast Water Control and Management, Odessa, Ukraine, 10-12 October 2001: Conference
report. GloBallast Monograph Series No 3. IMO London.
2
See Part I of the given document.
3
See partII of the given document

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CHAPTER I. Poti sea port contingency plan for oil spill into the sea
I. Introduction
Poti port contingency plan for oil spill into the sea is elaborated on the basis of decree
of Georgian National Plan4 of oil spill response in correspondence with the actions,
procedures and principles indicated in it. At the same time guiding principles on oil spill
response elaborated by International Marine Organization is taken into consideration.
According the adopted rule the plan of oil spill response of oil spill into water will be put
into operation by Poti Harbor Master. This plan is used in case of oil or other harmful
substances spilling in harbor response zone.
Overseas shippings, particularly, oil transportation with tankers is connected with sea
contamination risks expressed in possible collisions, emergencies, sea incidents
connected with oil or oil products trans-shipment or bin operations and other activities.
Such contamination may endanger recreation sites, sensitive environment, sea birds,
sea world, fishing and the objects located on the coast.
Response on emergency and operational spills needs preliminary planning in order to
reduce the damage caused by oil spill. Poti port contingency plan for oil spill into the
sea is serving the solution of this problem. The main objective of this plan is to create
effective and economically substantiated measures for oil spill prevention, abatement of
oil spill negative results and eradication of damages caused by spilling.
In accordance with International convention on readiness, response and cooperation
on oil spill (OPRC, 1990), 1992 convention against Black Sea contamination
(Bucharest Convention) and Protocol on emergency cooperation against Black Sea
contamination with oil and other harmful substances (Special Protocol), all Black Sea
coastal countries are duty-bound to establish inter-cooperation with other coastal
countries, the purpose being protection of the Black Sea ecological environment from
contamination caused by special and emergency situations, reduction and elimination of
contamination.
The plan considers functions and responsibilities and also instructions about the
measures to be taken at sea pollution in case of small local leakages (step 1), as well
as, at wide-range complex leakages (step 2).
In case of oil contamination of the sea the Georgian Marine Code puts the responsibility
on Marine Administration. Paragraph 9(d) states that Georgian Marine Administration:
(d) forms rescue coordination centre and performs State control on human rescue
processes at sea and in case of sea contamination organizes skimming operations
(13.07.2000 N 490).
The law about Georgian sea rescue service adopted in 2000 provides readiness of
execution of search-and-rescue operations at sea, struggle against incidents of oil and
other dangerous substances spill into sea in compliance to Georgian legislature and
international standards. The law imposes the responsibility for carrying out rescue

See, version of December 2006 on Georgian National Plan of response on oil spill into sea

Page 8 of 105

coordination operations and operations against the incidents of oil spill at sea on marine
rescue coordination centre.
The plan of response on oil spill comprises:
Mapping of natural habitat areas within the whole Poti sea harbor responsibility
zone which may be damaged as a result of possible oil spill;
Elaboration of situational scenarios of possible spills and retaliatory measures
with consideration of local conditions;
Provision of respective cleaning devices, materials and service at oil spill;
Plan of respective devices location and detailed data of organizations responsible
for oil spill response for notification about emergency situations;
Conditions of processing and storage of materials contaminated as a result of
spill;
List of expenses for environment strategy program realization presented in oil
spill response plan.
Spill response plan or contingency plan represents a methodic document on emergency
procedures of incident, fire and dangerous substances spill localization or the complex
of measures for minimization of potential negative action of spilling of environment
polluting substances. The plan contains the following information:
Name, address and status of responsible person;
Name, status, address and 24 hours contact telephone of the person responsible
for contingency plan activation;
Description of the object;
Description of pollutant in case of spill;
Rule of activation of spill response plan;
Program of training of personnel on spill response;
Reaction facilities and equipment for cleaning which is available in realization of
spill response plan.
Besides, the plan includes:
List of local cleaning contractors who can be summoned for support in spill
response;
List of telephone numbers of emergency services such as fire fighters, first aid,
police;
Safety specifications for each product or polluted substance which is stored in
Poti marine port responsibility zone.

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II. List of persons responsible for plan management

Person responsible for plan management
Copy N
Poti harbor Master
Poti harbor Administration
The Black Sea Convention inspection
State marine rescue coordination center (MRCC)5
Joint transport administration6, marine trans-harbor department
Department of emergency situations response7
Georgia border police8
Ministry of environment protection and natural resources of
Georgia
The Black Sea commission9
Local governmental authority, Poti municipality

State marine rescue coordination centre (MRCC) in case of necessary search-and-rescue operations in the
responsibility zone of Georgia at search-and-rescue operations (SAR) with ships and aircrafts establishes continuous
radio communication (contact) and coordinates activities between acting rescue means with attraction of ships to the
place of incident. For this purpose in this region necessary contact GEOREP with ships is established.
Using GEOREP notification and AIS system SMRCC implements permanent monitoring for rapid ship search in
SAR zone or for determination of nearest ship location for sending for help to the place of incident.
GMDSS facilities are used for radio contact. For A1 and A2 regions sound observation is done on channel 16 on
VHF and 2182 KHz, also with the help of DSC on VHF and MF.
On receiving EPIRB signal in all regions, communication is realized with the ship, ship owner and search-andrescue coordination centre (MRCC) in the region where EPIRB is actuated in order to determine buoy actuation
cause and in the case of necessity help is sent to the site. Telephone, E-mail and telex are used in such case
Also, in case of oil and other oil products contingent spill SMRCC realizes the coordination of all action forces and
organization of liquidation of oil products spilling.
6
Lower organization of the Ministry of Economical Development of Georgia exercising in transport sphere the
rights entitled by law.
7
Is the part of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Georgia.
8
Is the part of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Georgia. Director of department supervises Coast security
department of border police of Georgia and is, at the same time, border police deputy head. Department consists of
operations management office, resource management office and coast security policy office.
The sphere of activity of coast security department is protection of sovereignty, sovereign rights, State marine
border of Georgia and provision of sea safety.
The basic problems of coast security department are:
Demonstration of national flag of Georgia in marine space;
Control of legislation regime protection in marine space of Georgia;
Prevention, exposition and elimination of law violation in marine space of Georgia;
Monitoring of Georgian and foreign ships activities;
Provision of safety of seamanship and seafaring;
Search-and-rescue operations implementation at sea;
Control of measures of harbor security and safety provision;
Protection of strategic objects from sea side.
Coast protection department performs the entrusted problems on sea using radio technical observation systems and
with different type and class floating facilities.
9
Georgia, together with other coastal countries, is the member of International Committee of Black Sea protection
from pollution (the Black Sea or Istanbul committee) created under the aegis of convention. In Black Sea committee
Georgia is presented by N. Tkhilava (E-mail: ntkhilava@moe.gov.ge), head of department of environment
integrated management of the Ministry of environment protection and national resources of Georgia.

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III. List of amendments and supplements to the plan

Number
of Date
of Date
of Initiator
of Responsible
amendment or amendment
introduction of amendment or person
supplement
approval
amendment or supplement
signature
supplement
1.
2.
3.

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PART I. Oil spill response strategy

1.1 Objectives and purposes
The purpose of the document is to understand the needs that arise on sea or coastal
zone in case of spilled oil stretch in Poti sea harbor or in open sea in 12 mile
responsibility zone and describe readiness for urgent measures which are already
prepared or are to be prepared (or agreed) by state responsible service and third parts
to minimize the effect caused by oil spill on environment. This document determines the
responsibility of those organizations and persons who are directly concerned in oil spill
case, the obligations of main personnel in case of oil spill beginning from initial
notification procedures, from mobilization to demobilization of personnel and equipment.
The document consists of 6 parts and world leading experiences are considered here.
Chapter 1 discusses the strategy of oil spill response. Chapter 2 considers the problems
of estimation of ecological risks. Chapter 3 gives the functions and duties of persons
included in response. Chapter 4 determines operative strategies. Chapter 5 presents
the problems of readiness and planning and Chapter 6 gives the list of the personnel
with whom is necessary to contact in case of oil spill incident. The document has
appendices containing necessary information and forms.
The document is the first version of Poti port oil spill contingency plan for Poti marine
port and thus in February of each year it would need revising, introduction of changes
and corrections in case of need with agreement of responsible authorities and persons.
Practical test of realization of the given plan happens at simulation trainings on oil spill
response.
1.2 Relation to other plans
Regional plan of response (within national plan of response on spill into the sea)
In case when oil spilled into Georgian waters can propagate and effect border waters
Plan of oil spill response into the Black Sea will come into action. At struggling against
sea contamination with oil and other harmful substances the protocol on cooperation in
emergency situations implies all incidents of contamination of the Black Sea which need
more resources than the resources existing on state level or which may potentially
affect other border territories. The Black Sea plan is based on regional agreement
between such coastal states as Bulgaria, Georgia, Rumania, Russian Federation,
Turkey and Ukraine about joint support in case of wide range contamination of the Black
Sea. Geographical area of regional plan comprises all six Black Sea coastal states. The
responsibility sphere of these states spreads on coastal zone, internal waters, territorial
sea space and particularly, on economical zone of the countries participating in
agreement.
Response plans of other ports and oil terminals
In case when emergency oil spill happens in Poti marine port or in port open sea in 12
mile responsibility zone and the problem cannot be solved on the level of Poti port or
Channel energy (Poti) limited Georgia oil trans-shipment terminal according to

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scenario of the 1st step response plan, the response plans of Batumi and Sokhumi
ports, Supsa and Kulevi oil terminals are actuated (according to national plan of
response on spill into sea). In the mentioned case when local resources are not
sufficient for performing response operations the national plan (OSC) of oil spill
response is used on the basis of notification of marine search coordination centre in
agreement with Notification and accounting part of this plan.
National plan of response on spill on land
Crossing the Georgian territory Caspian oil is transported by railway to sea oil terminals.
With consideration of oil transportation risks, the national plan of reaction on spill on
land is worked out with the objective to eliminate and minimize oil spill on land. The
given plan is used in case of oil spill on land when oil is transported or is expected to be
transported which may endanger marine ecological environment. If oil gets into estuarial
environment (salt waters) national plan of reaction on spill (OSCP) is used. The
interaction between national plan of response on spill in sea and its component parts is
given below (see Fig.1.2.1).
Accident abatement and fire suppression plan
Accident abatement and fire suppression plan will be used by local power alongside
with the plan of oil accidental spill abatement and regional plan of elimination of
contamination with chemical substances, while at great emergency spills - together with
national action plan of environment management and environment protection. Within
this plan the use of other additional measures is also possible, in particular, the
equipment of fire fighting teams is allocated in West Georgia.
Local government plan of oil accidental spill abatement
In case of accident happened outside Poti harbor jurisdiction when it is necessary to
carry out coastal line purification works, local government according to its oil spill
elimination plan should begin elimination procedures.
Regional plan of abatement of oil and chemical substances contamination
This plan is used in case of accident on the Black Sea and in case of all those accidents
which happen in Black Sea coastal countries and the results of which may get beyond
the borders of the specific country.
Environment management plan (EMP)
The environment management plan is worked out for minimization or abatement of
some negative results which may be caused by construction and using of new
terminals. Also, the elements for monitoring program organization which can be realized
before or after terminal actuating are mentioned. The objective of the plan is to provide
minimization of the volume of wastes and polluting substances, conformity with
international norms and operation standards, permanent improvement of environment
protection practice, conformity with law and realization of environment protection plan.
National environment action plan (NEAP)

Page 13 of 105

With the aim to support the realization of The Black Sea strategic action plan in
Georgia the Ministry of environment protection and natural resources, which is
responsible for coordination of governmental measures on state ecology protection and
preservation worked out the national action plan of environment protection of Georgia.
World Bank and government of Holland allotted a grant for preparation of this
document. In the process of its preparation the project implementation unit (PIU), the
coastal zone management joint working group (ISZM WG) held consultations with
international marine organization, environment protection association of oil industry
representatives (IPIECA) and International Federation of tankers owners responsibility
restriction (ITOPF) in case of sea contamination in order that national plans on accident
reaction be in conformity with international marine organization standards and with the
programs of actuating the similar plans. The document considers the possibility of
financing the oil spill response with the help of the existing conventions where
responsibility of tanker owner/operator and also, those compensating funds which
provide tanker owners and member countries with insurance in case of oil spill are
determined. The plan considers the possibilities of reaction on accidental spill in sea
and land (along Georgian sea shore), as well as, strategies of oil spill avoidance and
abatement in the process of activity.

Fig. 1.2.1. Oil spill response plans and sequence of their actuating

1.3 Agreements and conventions

The given chapter presents the legal basis which concerns planning emergency
measures in case of oil spill into the sea.
The measures determined by National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan Georgia
(NMOSCPG) are based exactly on the mentioned legislation. Below are presented all
respective decrees and conventions ratified by Georgia.
Table 1.3.1. International agreements and conventions
Convention

Date of coming into Date

of
action
ratification
by
Georgia
International convention on readiness, 1995, May 13
1996, February
response and cooperation on oil spill, 1990
20
(OPRC 1990)
International civil liability convention for
damage caused by oil pollution, 1992 (is
known as 1992 CLC)
On foundation in 1971 of International fund 1978, October 16 2000, March 10
for damage compensation caused by oil and
1976,
contamination and its protocol of 1976 (1971, November
22,
1976)
respectively
International convention of marine property 1996, July 14
1995, August 25
salvage, 1989 (SALVAGE, 1989)

Page 14 of 105

1992 protocol of amendments in CLC, 1969,

1976
1969 International convention on intervention
in case of oil incidental contamination of sea
and its 1973 protocol in case of open sea
contamination with other substances besides
oil (INTERVENTION 1969,1973)
1972
International
Convention
with
amendments for avoidance of sea pollution
caused with wastes and other substances
dumping (LCL 1972)
1992 international Convention on the Black
Sea
protection
from
contamination
(Bucharest convention)

1996, May 39

2000, March 10

1975, May 6 and 1995, August 25

1983, March 30, (both)
respectively

1975, August 30

Not yet ratified

1992, April 22

1994

1.3.1 Other International agreements

Below are given agreements concerning The Black Sea environment protection
Table 1.3.1.1. The Black Sea regional environmental agreements
Regional agreements
Declaration of 1993, April 6-7, concerning Bucharest
convention realization (Odessa declaration)
Strategic action plan of the Black Sea rehabilitation and
protection
Cooperation protocol against the Black Sea contamination
with oil and other harmful substances in emergency
situations, Black Sea oil spill contingency plan

Date of sign
1993, April 7, Odessa,
Ukraine
1996,
October
31,
Istanbul, Turkey
2004, Istanbul, Turkey

1.3.2 Georgian legislature

Below are presented those legislative acts approved by Georgian Parliament which
regulate sea rescue operations, the problems of response on oil spill into the sea and
environmental protection.
Table 1.3.2.1. Georgian Laws
Georgian law
On environment protection
Georgian Marine Code
On state borders of Georgia

Date of approval
1996, December
1997, May
1998, July

Page 15 of 105

On marine space
On compensation of damage caused by
dangerous substances
Georgian law on state control in transport
and communication sectors
Georgian law on independent state
regulation organs
On sea rescue service

1998, December
1999, July
2001, July
2006, March
2000, September

Page 16 of 105

PART 2. General estimation of ecological risk

2.1 Scheme of plan action zone (port response zone)
Georgian law On marine rescue service in article 10 Local On-Scene Commander in
harbor responsibility zone determines the notion of port responsibility zone, particularly,
it is indicated that Harbor Master is On-Scene action Commander if rescue operations
are carried out in port or in 12 NM (NM- sea mile) radius from the port (responsibility
zone).
One
sea
mile
equals
1.852
km
(see
http://www.ru.convertme.com/ru/convert/units/length.nmile.ru.html). Thus 12 sea miles is equal to 22.224 km.
Georgian marine trans-harbor administration has developed the borders of port
responsibility zone. Thus, the initial point of demarcation line of Kulevi oil terminal and
Poti harbor responsibility zones starts from the North bay of the Rioni mouth and by 270
degrees continues in sea direction while the initial point of demarcation line of Supsa oil
terminal and Poti harbor responsibility zones begins at the South bay of the Kaparcha
mouth and respectively, continues in sea direction by 270 degree.
The above mentioned sector represents the port responsibility zone which makes about
320 km2 of sea basin. (see Table 2.1.1)
Table 2.1.1. Coordinates of Poti harbour responsibility zone points
UTM WGS 84 ZONE 37N
Point nomination
1
2
3
4

X
694815.321
717039.321
723497.866

Y
4676768.045
4676768.045
4663198.708
4663198.708

Fig. 2.1.1. Poti harbor responsibility zone

2.2 Port response zone location on the scheme of Georgian territorial waters
Fig. 2.2.1. Territorial waters of Georgia
Georgian law On sea space, chapter III - territorial sea of Georgia, article 15.
1. Territorial sea of Georgia is 12 sea mile width sea belt surrounding the land territory
of Georgia or internal sea waters. The width of territorial sea is counted from initial lines.
2. The delimitation of Georgian territorial waters from territorial seas of other Black Sea
coastal countries is realized on the basis of agreement among these countries. If there
is no such agreement, delimitation is done in correspondence to international legislature
principles and standards.
3. Outer border of Georgian territorial sea is the state border of Georgia.

Page 17 of 105

2.3 Poti harbor water basin

The port has 15 piers (see Fig. 2.3.1). The port is protected with wave breaker directed
from South to East.
Fig. 2.3.1. Poti harbor water basin
Poti harbor operational zone controlled with all available equipment for oil spill
elimination comprises:
Water basin of the new port;
North port water basin including internal water basin;
South port water basin.
As it was said above Poti sea port is situated between 42012N and 42008N parallels
and continues for 12 sea miles in the sea direction.
The port consists of outside anchorages and internal port.
The internal port is protected with malls and consists of 3 basins which can be accessed
by a channel. The entrance channel is 1900 m long and 100 m wide.
The whole area of water basins is 643400 m2.
2.4 Oil spill sources in port response zone
In port response zone there are the following sources of the Black Sea contamination
with oil products:
Common operations with participation of ships;
Incidents happening at oil transportation with tankers;
Industrial operations of oil and oil products trans-shipment in terminals.
It should be mentioned that in the zone of Poti harbor responsibility the danger of oil
leakage or spill, as a result of sea operations, is not a serious risk-factor. Though, this
section of the Black Sea is intensively used as transport corridor and for oil products
trans-shipment.
2.5 Transfer operations in Poti
In the sense of general characteristics, below are presented operations carried out in
the port in the first half of 2004:
Poti port has processed 828 ships;
The total freight turnover was 2785.7 thousand tones. 652.8 thousand tones or 23% of
freight turnover come on export, 553.3 thousand tones (29%) - on import and 1579.6
thousand tones (57%) - on transit.
During the first 6 months the port had processed 1067.2 thousand tones of
unprepacked goods, including: grain - 117.6 thousand tones, ferrous metal scrap 214.7 thousand tones, bauxite - 436.8 thousand tones, alumina - 132.7 thousand tones,
silicomanganese - 39.7 thousand tones, copper concentrate - 48 thousand tones.
Total freight volume made 1132.4 thousand tones, and that of liquid freight - 586.1
thousand tones.
In 6 months of 2004, 38328 standard unit containers have bee processed.
Railway-ferry complex processed 408 motor cars and 2422 railway cars. Total turnover
made 170.1 thousand tones.

Page 18 of 105

In South industrial region of the port were processed 4772 motor cars with 159.1
thousand tones of good, the total freight turnover of the region was 171.4 thousand
tones.
2.5.1 General description of oil transfer terminal

At present in Poti harbor responsibility zone there is no oil-processing industry, here are
performed just oil and oil products transfer operations, the main and responsible
producer being firm Channel energy Poti LTD oil products transfer terminal.
Operations with tankers are performed at wharf N1 (wharf N 1 is equipped with special
loading-unloading equipment standers. Most of operational works are done on
incoming tankers), while the first sector (phase) of terminal is situated north to wharf N
3, the second sector (phase) east to container terminal. Vertical metal reservoirs,
pumping stations, railway piers, technological pipeline system and other additional
infrastructure are located on the territory of terminal. The total volume of the first sector
reservoirs is 36265 m3, and that of the second - 77570 m3.
Oil products annual turnover is (by actual data of 2007):
Diesel fuel 354 374 t per year;
Kerosene 88 768 t per year;
Petrol 415 857 t per year.
2.5.2 Liquid goods and technological scheme of oil terminal operation

Loading-unloading of oil products, mainly of diesel and kerosene, is performed at wharf

N 1 while that of small volume chemical substances - at wharf N 2. Wharf N 1 is
equipped with special loading-unloading plant. The most part of operations are done on
incoming tankers.
The technology of operation of Channel Energy Poti LTD oil terminal consists of oil
product admittance-storage-transmission reversal scheme:
Export port scheme considers oil products pumping from railway cars into reservoirs
which are equipped with evaporation protective technical means - pontoons (caisson).
After this the mentioned oil products are pumped to tanker at pier N 1 with 1000 m3/hr
efficiency pump.
Import port scheme considers pumping of diesel fuel, benzene and petrol from tanker to
reservoirs and then to tank cars with 1000 m3/hr efficiency. Besides, it is possible to
pump petrol directly into tank cars (500 m3/hr) avoiding reservoirs.
2.5.3 Other shipping operations

The port may serve tankers with 25 000 tone dead load, bulk goods carriers with dead
weight 25000 tones, carry general cargo and serve ships, ro-ro, ferry, passenger ships
and fishing vessels. Here maximum length of ships is 270 m, with maximum length of
axle 32 m and drift 10.8 m.
2.5.3.1 General cargo

Docks 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 serve such cargo as timber, grain, sugar and other
foodstuff. Cargo load-unload is performed in sacks or pallets. At some docks about

Page 19 of 105

25000 tones of freight can be served. For effective serving of freight the docks are
equipped with wharf cranes. Operation space comprises open and closed storages
where there can be stored such goods as cotton, saltpeter, etc. Every pier is connected
to the local railway station with rails for more effective service of ships at piers.
2.5.3.2 Bulk cargo

Scrap, boxites, pearlite, copper, coke these are just a small list of cargo which are
processed at each pier equipped with heavy payload cranes. The storages located near
piers are used for goods storage. In the above mentioned piers there also are realized
operations on such design devices as drilling equipment and steel pipes transited to the
countries of Central Asia.
2.5.3.3 Chemical cargo

Cargo that represents or contains small amounts of chemical substances are loaded at
pier N 2.
2.5.3.4 Containers terminal

Container terminal is equipped with 3 portal cranes with about 40 t capacity and in
future the increase of storage area of this terminal is planned.
At present wharf N 7 is container terminal which receives ships from Jioia-tarun (Italy),
Istanbul (Turkey), Pireo (Greece), Novorosiisk (Russia), Burgas (Bulgaria) and other
countries. In terminal there are three wharf cranes with 40 t capacity each. In the
nearest future Poti port plans the widening of terminal in order to increase storage
volume and respectively, container cargo carrying capacity.
2.5.3.5 Ro-ro and ferry terminal

The loading-unloading of ro-ro and ferry ships is done at wharfs N 2, 12 and 13. These
terminals serve regular cruises from Ilichevsk, Burgas and Varna and connect sea
routes with railway and motor car routes which enable further transportation of cargo in
Caucasus region. Here are also storages for containers and a lorry park.

2.6 Incidents with tankers

There are a number of different scenarios of spill (see Table 2.6.1) which may arise
within Poti port response zone at oil loading process into ships.
Spills outside the port may happen at ship damage (for example, collision or accident)
or because of oil spill from terminal to adjacent water area.
Table 2.6.1. Spill scenarios
Type of oil spill
Scenario
Diesel
fuel, Overfilling/

Location
Risk
pipe Pier N 1/ port water Medium

Page 20 of 105

kerosene, petrol

damage
Ship damage

Burst water

Ship damage

Ballast water

Illegal spill
Ship damage

Other type

Illegal spill
Wash ashore

basin
Port
water
basin/open sea
Port
water
basin/open sea
Open sea
Port
water
basin/open sea
Open sea
Coastal line within
Poti
port
responsibility zone

Low
Low
Medium
Low
Medium
Medium

Response measures for each scenario are not considered as, in case of oil spill with
consideration of the existing circumstances and specific case, Local On-Scene
Commander defines to which step the given incident belongs and takes respective
measures.
2.7. Oil spill simulation
Emergency oil spill into open sea, in Poti port responsibility zone means that the
incident happened in territorial waters of Georgia. In this case National On-Scene
Commander (NOSC) timely notified by Harbor Master supervises and observes oil
patch basing on meteorological and hydrographic data and defines its displacement
direction and speed prognosis.
Observation results are conveyed to other parties who may get damaged as a result of
contamination.
It should be taken into account that oil spill model named oil spill information system
(OSIS) will be installed on specially assigned computer located at the Batumi incident
management office. The personnel of the Ministry of environment protection and natural
resources and marine rescue coordination centre will be particularly trained to be able
to use the model.
After receiving oil pollution State Report Form (national spills) and Pollution Report
Form (POLREP) on international scale spills the respective data about oil spill will be
filed to OSIS by oil spill simulation specialist for calculation of expected oil patch
displacement trajectory and further expected effect of oil.
National On-Scene Commander uses the given information as the plan for personnel
and equipment mobilization.
Note:
Particular attention is needed at using the results of oil patch simulation. It should be
taken into consideration that weather may suddenly change and the preliminarily made
prognosis and assumptions about oil patch displacement and, generally, on the effect of
environment, may not appear true. Thats why simulation results must be considered as
general characteristic and in addition, the results of observations on spilled oil patch are
to be considered (as much as possible) which will support getting maximally exact data.

Page 21 of 105

The computation of oil patch displacement may be done in hand (by manual methods).
Manual method means plotting of oil patch data on the respective scale hydrographic
map by using simple vectors which denote wind speed and direction respective to
current speed and direction. Admitting that oil surface displaces with 3% of wind speed
and 100% of current speed the vectors can be plotted on the map and oil patch
displacement direction can be determined. According patch motion presumable speed
and distance to shore, the time required for patch to be washed ashore can be
calculated. Current on Georgian sea shore-line is mainly in north-west direction, in
parallel to coast line and its speed seldom exceeds 0.5 units.
With consideration of specific climate conditions wind is mainly directed westwards and
the strongest breezes are usual in winter when wind speed sometimes exceeds 30
units.
In case of 2nd and 3rd step oil spill into open sea the mobilization of national support
group becomes necessary for technical assistance of National On-Scene Commander.
A special member of the group will have respective knowledge and qualification in oil
patch modeling by computer methods.
2.8 Environment sensitivity priorities of Poti harbor responsibility zone in the
sense of protection and response
Since 1992 Georgia has ratified about twenty International Conventions on environment
protection including convention on biodiversities protection:
UN framework convention about biological diversities (1994);
Convention on civil responsibility about damage caused with oil products pollution
(1994);
Convention about endangered species of wild flora and fauna (1994);
International particularly important super-humid territories suitable for water birds
habitation.
2.8.1. The Black Sea ecosystem and animal world of Poti port responsibility zone

Natural resources of Poti

One of the main natural resources of Poti is water it is the basic climatic factor and the
development of living world in this region is depended on it. According to the information
of Strabo, Greek geographer, the city of Poti, ancient Phasis, was situated between the
river Phasis (Rioni), lake (Paliastomi) and the sea. He writes about this: On the bank of
the river Phasis the city of the same name, empirion of Kolkheti, is situated, with river,
lake and sea spread before it, although from the East Poti is also bordered with the
river Kaparcha.
The Black Sea
The name of the Black Sea has been known since the time immemorial. Tamaruni or
the Black Sea, so it was called in the first millennium BC by Indian origin tribes Meots
and Sinds. Later Greeks called it Pontus Euxinus which word-for-word means
inhospitable sea. Since the 15th century Turks called it Karadenizi Black sea.
During the last 30 years the Black Sea environment has catastrophically changed. At
present it is one of the most polluted seas and needs immediate help.

Page 22 of 105

Paliastomi Lake
Some thousand years ago the Paliastomi lake was the bay of the Black Sea. It
practically lost its natural appearance as in the 20th of the 20th century the human
being reached its ecosystem and, as is characteristic to him, rashly and thoughtless of
the expected results, damages it. The artificial connection with the sea caused the
increase of lake salinity conditioning sharp decrease of fish in the lake.
2.8.2 Recommendations on making maps of the Black Sea ecological sensitivity of Poti
port responsibility zone

The maps of ecological sensitivity should comprise the location of different resources
and ecologically sensitive places. Thus, such maps are important information source for
the persons interested in timely and effective response on oil spill. The maps of
ecological sensitivity (see Fig. 2.8.2.1) are used for operations, such as implementation
of protection plan of oil polluted specific water basins.
Fig.
Zones of crossing of tankers navigation routes and fish migration routes are the
ecologically high sensitivity areas. Particular attention in such areas is to be paid to ship
displacement speeds and wastes management procedures.
Fig. Black Sea jack mackerel wintering regions (1) and its migration routes in spring (2)
Fig. Scheme of mackerel migration routes (by Stoyanov and Ivanov)
1. Investigated spawning migrations;
2. Presumable wintering-spawning migrations;
3. Main spawning regions;
4. Meeting places of fish migrating by different routes.
Fig. Scheme of lower border of the Black Sea benthos spread
In Georgian territory waters it is 143 m.
2.8.3 Estimation of priorities of oil spill response strategy

Company BP Georgia has elaborated handbook of coast sensitivity and coast

protection for Georgian Black Sea coast. The handbook contains maps showing
sensitive zones from Turkish border to the North, to Georgia-Russia border along the
river Psou and represents coast description in the sense of oil spill response, contains
information on beach approaches, coast types, established strategy of reaction and
equipment and working personnel necessary for its implementation.
Supsa terminal has a detailed data base of geographical information system about
various types of information along pipe line. The purpose is provision of data about
coast ecological sensitivity in order to enable the elaboration of the best strategy of
response and definition of requirements connected with resources in case when oil
surface damages sea shore resources of Georgia. The plan comprises the whole sea

Page 23 of 105

line of Georgia from South, Turkish border, to North, Georgia-Russia border along the
river Psou and it is used for establishment of priority zones together with spill trajectory
prognostic data which are received as a result of oil spill simulation. The plan also
contains information on requirements about resources characteristic for different
locations and material-technical provision and recommended strategies of cleaning. The
copy of this geographical informational system is kept at marine base and the personnel
of marine office have been trained for its implementation. Geographical informational
system is permanently renewed and supplemented with the newest information.
Evidently, the elaboration of national plan of oil spill response will help to mark out and
specify information about ecologically sensitive regions in Turkey and Russian
federation. These data will enter in geographical informational system of State
Regulation Committee and will be available for all interested persons.
Besides, the map of regional ecological sensitivity coefficients has been elaborated for
the whole Black Sea environment within Black Sea environment renewal project
(BSERP). The given information is available in Black Sea contingency plan.

Page 24 of 105

PART 3. Functions and duties

3.1 Oil spill response policy and organization
Policy and organization of oil spill response is schematically presented in Fig. 3.1.1.

Emergency place
Supervisor of clean-up
Participants of elimination operation
1st category
Local resources

category ERC
ERT
Supervisor of emergency
response centre

Respective authorities
Sea administration

2nd category
Resources of Georgian
Ministry of environment
Pipeline Company (GPC) Contact person in communication
protection
and
natural
and logistic problems
resources
3rd category
MRCC-OPRC
resources of neighboring Assistant personnel
port
Port clients
Contractors of spill
Clean-up operation
3rd category ESB
International resources
Fig.3.1.1. Scheme of oil spill response policy and organization
3.1.1 Functions and duties in case of oil spill

3.1.1.1 Port administration

In connection with the presented plan the functions of Poti sea harbor administration
are:
a) To have necessary equipment in readiness and technically fit for immediate reaction
on oil spill in case of oil spill 2nd step incident on the territory under the responsibility of
the port;
b) To elaborate and implement the oil spill response plan of the port;
c) To train and equip the harbor quick response team on oil spill;
d) To carry out scheduled trainings for oil spill response;
e) To have competent On-Scene Commanders and spill response team personnel by
training them according internationally approved standards.
3.1.1.2 Oil shipment terminal

Page 25 of 105

According the given plan the responsibility of oil shipment terminal is:
a) To have necessary equipment in readiness and technically fit for immediate reaction
on oil spill in case of oil spill 1st step incident on the territory under the responsibility of
the port;
b) To elaborate and actuate the oil spill response plan of the port;
c) To train and equip the harbor quick response team on oil spill;
d) To carry out and participate in scheduled trainings for oil spill response;
e) To have competent On-Scene Commanders and spill response team personnel by
training them according internationally approved standards.

3.1.1.3 Customs

Customs responsibility in connection with implementation of the given plan:

- Customs authorities allocate customs operations official offices responsible for
unhinged performance of duty-paying and customs formalities when the plan is actuated
and over-border displacement of response operation participant personnel and
necessary facilities is needed.
3.1.1.4 Competent national authorities

According the established rule, within concrete response plan of 2nd and 3rd level spills
the competent national authority is national transport management committee, the
concrete rights and duties of which are:
Approval, up-dating and documental control of oil spill national plan;
Readiness for oil spill response;
Coordination of governmental bodies participating in operations on response on 2nd
and 3rd step incidents;
In case of oil spill is entitled to receive assistance in the name of State of Georgia within
the Black Sea response plan;
Elaboration of governmental policy of readiness in case of oil spill;
Administrative functions of staffing, equipment preparation and training;
Estimation of the effectiveness of the given plan implementation;
Consultations with the Ministry of Defense about admitting of the assisting countries into
air space of Georgia for unite response operations.
Active participation in the Black Sea committee, different regional activities of the Black
Sea on national and regional level in order to contact the activities on oil spill response.
3.1.1.5 Competent State operational authority

As it was said earlier when performing concrete reaction plans on 2nd and 3rd level
spills the competent state operational institution is the Batumi Marine Rescue
Coordination Centre. The head of the centre is the National On-Scene Commander.
Functions of competent State operational authority are to:
React and coordinate marine incidents;
Help National On-Scene Commander in coordination of 2nd and 3rd level oil spill
incidents;

Page 26 of 105

Coordinate the activities of different governmental departments with the purpose

to assist in oil spill response operations;
Provide systematic use of the given plan together with port administration and in
terminals with the aim to guarantee reality and workability of the plan;
Provide incidents control room (office) where the National On-Scene Commander
will perform coordination of oil spill response operations;
Provide the oil spill response national assistant team with necessary premises,
devices and equipment, render technical support;
After receiving oil spill model, implement supervising in order to determine oil
patch displacement trajectory and its presumable effect on environment;
Store and have in technical fitness the equipment used at oil spill for abatement
2nd level oil spill when oil surface exceeds 12 NM;
Coordinate marine search-and-rescue operations;
Make acquaintance with and approve the oil spill plans of port administration and
terminal;
Take special measures in emergency situation. For example, prompt granting of
visa and work permission for the personnel and for transportation of necessary
equipment and material that are necessary in oil spill response operations;
Take necessary measures for prompt granting of navigation permission and dutypaying to civil ships (ships, boats, specialized antipollution ships) which may be
requested to participate in response operations in internal waters and territorial
sea;
Take necessary measures in order that civil ships that are included in joint
response operations can use port buildings and equipment;
Take necessary measures in case if during oil spill response joint operation the
personnel of other party becomes ill or injured and provide immediate
repatriation and sending of the mentioned person to his country in case of
necessity;
Take necessary measures to provide that there exists documentation containing
detailed description of oil spill response operations and that such documentation
is regularly reviewed and reported within this plan;
After finishing oil spill response operations prepare and present financial report
that will be used in pollution compensation claims;
After finishing oil spill response operations National On-Scene Commander with
the help of Local On-Scene Commander works out final report of the incident;
Check training proceeding and its quality performance with the aim to guarantee
the training of On-Scene Commanders and response operation participants on
international level.
3.1.1.6 National operational contact station

According the above given conditions within specific 2nd and 3rd level spill response
plans the functions of national operational contact station is charged to marine rescue
coordination centre and these functions are:
To execute the functions of national contact stations including receipt and transfer of oil
pollution reports;
To transfer POLREP reports to those neighboring countries which are potentially
endangered by oil spill if oil surface penetrates into their territorial waters.

Page 27 of 105

3.1.1.7 Auxiliary governmental authorities

Within the specific 2nd and 3rd level spill response plans the auxiliary governmental
institution is represented by the Ministry of environment protection and natural
resources of Georgia. The functions of the Ministry are:
Held technical support to National On-Scene Commander including consultations in
environmental problems with active participation in oil spill response assistant team;
In case of need to render help in oil patch simulation for estimation of oil trajectory and
presumable actions;
Provide environmental monitoring and in case of need take polluted sea water samples;
Help National On-Scene Commander to hold briefings with mass media concerning the
problems of oil contamination effect on environment;
Help National On-Scene Commander in realization of oil spill response strategy by
giving consultations about ecologically sensitive sections;
Work out national policy of dispersing agents using for Georgia;
Make consultations in connection of waste disposal in case of oil pollution incidents.
3.2 Accounting and information about pollution
Oil spill response plan will be actuated at sea, in Poti port responsibility zone, after Poti
Harbor Master receives undoubted information about oil spill irrespective of spilled oil
patch location in port responsibility zone.
3.2.1 Duty of accounting

Ship captain and aircraft pilot are duty-bound to transfer information on expected or
actual oil spill according to requirements of MARPOL, Bucharest convention and
international marine organization A.648 (16) resolution.
Such information, as a rule, is supplied to coastal radio station in English and by radio is
transmitted to Batumi marine rescue coordination centre.
Beside this, any public representative witnessing or victim of oil spill is obliged to
immediately inform about spill the Master of the nearest port or directly marine rescue
coordination centre. Such information is transferred in Georgian language.
All cases of oil spill are to be conveyed to manager-in duty of Batumi sea transport
administration:
Tel.: + 995222 73913
Fax: + 995222 73905
E-mail: mree@maradgeorgia.org
3.2.2 Format of accounting and information

All parts who want to supply information to Poti sea port within its response zone about
oil spill incidents in open sea use the form of notification of oil spill of this plan.
This form contains the most important data which enable the reaction participants to
timely define oil spill location, contemplate the first measures of response, such as
personnel and equipment mobilization, also simulate spilled oil patch distribution,
transform processes and trajectory.

Page 28 of 105

Poti Marine Harbor Master and the Black Sea protection convention inspection should
immediately be informed about oil spill notification (by radio10 or telephone) by marine
rescue coordination centre. All notifications and radio notification (see Fig. 3.2.2.1),
telephone call to an official person should be verified by Fax or E-mail as quickly as
possible. The notification of other responsible state authorities or oil terminals is
necessary when the incident needs the assistance of emergency assistant teams and
the mobilization of resources for oil spill response.
Harbor Master will act as Local On-Scene Commander for oil spill emergency response
or he may convey this mission to another person if he himself is involved in more crucial
aspect of the case.
Fig. 3.2.2.1. Activity in case of pollution notification
Competent National Administration (CNA)
NTRC
Transport regulation state committee
National On-Scene Commander (NOSC)
Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC-OPRC)
Oil spill national assisting team
Local On-Scene Commander (LOSC)
Harbor Master Poti
Pollution control commander (PCC)
Inspector on duty
The Black Sea convention inspection
Environmental experts (EE)
Experts group
Ministry of environment protection and natural resources
ecological service
Response Team (ERT)
Port administration Oil terminal administration Sea transport department
Response teams

Harbor

3.2.3 Accounting on regional level

In case of trans-border spills, according to Bucharest convention, the notification of

information to another party is done through POLREP system which was developed in
accordance with instructions of International Marine Organization and is described in
The Black Sea contingency response plan.
Any incident of the Black Sea oil pollution which engenders another country is
immediately conveyed to that country by telephone or radio-telegraph, in particular, to
national operational contact station.
10

Georgian national committee of communications (further committee) notes that

Poti Harbor Master
department (registered by Poti tax inspection - No 215090906) addressed the committee with application (No 071;
07.04.08) about allotting of two frequencies in metric wave range in Poti and adjacent territory (for communication
with ships). The frequencies are meant for operative radio communication and will be used in assistance
technological purpose.
In accordance with Georgian law On electronic communications, article 64, item 11 and Regulation rules of
Georgian communication national committee activity, article 29 the committee decided:
To allot 156.425 MHz and 156.800 MHz frequencies (each with 25 kHz line width) to Poti Harbor Master
admistration in Poti and adjacent territory with operative radio communication for supporting technological
purpose.. ..

Page 29 of 105

The initial notification should in minimum time accompanied by POLREP form. The
leading institution will use maximum effort that POLREP form be send minimum once a
day. Before sending each notification will be checked by National On-Scene
Commander.
In case when antipollution operations continue after the plan has been ceased on
national level, the part which was affected by pollution will inform other parts about the
situation at hand before finishing oil spill response operation. The function of national
operation institution of each part is to provide sending situation describing accounts to
all interested parts in the necessary country.
Procedure on international assistance request
If support is needed from other Black Sea countries the National On-Scene Commander
applies directly to national responsible authority of the given countries by coordinates
presented in Part III of contact directory of this plan.
The application should indicate what kind of support, equipment and how many
operation personnel is requested.
The national responsible authority which was applied for support is obliged to
immediately response the application. It indicates what kind of support it can render and
will take all measures for mobilization of necessary personnel, ships, aircrafts and
equipment. The National On-Scene Commander requests to issue satisfactory standard
customs protocol for assistance to be maximum effective.
3.3 Aerial observation
Oil patch displacement and its effect on environment may be observed from ships, as
well as, from air born facilities.
Aerial observation on sea may be realized from aircraft or helicopter, air observation
enables to prepare oil patch displacement (drift) and spread diagrams for
implementation of the respective measures.
Observation of oil patch development (patch spread and transformation processes) and
displacement is effective for such oil patch which may spread. Table 3.3.1 gives the
prognosis of oil patch monitoring, observation and trajectory examination which is done
during the incident and one of the purposes of which is estimation of endangered
resources.
Table 3.3.1.
Control list of oil patch observation
Directions
Notes
1. Determine oil patch measures and
coordinates
2. Plot patch dimensions, directions of its
displacement and spread and the areas
under its effect on the map; make
quantitative estimations, if possible
3. Make prognosis of oil patch motion
trajectory
4. Examine patch displacement
5 Define highest oil concentration points
Presumably, such points will be on the

Page 30 of 105

edge of oil patch following wind direction

6. Define periods of start and finish of Heavy oil (i.e. intermediate fuel oil) soon
water containing oil emulsion formation
after spillage changes its appearance; in
the initial stage thick layers are seen as
slightly thickened, black areas but after
starting of emulsification its color changes
into brown, carrot-red or yellow.
7. Observe bird flock
8.
Observe
the
displacement
of
underwater layer of oil
9. Observe directions of
abrupt oil
displacements and define directions of oil
patch displacements
10. Present reports/ inform about natural Presumably is effective in case of medium
dispersion of oil
brand oil spill
11. Present report/ inform about Using dispersants observe if dispersants
effectiveness of oil patch abatement
action is effective or not
The observations are carried out according the directions of On-Scene Commander (in
case of ship or aircraft) by oil patch observation on sea surface.
Patch observation begins as soon as possible after the moment of spill for getting real
picture of general situation.
The results of aerial observations are introduced in observation journal noted in
appendix 10.
Aerial observation flights are to be as frequent as possible, especially when weather
changes or spill source undergoes changes.
Final overview flight is realized before dark. The obtained information is informed to
local team the composition of which is to be changed according the situation.
Video or photo shooting is recommended at oil patch observation.
3.4 Duties and responsibilities

3.4.1 Local On-Scene Commander

Local On-Scene Commander is not required to work in incident operation room in case
of oil spill but is required to implement tactic measures of reaction on incident spot.
He is directly responsible before National On-Scene Commander in tactic problems to
inform him about the realized activities and about the sequence of oil spill elimination
measures.
As it was said earlier in Poti sea port responsibility zone Local On-Scene Commander is
represented by Poti Harbor Master. He is responsible on safety implementation and
coordination of response tactic activities and effective use of the existing resources,
emergency response team forces, on mobilization of Poti harbor ecological service
experts for inclusion in oil spill response operation in incident control center.
Local On-Scene Commander may additionally actuate additional internal resources if it
is justified by the gravity of the incident.
3.4.2 Emergency response team

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Poti port emergency response tam is completed by trained personnel of port and oil
terminal and additional state border protection personnel.
Response team is responsible:
- Duty inspector of emergency response team receives first notification about
conjectural or approved oil spill from Local On-Scene Commander.
- Duty inspector of emergency response team immediately defines the spilled oil type
and amount and oil patch character and immediately sums up the received results in
POLREP form which will be transmitted by Fax to Local On-Scene Commander, Poti
port administration, National On-Scene commander, Rescue coordination Center,
Ministry of environment protection and national resources and other interested persons.
- Duty inspector of emergency response team communicates information about the
incident to Poti port ecological service, experts of the Ministry of environment protection
and national resources, pollution manager.
3.4.3 National support team in case of oil spill

In case of 2nd and 3rd step oil spill into the sea National On-Scene Commander needs
different technical and tactical support which is achieved by quick mobilization of
personnel which is called National Support Team (see. Fig. 3.4.3.1).
Legal basis of this team is considered in the law about Georgian marine rescue
coordination centre (MRCC) (the part which allots to marine rescue coordination centre
the responsibility to implement coordination of response on oil and other harmful
substances spill and leakage and which defines requests connected with the assistance
of incident commander).
Contact information of team members is the object of work and will be presented in the
third part of the Reference Book of this plan.
The main expert-groups which make support teams in case of oil leakage represent first
medical aid, marine rescue service, juridical support/compensation, environment
service, logistics (material and technical provision)/customs, oil spill simulation, OnScene Commander in tactics problems (who is helped by Local On-Sceme Commander
in oil spill site) and specialist of public/media relations. Concrete functions of each group
are given below:
First aid
The given group consists of medical and fire fighting personnel, personnel of military,
border defense and Ministry of Home Affairs and of local governmental official persons.
The basic function of the team is first aid in case of emergency, such as search, rescue,
evacuation; at the same time safety is also of priority and only after this ecological
aspects and leakage incident management.
Marine rescue service
In case if as a result of ship wreck (incident) in sea there happen wide-scale sea
pollution the National On-Scene Commander may ask marine (ship) rescuer the support
for ship saving and transportation with stevedore barge.
If transport agent is not at site rescue service is rendered by Marine transport
department.
Legal assistance/compensation

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National On-Scene Commander is liable to perform accurate accounting of expenses

connected with oil spill; this documentation will be used in case of claims connected
with compensation. In case of oil spill from ships National On-Scene Commander may
desire to contact with ship owner and his P&I club to get consultations about financial
information about clean-up measures connected with damage caused by pollution.
Possibly, it may be necessary to contact with legal consultation services.
The legal/compensation graph will contain the following data:
a) Description of situation, decisions and measures implemented for response;
b) Record showing everyday work where such detailed information will be
pointed out, as:
Advance operations (place, time, objective);
Used equipment and means (place, time, objective);
Personnel employed in operation (quantity, time);
Production and other materials used in response operation (e.g., fuel)
(quantity, purpose).
All expenses connected with execution of oil spill response operation.
After finishing of reaction operation the given reports should be sent to state operation
authority (marine transport administration) in order to present claims about
compensation.
Environment protection experts
On-Scene Commander needs consultations in a number of problems, such as
ecological sensitivity of coast line resources, retrieving of samples for estimation of
ecological situation, waste management created as a result of elimination works and
problems of environment effect. Consultations from environment protection specialist
are taken at the Ministry of environment protection and national resources, as well as
from Poti harbor ecological service experts.
The sphere of responsibility of ecology experts comprise:
Management, coordination and transfer of all oil spill records. The given records
should point out the type of response needed for solution of oil spill problem;
Environment protection recommendations and consultations of Local On-Scene
Commander, also support in situation management in case of such spills which
endanger or affect coast line resources. The mentioned, as a rule, is the function
of pollution control commander;
Recommendations on of sea ecological sensitivity endangered with oil negative
effect; although, environment protection experts can be contacted in any situation
which may have negative effect or effects negatively on environment;
Support main parties of response operation participants, give consultations on
environment protection activities and procedures which should be used in
renewal and clean -up operations;
Give consultation about necessary activities in case of oil spill in open sea to
minimize oil negative effect on sea environment;
Implement geographical informational system which comprises all coastal
sections of Georgia. Effect areas and their sensitivity against spill should be
available with the help of this system and this information should be conveyed to
respective parties;
Actuate OSIS oil patch trajectory model which will be fixed on marine rescue
coordination center computer;
Coordinate selection, analysis and further cleaning of ecological samples;

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Give consultations on waste control problems, waste minimization, renewal,

temporary storing specifications, including segregation and removal of all oil
wastes from oil spill site;
Supplying to National On-Scene Commander the conclusions on ecological and
economical damage estimation for compiling final report on incident.
Pollution control commander (PCC)
Pollution control commander is a special member in environment expert group. In
Batumi the duty officer of convention police will carry out the function of pollution control
commander. Mobilization of pollution control commanders happens only in case of oil
spill and not in other type response operations.
The functions of pollution control commander are:
Recommend the respective activities the realization of which is necessary for limiting
and reduce spilled oil negative effect on sea environment;
Rendering general environment protection support in case of need;
Act as major contact person between on-scene operations and the Ministry of
environment protection and natural resources;
Present report and connect with each other National On-Scene Commander and Local
On-Scene Commander;
Pollution control commander may request for additional resources from the Ministry of
environment protection and natural resources and from the Department of environment
protection and natural resources of Adjara Autonomic Republic if the situations needs.
The example of this is use of oil patch trajectory simulation and geographical
informational system, estimation of the necessity of mobilization of additional forces,
equipment and transport, determination of alternatives of oil containing wastes location.
Logistics (material technical provision)/ customs
In case of large-scale oil spill rapid mobilization of a great number of personnel and
equipment becomes necessary in order to minimize the negative results and effect of
leakage on environment. With this purpose the help of logistic specialist is necessary for
rapid mobilization of the mentioned resources in the place of incident.
Besides, it may become necessary to import additional equipment on the territory of the
country and here the help of customs service becomes necessary, particularly, timely
and unhindered performance of duty-pay and other procedures for immediate response
on incident.
Prognosis in case of oil spill
In case of oil spill into the sea one of the first data which must be received by National
On-Scene Commander is the direction in which oil layer displaces to predicted place
and time to reach this place. The receipt of this information is provided with oil spill
model OSIS. In national support group there is at least one person in rescue
coordination service incidents control operator office competent in operation with this
program in order to convey the prognosis about oil layer displacement and expected
results to the National On-Scene Commander.
On-Scene Commander in tactics
National On-Scene Commander is responsible for solution of highly strategic important
problems in case of oil spill and thus, he will need help of On-Scene Commander who

Page 34 of 105

will contact will On-Scene Commander working at the place of oil spill and will get
information about the activities implemented for oil drip (patch) elimination.
Public/mass media relations
In case of great amount oil spill naturally the mentioned incident will be reported in mass
media and media representatives will ask comments of other persons, as well as, of
National On-Scene Commander. This purpose is served by public/media relations
specialist who prepares press-releases and personally interviews National On-Scene
Commander. National On-Scene Commander personally checks and approves the
prepared interview before passing to media representatives.
Fig. 3.4.3.1. The composition of oil spill support group
National support group
Marine administration (Ministry of economics) National operational institution
Ministry of environment protection

Competent State Authority

First aid service Ministry of home affairs Ministry of Defense

Coast protection
(search-and-rescue) marine police medical/first aid Local government Fire fighting
experts
National On-Scene Commander /senior On-Scene Commander First response centre
marine rescue coordination centre, Batumi
operational commander
Marine rescue service
development

Department of marine transport and port infrastructure

Legal support/compensation claims polluters

insurance company

Environment expert Ministry of environment protection; Black Sea convention service

of the Ministry of environment protection (3rd step)
Logistics (material and technical support)/customs
Prognosis in case of oil spill
environment protection)

OSIS

personnel training for simulation (MA/ministry of

Tactics On-Scene Commander in the place of spill IMO 2nd step expert
Public/mass media relations public relations specialist marine transport administration
Oil spill counter measures
Operational management

Local On-Scene Commander

Harbor Master (MA)

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3.5 Incident management centre

If in case of great amount oil spill National On-Scene Commander considers necessary
the support team is mobilized in marine rescue coordination centre of incident
management centre (in operators office) which is located in Batumi, in marine
administration building.
Incident management centre located in marine administration building is equipped with
additional telephone lines and Fax in and out lines, oil spill simulation software, E-mail
and high frequency marine base station.
In addition, incident operators office has to have:
The Black Sea large-scale marine maps;
All existing plans of oil spill response in the Black Sea sector of Georgia;
Telephone numbers of the respective organizations;
Contact numbers of all step 1,2 and 3 resources in region;
Detailed contingency plan;
White boards (cleanable);
OSIS (computer program of oil spill simulation and A3/A4 format paper printer);
Ceiling projector;
Ergonomic portable chairs with head and hands protectors;
Rectangular conference table;
Projection screen;
Telephone apparatuses;
Telephone with loud speaker;
Lecture board for posters.

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PART 4. Response strategies

4.1 Hierarchical response structure and resource conception
Nation plan of oil spill response on sea is based on step system which defines
categories of pollution incidents and is the basis of practical planning of response.
Step principle means three level response when response scale corresponds to the
complexity of pollution and effect of oil spill concrete incident.
National On-Scene Commander contacts with Local On-Scene Commander in order to
decide what level response is needed. National On-Scene Commander determines how
many members of swift response team are necessary for operation and warns the team
to get ready for operation execution.
National On-Scene Commander will mobilize oil spill response team if incident in his
opinion needs their qualification. Oil spill structural characterization and spill response
strategy are given in Tables 4.1.1 and 4.1.2.
Table 4.1.1. Oil spill structural characterization
Response category
1st step incident

2nd step incident

3rd step incident

Characterization
Step 1 concerns small spills which are within the control
possibilities of one individual device, oil terminal or port
administration. Spill character and adjacent environment
conditions determine actual level of reaction
Step 2 needs readiness and reaction on oil spill when
coordination of necessary materials and personnel is
done from more than one source. In case of step 2
response the support may become necessary from
various units located within port area or from sources
outside direct geographical area. Step 2 comprises
different amounts and different potential scenarios of oil
spill
Step 3 concerns large-scale spill which needs
mobilization
of all available national resources and
proceeding from concrete situation, needs also inclusion
of regional and international systems

Table 4.1.2. Oil spill response strategy

Oil spill response strategy

Hierarchic
Oil type
category
1
White oil
and mazut
2
White oil

Activation
quantity
10 tones
10-200
tones

Necessary
strategy
Oil terminal
equipment
Port
administration
equipment
Oil terminal

Equipment
location
Terminal
territory
Port
administration

Response
time
Immediately
Immediately

Immediately

Page 37 of 105

< 200 tones

3

White oil
Mazut

> 200 tones

> 200 tones

equipment
Port
equipment
Equipment of
marine
rescue
coordination
centre,
international
resources

Port territory

3-10 hours

Oil
spill 24-48 hours
response plan
participant
parties,
Southhampton,
Baku
and
Batumi

4.2 Spills in open sea

In case of comparatively large-scale spill or when there is a risk of long leakage into the
sea National On-Scene Commander asks the support of ships appropriate toincident
which can be found on the given territory. The ships will be equipped with mechanical
oil collecting and recover facilities by the Batumi marine rescue coordination centre.
4.3 Control methods

4.3.1 Sphere of methods usage

Each response measure has its limit (or, its use should be done on estimation basis) in
the sense of location and time.
Hence, it is necessary to consider different alternatives of response operations. The
chosen measure of response is to be flexible in order to enable simultaneous realization
of different strategies. The given part states the strategies which in particular time
moment are available and their implementation is in reality possible, determines their
advantages and hierarchical categories of response, the category in which their
classification is possible with consideration that the necessary equipment is available.
4.3.2 General strategy of methods

The main objectives of the chosen response strategy are:

Safety provision of personnel participating in response operation;
Minimization of potential ecological and social-economical negative results and rapid
renewal of damaged resources;
As fast ecological renewal of damaged resources as possible;
Using of the existing environmental conditions for response interests (as much as such
possibility exists and as much as such activity is practical).
The following possibilities of oil patch elimination are used:
Observation and monitoring;
Method of chemical dispersing agents dispersal;
Mechanical localization/skimming and renewal;
Mechanical dispersal;
Sorbents;
Coast clean-up.

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4.3.3 Existing alternatives of response

4.3.3.1 Observation and monitoring

The given strategy does not imply any active activities in connection of oil localization
but in time oil patch spreads out. In particular conditions, as e.g., storm on sea or in
case of light oil patch it will be impossible to arrange collecting boom blocks or to use
renewal equipment. Marine natural environment will in time dissolve oil spilled on the
sea surface.
A number of chemical and physical processes such as evaporation, natural dispersion
and other natural processes as e.g. biochemical oxidation (biodestruction) dissolves oil
with joint action resulting in respective minimization of oil pollution.
In such natural conditions the observation of oil patch and monitoring is essential for
defining of how effectively is oil spot dissolved as a result of biological and physical
processes effect. In this case oil spot is to be observed from the land in order that it will
not be washed ashore and it will not be necessary to clean coast.
Also, it is essential that public, mass media and local authorities pay attention to correct
perception of incident response minimum measure.
For acceleration of natural dispersion process the use of ship reverse flow method
(water dispersion from ship propeller) is possible. If due to definite changes the
preplanned result is doubtful the response resources should be ready for immediate
mobilization. The given method can be used:
In case of small amount oil spill in the port;
In case of small amount of oil;
If spill happened in wind action zone;
If spilled oil is not a stable form (mazut, bitumen).
4.3.3.2 Chemical dispersants pulverization

The decision about using chemical dispersants in Georgian territorial waters is done by
Local On-Scene coordinator in agreement with National On-Scene Commander of
marine transport administration. The decision about dispersants use should be based
on respective principles of national policy. The right is to be acquired for using
dispersant in any particular case when it becomes necessary to import the respective
equipment and flying facilities.
Use of dispersants in Georgian territorial waters is admitted only in case of satisfying
the following conditions:
The country should have the policy of dispersants using;
The procedure on operative permission issue by governmental administration
authorities about dispersants using is to be worked out;
Dispersant use is not permitted in shallow water (less than 20 m depth) as dispersant
should dissolve in water column and not damage sea flora and fauna.
Use of dispersants nearer than one sea mile from shore is forbidden;
Dispersants should be in the list of preliminarily approved products which are allowed to
be used in the Black Sea and which passed all kinds of checking on toxicity,
bioaccumulation, stability, etc.
Dispersants should not be used if their effectiveness is doubtful (for example, in case of
strongly degraded or high viscosity oil).

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In case of considerable spill of oil the dispersants are not the only measure of response
but at the same time dispersants may assist in purification of polluted water basin,
accelerate natural dispersion of oil on sea surface. In any case, the decision about
dispersants using should be done on the bases of criteria to receive maximum sum
environmental benefit. Dispersants are also characterized with definite functional
disadvantages. For example, they cannot disperse high viscosity oil patch. Because of
this dispersants are recommended to be used for newly spilled oil and after 48 hours
from spill, water emulsion in oil does not, as a rule, disperse under the action of
dispersant. One more problem connected with dispersant use is the necessity of flying
facility and special equipment. Dispersant can be sprayed from aircraft, helicopter or
ship.
4.3.3.3 Mechanical control and renewal

The given alternative is of priority as this method allows clean-up of seawater from oil.
Unfortunately, the given method has a definite disadvantage, as well. The use of
mechanical control and renewal method cannot be used in the following situations
when:
Wind speed is over 5 Bf (38 km/hr);
High sea spectrum exceeds 2.5 m;
High viscosity solutions or solid particles;
Tugboat or stream velocity is over 1 unit;
Oil layer is not floating on sea surface any more;
Contamination place is inaccessible for ships;
Spilled oil with burning point <60 C.
Dynamic system of clean-up is most convenient for oil patches removal.
In case of white oil and mazut great patches, at the initial stage happens oil patch
confinement or accumulation in one place with limitation boons in order to prevent oil
patch further spread on the sea surface. For renewal of spilled oil a number of devices
are used. Renewed oil may be stored in tanks of ships participating in clean-up
operations or in floating oil storage systems or, if oil removal/accumulation happens
near the shore it can be pumped into tanks on the shore.
4.3.3.4 Operations of oil emergency spill abatement in harbor water basin

Operations of oil spill abatement in port water basin comprise the following operations:
Oil spill localization (spilled oil fencing with boons);
Spilled oil accumulation and water basin clean-up;
Oil spill results elimination.
In case of inflammation of oil spilled in port water basin at first fire is to be extinguished
and only then spill elimination is to be performed.
In case of oil spill in port water basin the measures are to be quickly implemented for its
localization with boons on a small territory of water basin, for avoiding of oil spread on
water mirror and for preventing oil infiltration under quays and hanging piers.
In case of oil spill from the ship landing at a pier, boom fence is to be done on the outer
side of the ship with boom ends fixing at ship prow and stern.

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In case of oil spill from the ship on anchor boom fence is to be done around the ship or
from back wind side.
For elimination of spilled oil in port water basin open sections boom fence is done
around oil patch or from back wind side with oil patch circling.
At boom fence arrangement around ship, between ship deck and booms the devices
are considered the arrangement of which excludes boons nearing to ship.
Fig. 4.3.3.4.1. Boom fence of ships at piers.
1- Boom fence; 2 triangular timber thrust; 3 - nylon guy; 4 buoy on anchor; 5
knot of tying to the pie.
Poti port sections where there exists permanent danger of oil spill (tankers piers, ship
bunkering place) and also the sections of water basin where oil spill may cause
considerable damage should be protected with stationary boon fence.
The ships realizing operations with oil and oil products should be fenced with boons.
With the aim of rapid localization of oil spill in Poti port water basin, fire fighting ships
and port fire fighting team which permanently is on duty in the port and can carry
effective measures of oil spill localization during 24 hours should be equipped with
operative boons.
Firefighting ship crew and fire fighting team should be trained in boons arrangement.
Proceeding from a definite situation in case of boon fencing in order to avoid oil patch
spread it is possible to limit oil patch spread with fire fighting water stream (about one
meter from the border of oil patch).
In the process of oil spill localization boons should be placed according the instructions
of boon producing plans.
During the whole process of oil spill liquidation, permanent monitoring on boon fence
condition should be done in order to avoid its damage with floating waste and floating
facilities.
In case of strong breeze in port water basin in order to localize oil spill the arranged
operational boon fence is to be strengthened with anchors, fixed at piers or fastened to
shore or with ships.
By the order of Poti Harbor Master ship speed limitation at oil speed localization is
approved on the sections of operational boon fencing to avoid boon damage.
4.3.3.5 Spilled oil collecting

The principal method of oil spill abetment in Poti harbor responsibility zone is
mechanical collection of oil.
Before arranging of boon fence, skimming of oil spread on sea surface is done with oil
collectors, oil waste collectors. At the same time in place of oil spill the floating facilities
(tankers, skimming barges, etc) are to be located to take in oil-containing mixture from
oil waste collectors.
Fig. 4.3.3.5.1. Oil spill abatement within port water basin.
1 tanker or oil barge; 2 oil waste skimmer; 3 oil patch; 4 operational boon
fencing; 5 fire fighting water stream; 6 fire fighting ship.
The amount of collected oil-containing mixture is measured on mixture receiving floating
facility, oil waste collector gives an official document about the amount of received oilcontaining mixture.

Page 41 of 105

After removal of the main patch of spilled oil absolute clear-up of the port water basin is
done with consideration of the following scheme:
In order to avoid oil contaminated water drift from water basin the port entrance is to be
fenced with boons;
Start the water basin clearing operations from periphery to its main axis;
Choose such speed of oil waste collector speed which provides maximum accumulation
of pollutants (e. g. when oil waste collector is moving the waves are not to be created in
front of ship bow which will hinder pollutants receipt into receiver).
Water basin clean-up method with operative boons:
The ends of operative boons fence (fence length is determined with consideration of
polluted sections dimensions) are mounted on bow part of two floating facilities;
The initial point of cleaning is the most contaminated section of the water basin;
The mentioned two floating facilities move forward, slowly, in parallel course;
The distance between floating facilities is chosen with consideration of maximum
trapping of pollutants;
On going out the polluted section, one of the floating facilities discontinues movement
and the second in circular motion comes near it and attaches to it;
Oil waste collector begins to suck in the polluted substance, step-by-step decreases the
fenced section surface which is realized with boon fence along in direction.
Clearing operations are considered finished after removal of all pollutants. Then the
mentioned operation is carried out at another contaminated section.
Fig. 4.3.3.5.2. Oil waste collectors movement at water basin cleaning
1 Polluting substances; 2 operative boon fence;
3 Oil waste collector; 4 assisting oil waste collector.
Fig. 4.3.3.5.3. Surrounding-isolating of pollutants collected with boon fencing
1 assisting oil waste collector; 2 oil waste collector; 3 Operative boon fencing; 4
pollutants
Fig. 4.3.3.5.4. Collecting of surrounding pollutant agents
1 Pollutant agents; 2 assistant oil waste collector; 3 - oil waste collector; 4
operative boon fencing
Fig. 4.3.3.5.5. Clean-up operations in open sea
1 oil waste collector; 2 Operative boon fencing; 3 pollutants; 4 - tugboats
In open sea where it is possible to maneuver the cleaning operations are done by the
following method:
Boon fence is arranged at directing cover of oil waste collector bow and between two
tugboats;
Tugboats and oil waste collectors move slowly forward;
Distance between tugboats regulate boon fence outline and polluted section area;
With displacement of boon fence the pollutants float into receiving chamber of oil waste
collector.

Page 42 of 105

4.3.3.6 Limited surfaces clean-up in Poti port water basin

Cleaning of water basin limited surfaces (surface between ship and pier, two ships,
water basin surface, etc) is to be realized with two oil waste collectors using the
following method:
Oil waste collector slowly moves forward and from back wind side approaches
stemward the ship at pier and stops as soon as touches it;
The second oil waste collector or ship slowly with backward movement approaches (for
minimum possible distance) the stern of the same ship and with marine propeller arises
water surface layer stream in the direction of the first oil waste collector;
The motion of water surface layer towards oil waste collector chamber can be controlled
with water stream (from fire fighting shaft).
Fig. 4.3.3.6.1. Pollutants collection on the surface between two ships
1 ship; 2 assistant oil waste collector or ship; 3 pollutant agents; 4 oil waste
collector.
Fig. 4.3.3.6.2. Collection of pollutant agents on the surface between ship and pier
1 pier; 2 oil waste collector; 3 pollutant agents; 4 assistant oil waste collector or
ship.
In case of water basin clean-up between ship and pier or between two ships in the
process of oil pollution elimination it is advisable to invite additional personnel for
removal of large-scale waste.
4.3.3.7 Water basin cleaning along piers and malls

During water basin cleaning along piers and malls the oil waste collector moves slowly
while oil waste collector body is directed by 15-30 degrees towards the pier.
Fig.
Oil waste collectors equipped with bow directing cover (in order to increase trap area)
needs to satisfy safety rules in order to avoid cover damage: it is unadvisable to open
cover from pier side;
In case if pollutant agents at motion passed oil waste collectors intake zone and floated
around deck, it is necessary transfer oil waste collector to back movement in order that
with the help of marine propeller stream the pollutants return with suck-in zone. It also is
possible to return pollutants to intake zone with water stream (from fire fighting shafts).
With the objective to increase the intensity of water basin sections clear-up at piers and
malls a ship or tugboat can be used which with their marine propeller will create water
surface layer stream in the direction of oil waste collectors trap chamber.
Fig. 4.3.3.7.2. Pollutants collecting with assistant oil waste collector at piers and malls
1 - trailers; 2 oil waste collector; 3 pier; 4 polluting agents; assisting oil waste
collector.

Page 43 of 105

4.3.3.8 Water basin clean-up in piers corners

At water basin clean-up in piers corners the oil waste collector is attached to pier close
to oil patch and sucks in pollutant agents at slow forward motion displacing along the
pier.
In case of great amount of spilled oil clear-up is done using boon fence. In the
mentioned case, in order to increase sucking intensity it is advisable to actuate the
second oil waste collector or ship which with the help of their propeller will create water
surface layer stream directed to the first waste collector intake chamber.
Also, water surface layer motion towards oil waste collector intake chamber is possible
to control with water stream (from fire fighting shaft).
Fig. 4.3.3.8.1. Collecting of polluting substances in pier corners
1 pier; 2 polluting substances; 3 oil waste collector.
Fig. 4.3.3.8.2. Collecting of polluting substances in pier corners using boon fence
1 assistant oil waste collector or ship; 2 - polluting substances; 3 operative boon
fence; 4 oil waste collector; 5 trailers.
4.3.3.9 Cleaning of water basin sections under suspended piers and wharfs

Water basin sections under suspended piers and docks are cleaned according to the
following procedures:
With water stream from ship or tugboat fire fighting shafts the movement of water
surface layer is created under pier directed to oil waste collector intake chamber which
is attached to pier with bow;
At oil waste collector deck the boon fence is arranged which excludes the transportation
of polluting substances to clean sections of water basin.
Fig. 4.3.3.9.1. Clearing of water basin sections under suspended wharfs and piers
1 stream from fire fighting shaft; 2 fire fighting ship; 3 anchor; 4 operative boon
fence; 5 oil waste collector; 6 trailers; 7 pier line; 8 polluting substances; 9 piles; 10 coastal line.
4.3.3.10 Cleaning of water basin bays and pockets

Cleaning of bays and closed pockets at wharfs and piers is done with water stream from
fire fighting shafts creating along piers a water surface stream directed to oil waste
collector intake chamber.
Fig. 4.3.3.10.1. Collectiing of polluting substances in closed pockets and bays
1 oil waste collector; 2 operative boon fence; 3 anchor; 4 pier pocket; 5 - water
stream from fire fighting shaft; 6 - fire fighting ship; 7 trailers.

Page 44 of 105

4.3.3.11 Mechanical dispersion

In case of heavy waves and/or great volume contamination this version may be
effective. Under mechanical energy effect oil is dispersed in water column.
This method may be used on all kinds of floating facilities. Floating speed is to be as
high as possible to origin as much mechanical energy as possible in water phase. In
case if several floating facilities take part in operation the working distance between
floating facilities may be 30-100 m which depends on energy strengthening method.
Mechanical dispersion method is used when wind speed is 6 Bf or more. In case of wind
speed over 8 Bf this method may not be necessary as wave energy is sufficient for
complete natural dispersion of oil. This method cannot be used in case of high viscosity
liquids (heavy oil) or oil- containing water emulsions.
4.3.3.12 Sorbnets

Using of sorbents is antipollution simple, rentable mathod which do not need particular
qualification while the received result is undoubtedly important. Sorbents are used for
small light and medium size oil patches and their used is also possible for temporary
localization of great oil patches before mobilization of respective heavy equipment on
site. Using of sorbents existing in port administration office and port terminals is
possible for mechanical localization of white oil or mazut patches.
4.4 Oil wash ashore Sometimes the optimum version may be carrying of oil
contaminated water ashore with its further removal from the coast and
abatement.

4.4.1 Oil wash ashore servitude

Oil carry out to the coast if not advisable if:

The coast is populated with a great variety of birds;
Coast represents ecologically sensitive zone as are hidden tidal shallows or salty
swamps with high biological activity and low energy waves where oil may stay during
years. Cleaning of salty marshes by method of burning and cutting is possible only in
case of great amount oil contamination. The priority should be protection of such zones
with boons and sorbents.
The given territory is of high tourist importance.
On the shore there are important fishing stations.
4.4.2 The necessity of consultations by environment protection specialists

Before coast cleaning operations the consultations from environment experts is

necessary in order that cleaning methods be effective and avoid environment damage
more than it is caused by oil contamination. The factor of ecological vulnerability of
different coast lines must be the priority in elaboration of coast cleaning strategy.
In case of shore clean-up operations a great number of factors are acting, particularly:
Accessibility of contaminated shore;

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Oil type;
Spilled product amount;
Shore environmental conditions;
Meteorological conditions;
Public/commercial interest of users:
Waste disposal possible versions;
Time factor.

CHAPTER 5. Readiness and planning

5.1 Planning and coordination
Poti port oil spill contingency plan is based on step-by-step system which is to provide
effective response on emergency spill with optimum application of resources.
Step 1
On this level of oil emergency spill the Poti harbor administration will act independently
and will actuate the procedures corresponding to response procedures of this step. This
generally is:
Personnel training (using spill simulation and cameral methods);
Notification of other interested parties;
Coordination of actions with oil terminal administration;
Immediate response on spill scale and type characteristic to this step.
Steps 2 and 3
In case of oil spill on these levels the Poti port administration will act within the frames of
national plan (these actions are described in this plan) according to procedures and
international guidance principles which are as follows:
Notification of competent responsible authority about incident;
Information of National On-Scene Commander about all implemented or planned
actions;
Request if needed for available national, regional and/or international resources.
5.2 National plan
National plan is the frame of those procedures and instructions which need
implementation in ports and on sea in Georgian territorial waters
The objective of the plan is implementation of coordinated approach against emergency
spills on the Black Sea. With this purpose working processes are approved in
operational agreements. In case of oil spill State responsible authority has maximum
cooperation with private sector.
5.3 Oil spill emergency plan of oil terminals

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Oil shipping terminal of Poti harbor has elaborated and implemented oil spill response
local plan which is used in case of oil or other harmful substances spill straight in
terminal or on the territory adjacent to terminal and water basin.
Estimation of oil spill risk at oil shipping terminal is done and is reflected in terminal
response plans as a guarantee that it can carry out response operations.
Oil spill response local plan is in compliance with those directions, procedures and
principles of action which are formulated in Marine port oil spill contingency plan.
Thus, regular requalification of oil spill response specific plan of oil shipping terminal in
correspondence with the variation of Poti harbor plan is obligatory.

5.4 Response operations

5.4.1 Response organization model

General response model is given in Fig. 5.4.1.

Step
time
Step 1

Resource
Oil terminal
Ship oil terminal

Ship renewal system

Grigoleti marine base
Added
Step 2

Very quick
Very quick

Very quick

Added
State internal additional
resources
Marine transport
department
Harbor

Oil spill abatement

international
contractor

Fig. 5.4.1.1. General response model

5.4.2 Commander structure

Step 3

Response

Oil terminal equipment

Oil terminal equipment

Ship crew
Trailed personnel

Added
Step 3

Equipment

Harbor
administration

3 to 10 hr

Added
2 commanders,
11 technicians,
2 managers,
12 operators
of team.

Equipment
mobilization
on border
during 24 hours
Personnel readiness
in 12 hours

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Emergency spill response organization

Ministry of environment protection and national resources (state support agency)
Marine transport administration NCA
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ministry of Defense
Achara AR department of environment and natural resources protection
Step 2
National On-Scene Commander MRCC-OPRC Batumi
Step 1
Report
observation

Local On-Scene Commander

Sea

and

aerial

Harbor Master
-Convention office
- Other

Response teams

Fig. 5.4.2.1. Commander structure

5.4.3 Communication/commander facilities

Poti marine harbor is to join the communication system formed by oil contamination
response centre (MRCC-OPRC) of marine transport administration and State regulation
committee which acts during 24 hours with the help of control systems specially
assigned for them. The purpose of the mentioned communication system is:
Receipt of reports about pollution incidents from Harbor Masters (including Poti marine
Harbor Master) and their transfer to State operational contact office (oil spill
contamination response centre Commander) and to other interested parts in the country
such as, Ministry of environment protection and natural resources.
Actuation of marine administration and terminal oil spill response plans and control of
corresponding changes in plans;
Request for assistance and information exchange on operation (Step 2);
Actuation of oil spill response plans in the Black Sea territorial waters of Georgia;
Request for international assistance and information exchange on operation at
performing joint response operations (Step 3).
Oil spill communication centre is oil spill response centres command centre in Batumi.
Communication between National On-Scene Commander and the units under his
subordination is conducted in Georgian language, though within the Black Sea
Contingency plan at joint operation the communication between Local On-Scene
commander, Supreme On-Scene Commander and National On-Scene Commander of
assisting states will be conducted in English.
Thus, National On-Scene Commander will actuate Incident Command Centre which will
function as Supreme Command office in case of oil spill. Below communications
structure is presented:
Fig.5.4.3.1. Communications structure

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National On-Scene Commander

Rescue coordination Centre MRCC-OPRC

Local On-Scene commander

RCSU Poti
RCSU Sokhumi

RCSU

Supsa

RCSU Batumi,

RCSU rescue coordination sub-units

Participant organizations

Batumi radio
Poti Radio
Sokhumi radio
Search-and-rescue operations facilities and forces
Ships, aircrafts
Batumi and Poti Harbor Masters
OPRC team

For transfering of instructions and information there are appropriate facilities:

GMDSS;
Immarsat C;
Fax;
E-mail;
Telephone;
VHF (70, 16, 49).

5.4.4 Specialists teams

In Poti marine harbor responsibility zone at oil spill response operations the help of
experts from different specialized spheres may become necessary.
Such spheres are:
Taking samples for ecological situation estimate;
Mapping of ecological sensitivity coefficients and geographical information system
(GIS);
Oil patch development simulation;
Ecological information about equipment location places for oil spill response operations.
Contact information about experts and specialists of the mentioned spheres is given in
the Reference Book of the given plan.
5.4.5 International multi regional response

According to Bucharest convention Georgia is to execute close cooperation with other

Black Sea countries Turkey, Bulgaria, Rumania, Ukraine and Russian Federation in
case of oil spill. Georgia is already participating in regional agreements connected with
oil spill response readiness and cooperation. Procedures of communication in
compliance with the Black Sea contingency plan are given in this plan.

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5.4.6 Administration, logistical support and financing

5.4.6.1 Logistical support of response

Marine transport administration of National transport regulation committee (NTRC) is

responsible to other Black Sea countries for logistical support of joint response
operations. In particular:
Execution of necessary measures inside the country for housing and transportation of
support personnel;
Taking necessary measures when receiving equipment and other means from support
parties (National regulation committee, Brigs-Marine, Oil spill response limited/global
alliance, Shevroil, also other countries) to ensure the following:
Customs duty paying and logistic support for equipment import to Batumi;
Safe storage and location of equipment, including, respectively, cranes, lorries, other
support equipment;
Fuels and lubricants, main repair and service facilities.
Marine transport administration of National transport regulation committee (NTRC) will
take all measures to assist crews in air-ports and harbors and to execute safety service
to ships, aircrafts and related equipment in ports and airports with the objective to carry
out joint response operations as it is supposed in The Black Sea contingency plan.
Poti marine harbor administration during three months will consider the relations with
support and response international contractors. Thus, in this question the example is
the following principles adopted by Supsa terminal in connection of assistance receipt
and reaction international contractors at oil spill:
The parts are to inform each other beforehand about personnel salaries, tariff of
equipment, other means renting and clearing materials costs which can be used at
assistance. This information will be retrieved by competent National agency and will be
regularly updated by each participating part;
The parts are to try to harmonize tariffs and consider every respective problem at
regular annual meetings under the respective national operational agency;
The support part, on receiving the request for support, will immediately present support
accounts to the party requesting;
The party, who requested support, will compensate to the support party all actually
rendered expenses that follow such support according to the account invoices
presented by the latter;
When delegating the responsibility, the party taking up the leadership will be
responsible for all support expenses made by other parties;
If requesting party will take decision to say no on assistance notwithstanding the
motives, it is to pay to assisting party all expenses to the moment when he cancelled
the support request or when personnel and equipment will returne to their country;
The parties will solve all financial problems after finishing the joint operations;
The sentences of this article are valid for each specific case and are not to be used for
solving disagreement with the third party which may arise in connection to the
responsibility for damage in any case of pollution and compensation irrespective
incident place.
In case of joint response operation the leader party (party requesting for help) is to
directly compensate the following expenses which are connected with being of

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personnel, equipment and facilities (including ships and aircrafts) of the support party on
his territory:
a) Housing, food and/or every day expenses of response operation participating
personnel (excluding ship crews);
b) Harbor taxes of ships and boats sent for assistance;
c) Airport revenues for flying facilities sent for support;
d) Fuel necessary for equipment and technical means participating in response
operation, particularly for floating facilities and aircrafts participating in joint operations;
e) Medical service of support party response personnel inhured or ill;
f) Expenses connected with any employee repatriation who has been killed, injured or
got ill during joint response operation;
g) Expenses of technical service of equipment, ships and aircrafts participating in joint
response operations;
h) Maintenance expenses of equipment, floating or flying facilities damaged on its
territory during joint response operations or because of its account, if such repair is to
be done before equipment and facilities return to its own country;
i) Communication expenses of support party personnel connected with joint response
operation.
The support party pays expenses connected with sending personnel, equipment,
materials and other facilities including ships and aircrafts.
Mobilization of personnel, equipment, materials products and other facilities;
Transportation expenses of personnel, equipment and materials to and from the country
of response operations;
Fuel for independent units (ships, aircrafts) which will travel to response joint operation
place with own resources;
Communication expenses connected with response joint operations rendered on the
support party territory;
Medical service expenses of response personnel after returning home who were injured
or got ill during joint response operations;
Expenses of care and repair of equipment and facilities used in joint response
operations after returning home this equipment.
After termination of joint response operations and returning of the whole personnel,
equipment and other facilities participating in joint response operations the support party
prepares for leading party a detailed account-invoice connected with support and other
expenses. The account-invoice contains the following articles:
a) Wages of personnel participating in joint response operations approved by National
On-Scene Commander or other responsible person of leading party on the basis of daily
working log;
b) Wages of personnel participating in joint response operations approved by National
On-Scene Commander or other responsible person of leading party on the basis of daily
working log, calculated equipment leasing cost;
c) Wages of personnel participating in joint response operations approved by National
On-Scene Commander or other responsible person of leading party on the basis of daily
working log, calculated expenses for clearing materials used in joint response
operation;
d) Expenses of replacement of irreparably damaged equipment in joint response
operation.
Immediately after receiving such account-invoices the party which actuated the plan and
requested assistance will compensate expenses made by the support parts after

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actuation of the plan connected with pollution response measures. Each acting party will
include such account-invoices into the compensation request connected with pollution
response which respectively will be presented to the party responsible for pollution
incident, its ensurers or to acting international system of pollution induced damage
compensation.
Or, the parties may agree that request on compensation of expenses will be presented
independently by each party to the party which is responsible for pollution incident, its
ensurers or to acting international system of pollution induced damage compensation.
Oil contamination compensation international fund 1992 (also known as Fund 1992
or IPPC fund 1992) is an International intergovernmental organization which makes
compensation of damage caused by oil spill from tankers. The management body of
Fund 1992 is the secretariat situated in London (United Kingdom). The Fund issued
Directions on requests which give practical advice on in what form is recommended to
present pretences to the Fund in case of oil spill.
Compensation is given only in case if pretence satisfies the stated criteria. This issue
describes operations specific of the Fund and the procedures of compensation payment
helping the plaintiff in getting compensation.
Notwithstanding to which party is presented such requests, they should be prepared
according to the principles given in Fund publication Claims Manual.
In order to help the movement of response personnel and equipment in trans-border
displacement of response personnel, equipment, materials and independent units the
request party:
a) Will arrange organization problems of quick inclusion of equipment, material and
personnel into operations before their arrival and provide that formal customs procedure
be performed with maximum speed. The equipment on the territory of the country is
admitted provisionally while materials are admitted without excises and taxes (including
revenue).
b) Will provide that in case of ships and air transport arrival ships will be given the
appropriate license and air transport will be licensed to fly in National air territories.
The respective agencies will be presented voyage schedule or notification about
voyages and on its basis the respective license will be received for air transport to
takeoff and land on ground or sea outside the airports under official customs control.
Such displacement of personnel and equipment is to implemented according to
Resolution A.983(24) of International Marine organization Directions on
contamination incidents response.
5.4.6.2 Customs procedures

In case of actuating of steps 2 and/or 3 plans the Poti port customs service appoints a
competent customs authority responsible on timely solution of customs service
connected with response personnel and facilities trans-border movements.

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5.4.6.3 Flying procedures

In case of actuating response plan steps 2 and 3 and immediately after official request
of Rescue Coordination Centre the air transport of other countries may enter and act in
Georgian air territory with the following objectives:
Search and rescue operations;
Observation flights;
Transportation of response personnel, equipment and materials;
Other flights connected with pollution response operations.
National On-Scene Commander preliminarily performs necessary organizational work
on quick issue of permissions and customs certificates for other parties civil air transport
(aircrafts and helicopters) which may be requested to participate in response operation
in air space of the country.
The similar organizational operations are to be carried out for using airport facilities by
civil aircrafts and helicopters included in joint response operations.
The flight of military air transport of support countries over territorial waters and in air
space with the above mentioned objectives will be solved by transport regulation
National committee in compliance with the Ministry of Defense according to separate
cases by the respective countries.

5.4.6.4 Navigation procedures

In case of actuating steps 2 and/or 3 of the plan and immediately at the request of
National On-Scene Commander the ships of support countries may enter and act in
territorial sea of Georgia with one of the following purposes:
Search and rescue operations;
Oil spill incident observation;
Ships rescue and transportation operations;
Pollution response operations, spilled product deterrence and sterilization, storage and
transportation of spilled pollutants;
Transportation of response operation participating personnel, equipment and materials;
Other displacements connected with pollution response operations including using of
dispersants.
National On-Scene Commander preliminarily performs necessary organizational work
connected with quick getting of permission and customs certificates for civil ships
(ships, boats, specialized antipollution vessels) navigation of other countries which may
be requested to participate in response operations in its internal waters and territorial
sea. The similar organizational work may be carried out on using port objects for civil
ships included in joint response operations.
With the above mentioned purposes the problem of navigation of other parties sea ships
in territorial waters of Georgia will be solved by Transport regulation National committee
in agreement with the Ministry of Defense according to separate cases by respective
countries.
In all cases the decree regulations of International convention on international marine
support is to be satisfied.

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5.4.6.5 Medical insurance and medical aid

In case of actuating steps 2 and/or 3 of the plan both parties support and requesting
are to take necessary measures for insurance in case of death, illness and injury of the
personnel who may participate in joint response operations
Competent national operational authority is to render the best medical first aid and
service to any person of the other party who has been injured or got ill during
participating in joint response operations.
Competent national operational authority is to assist repatriation of support personnel
injured or diseased during joint response operations.
The expenses for hospitalization or medical aid of injured or diseased personnel of
support party within Georgia will be paid by competent national operational agency. It
may at its discretion, claim the party responsible for contamination incident, his
insurance agency or pollution compensation international system to pay such expenses.
5.4.6.6 Responsibility for damage and harm

If emergency response teams participating in response operations cause damage to the

third parties on operation site and this damage is connected with response operations,
such damage is the responsibility of the party initiator of plan actuating, even if this is
caused by incorrect maneuver or technical error.
If emergency case response teams cause any damage to the third party when they
approach or leave operation site the responsibility on this damage is determined by Law
of Georgia.
5.4.6.7 Documentation of response operations and connected expenses

All level On-Scene Commanders take measures to make detailed documented reports
about all measures carried out for response on contamination causing incident. With
this purpose On-Scene Commander allots an expert on juridical assistance and
financial compensation who is responsible on operation accounting and financial
control.
It is planned to make the following regular reports:
Description of situation, adopted solutions and implemented response measures;
Every day work logging describing:
Operations progress (place, time, purpose);
Equipment and other facilities (place, time, purpose);
Employed personnel (quantity, profile, time);
Necessary for response and other used materials (e.g. fuel) (quantity, purpose)
Total account of expenses for pollution response operations.
On termination of response operations, on the basis of this records, the accounts
calculation on response operations will be done with the aim to claim compensation.

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5.5 Training and exercises

5.5.1 Introduction

Oil spill contingency plan on sea considers training and education to appropriate level of
response operation participating personnel. Also, appropriate exercises are to be
regularly performed for oil spill different scenarios.
Trainings allow On-Scene Commander and response group to be permanently in
readiness for response on unexpected incidents.
Readiness of personnel and equipment is to be coordinated with oil spill simulation and
respective procedures and recommendations are to be elaborated for their further
perfection.
Public, media representatives, governmental and local organizations are to have
possibility of observation and presumably, of participating in trainings and exercises
which will clearly show the contribution of government and Poti marine port in oil spill
risks management and environment protection.
Regular trainings and exercises are planned for improvement of personnel actions. The
mentioned trainings and exercises are to serve the matter of achieving the main goals:
Improve personnel cooperation and coordination level between local and, if necessary,
higher level sub-organizations responsible for oil spill response;
Check the effectiveness of leaders of the structures responsible for plan
implementation;
Check intercommunication ability of authorities, organizations and private operators
including the mobilization of plan actuation procedures and response equipment;
Examination of logistic structures and joint operations organizational ability;
Reality of elaborated duties in oil spill case for main personnel;
Achievement of satisfactory level of intercommunication by all participants of response
procedure;
Check functional readiness of all the available devices of oil spill response and
equipment condition, also better mastering of the methods of using anti-spill equipment,
materials and other means;
Make possible for the representatives of different parties to acquire joint operations
experience.
After approving this plan, in one month, Poti harbor Master and harbor administration
will jointly elaborate annual training program. Immediately after approval of this program
Local On-Scene Commander/Harbor Master will organize and begin trainings and
exercises on the level of Poti harbor and oil terminal shipping equipment.
The mentioned trainings are supervised by Local On-Scene Commander who in case of
need may state recommendations and initiative about better organization of trainings
and exercises.
In order to achieve the goals of this plan the oil spill response exercise recommended
periodicity is elaborated which can be used in the process of formulating detailed
trainings annual program.

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Table 5.5.1.1. Recommended periodicity of exercises

Exercise type
Notification exercises
Table exercises
Exercises on equipment and devices
arrangement for operation
Incident control (complex) exercises

Recommended frequency
Twice a year
Once a year
Once a year
Once a year

Training can be performed as theoretical exercises for strengthening of communication

and general readiness procedures, as well as with operational exercises which
considers on-scene arrangement of personnel, equipment and materials.
After termination of each exercise the estimation for exposing any weak point is done
and
annual program of training is to be revised and corrected for increase of
effectiveness.
The mentioned response system needs regular exercises for provision of components
appropriate compliance, it also is advisable that some components of response system
exercises be executed separately to enable more accurate estimation and response
personnel be allowed to better mastering of separate components of the plan. Before
full scale training the trainings for commanders and communication exercises are to be
carried out. Inclusion of all potential participants in exercises provides the consideration
of needs of the whole system and their solution.
It is planned to include Government representatives of Georgia (Marine Rescue
coordination Centre and Ministry of environment protection and natural resources) in oil
spill response simulation exercises initiated by Poti harbor and vice versa, to include
Poti harbor representatives in exercise measures initiated by government. In this way
both parties will be in the course of affairs and will enable more effective interassistance. Such measures also support personal relations which is indispensable at
implementation of joint operations in emergency situations.
The objective of exercises is to check skills and abilities of Poti marine port response
group, equipment and available resources after which necessary recommendations will
be elaborated and realized.
The exercises should be chosen in such a way as to serve different purposes and
concern different aspects of the given plan. The exercises mainly concerns to step 1 of
oil spill scenario.
In the process of regular check-up/update of oil spill response plan in Poti harbor
responsibility zone of Georgian territorial waters and in the process of exercises
elaboration the following guiding principles are to be considered:
State clear and real objectives for each exercise;
Provide that exercise purpose is perfection of qualification and not making impression
on on-lookers;
As a result of comparatively simple and frequent exercises rapid progress is achieved;
Dont make personnel do complicated exercises before he achieves an appropriate
level of qualification;
Dont overburden exercises with many minor tasks, operations, places and participants;
Planning and implementation of successful exercises already is a great achievement;
Estimate each exercise in accordance of what the personnel has studied from this
exercise and dont forget to repeat the previous material at further exercises and
lessons.

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5.5.2 Categories of exercises

Well coordinated system of oil spill exercises includes operations of different

interactions and complexity. Division of exercises into categories enables to separately
carry out exercises on planned actions and assists the awareness of objectives and
scales of the entire plan. As it was shown above, the exercises can be divided into four
main types: Notification exercises, Table exercises, exercises on equipment
arrangement for operation and incident control (complex) exercises.
5.5.2.1 Notification exercises

The purpose of notification exercises is learning of summons procedure for response

team with telephone/radiotelephone or other communication means of alert as is
considered with response plan. These exercises can be used for checking the
communication systems, whether the existing contact information is true or not, for
checking personnel to be at place, for estimation of different travel routes or necessary
measures for traveling and for checking the possibility of quick and accurate hand-over
of information. Such exercises continue, as a rule, for 1-2 hours and they can be
performed at any time, day and night, with or without preliminary warning.
5.5.2.2 Table exercises

Table exercises are used for checking response management knowledge and skill and
habits and usually consist of simulated scenario interactive discussion among response
team members although they do not imply mobilization of personnel and equipment.
For such exercises a conference hall or several rooms with telephone connection are
used. In the course of these exercises the urgent problems of incident are discussed,
the opinions are expressed and response measures are specified. At the initial stage of
table exercises the response group is given a simple task, in particular, to follow the
response plan in detail and check what will the other members of the team do in any
specific situation which will be performed by them during exercises. The complicated
version of table exercises may imply the participation of several teams including alien
persons who perform their roles.
Table exercises may continue 2-8 hours and personnel must be notified about
exercise time in order to be present on exercises.
5.5.2.3 Exercises of equipment preparation for operation

Exercises of equipment preparation for operation means the arrangement of equipment

used in oil spill response operation in the indicated places for response to oil spill
scenario and according the strategies that are considered in a specific oil spill scenario
plan. As a result of these exercises the skill of local teams to react on spill of step 1 and
2 is tested.
These exercises give the personnel experience and increase the habit of individual and
team work. It is necessary to include in these exercises ship and barge owners to
estimate their skills and habits, as well. Such exercises as a rule continue 2-8 hours and
they should be carried out regularly until the team acquires all necessary qualification

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and skills and habits of equipment exploitation. In a number of cases the exercises of
equipment preparation can be executed alongside with table exercises and incident
control (complex) exercises. This will increase the possibility of real perception of
situations considered with exercises although the exercise itself will become more
complicated.
5.5.2.4 Incident management (complex) exercises

Compared to other exercises the incident management (complex) exercises are more
complicated as there are simulated oil spill incident different aspects and, as a rule, the
third party is also participating.
Such exercise may be of limited scale and provide the performing of alien parties roles
by the own personnel or may be full-scale when outside agencies and organizations are
invited when their personnel perform their own roles. While inside exercises are
expedient at the earlier periods of team forming up, exercising with the personnel
included in response operations provides adequate preparation of team members and
testing which is the guarantee of successful operations.
For incident control exercises it is necessary that personnel is on site, the respective
scenario is elaborated and accordingly imitated. As a rule exercise supervising
commission is created for elaboration and performance of exercises.
In case of large-scale oil spill simulation from tanker the incident control team, on-scene
operation team, tanker owner, freight owner, governmental representative and press
and media may be included in exercises. If the participants are scattered in different
places the control of outer communications becomes complicated and it is necessary to
provide that exercises do not exceed the stated limits.
Incident control exercises continue all day, for 10-14 hours which is followed with
summing up meeting on the next day. If it is decided to continue exercises the next day
too, it is necessary to provide that artificial situation created specially for exercises be
preserved the next day, too. In this case sum-up meeting is help on the third day.
5.6 Notification about discontinuance of operations
Immediately after termination of pollution response operations carried out within local
plan the Local On-Scene Commander prepares final report of incident which contains:
Description of contamination causing case and situation development;
Description of the carried out response measures;
Description of assistance from other parties;
Estimation of the whole response operation;
List of all expenses made by each party at response implementation;
Estimation of environment damage and economical harm;
Description and analysis of the problems arisen at contamination incident response;
Recommendations on the existing organizational operations and, particularly, on the
possible perfection of plan regulations.
The Ministry of environment protection and natural resources and marine transport
administration are to analyze this report to enter changes in the existing plan of oil spill
response.
It should be noted that the Black Sea states joint response operations are to be
discussed at regular (annual) meetings of these countries.

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5.7 Control list of actions

The below control list is a guide book for responsible personnel who will be included in
oil patch monitoring, spill response, oil fencing and accumulation operations.
The purpose of the list is rapid and optimum choosing of appropriate versions at the
initial stage of response operation.
Table 5.7.1. Oil pollution control list
Oil pollution of sea (distanced from shore)
Description:
Sea contamination may be caused by ships, from plants as a result of activity on open
sea or on the shore. Pollution source/cause may arise beyond the borders of Georgia.
There are international agreements and decrees concerning oil spill response on the
Black Sea
Standard actions
Rules and procedures
Mobilization of National/Local OnScene Commanders
Mobilization announcement in incident
control Centre situated in Marine Rescue
coordination Centre building
Communication with aerial control for
performing observation flight (checking)
Introduction of data on oil spill incident into
POLREP (oil patch size, location)
Mobilization of national support team in
case of 2nd and 3rd step oil spill;
Estimation of oil patch trajectory and
degree of effect on environment by using
OSIS oil spill model;
Choosing anti oil spill strategy;
Mobilization, as needed, of equipment and
personnel (government and private
sector);
On site: Oil inflammation limit control and
starting of response procedures;
Mobilization of emergency response
teams;
Request
from
Local
On-Scene
Commander for regular reports of situation
(SITREPS);
Acquittance of incident response team
after termination of emergency stage
Decision making
What is to be taken into account in oil spill response operations: first of all, make sure
that the execution of pollution elimination operation is technically possible and
determine how advisable/necessary is anti oil spill operations; Before making the
decision the following problems are to be considered:
- The character of spilled oil patch (oil type);
- Spilled oil patch dimensions (volume, propagation area, sizes of different layers);

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- The results of oil patch development simulation;

- The probability that oil spill incident takes international scales;
- Consulting the Local On-Scene Commander about which method of struggle against
oil is optimum in the given case and for estimation of mobilization time;
- Consider the distance of spilled oil patch from shore and the time to achieve the shore;
- Consider the difficulty to approaching the shores where spilled oil had a negative
effect;
- Determine ecological sensitivity of oil polluted coastal line;
- Consider spilled oil patch standard or expected action (evaporation, emulgation
ability);
- Synoptic state in the given moment and weather prognosis;
- Time necessary to achieve the site with equipment in case of situation change.
What is to be considered at health and safety protection
The removal, storage and transportation of substances with inflammation limit less than
600C are to be realized satisfying the special safety rules.
A special ship is necessary for execution anti oil operations in case of inflammation limit
less than 600C. At present the country has no such ship which satisfies safety
demands.
Inflammation period of oil with < 600C inflammation temperature is maximum 19
hours after spill and depends on oil type and amount, on temperature and wind speed.

Strategy
Alternatives:
Observation and monitoring
Mechanical dispersion
Containment and renewal
at sea
Use of dispersants
Coast clean up
Bottom clean up

Response team
National
On-Scene
Commander
Local
On-Scene
Commander
Local
On-Scene
Commander
Oil spill response trained
personnel
Oil spill response national
team
Marine rescue coordination
centre and rescue service

Means

Sorbents
Containment boons
Skeemers
Temporary stores
Oil spill response ships
Oars
and
personal
protection means

Page 60 of 105

CHAPTER 6. Plan reference book. Contact persons in oil spill case

6.1 Contact persons in oil spill case from Georgia
First aid services
Company name Contact person

Fire
fighting B.Makalatia
department
Poti
marine
harbor
Poti marine harbor
Company
Contact person
name
Poti
marine
harbor
Poti
marine
harbor
Poti
marine
harbor
Poti
marine
harbor
Poti
marine
harbor

Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours
+995 393
77777 12 00

Telephone in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours
General manager +(995 393)
+(995393)
Temur
77777 11-13
77777
Miminoshvili
General manager +(995393)
+(99577
Maia Tevzadze
70103
23618
Harbor
Master +(995393)
V.Tavberidze
77777 12-93
Manager (in legal +(995393)
questions)
77777 11-18
S.Kvachantiradze
Technical service +(995393)
TBA
and maintenance 21525

Batumi marine harbor

Company
Contact person
name
Batumi marine Konstantine
harbor
Megrelishvili
Batumi marine Mamuka
harbor
Talakvadze,
HSSE,
manager,
Batumi
Batumi marine Harbor Master
harbor
V.Tavberidze

in Fax

in Fax

+(995393)
20630
4
+(995393)
70109

+(995393)
20688

Telephone in Telephone
in Fax
working hours nonworking hours
Mob: +(995) 77
20-27-09
+(995393)
+(99577) 4 23618
70103

+995
(32) Mob: +995 77 202418-18, +995 26-09
E-mail:
(222) 760-06
talakvadzem@gre
enoakholdings.co
Batumi marine Tengiz
+995(32)
Mob: +995 77 20harbor
Gordeladze,
2418-15 +995 26-54
chief engineer (222) 7-60-06
E-mail:
of
ecological
Gordeladzet@gree

Fax: +995 (32)

2418-17

+995 (32) 2418-17

Page 61 of 105

department,
Batumi
Batumi marine Dispatcher-onharbour
duty,
24
h
working regime
Batumi marine Reception
+(995 222)
harbor
office
62 69
Official governmental authorities
Company name Contact person

National
On- Gogi Kikvidze
Scene
Commander of
Georgian
transport
administration
Marine tranport V.Imnaishvili
administration
of Georgia
Poti Municipal T.Kvakhadze
service
of
ecology
and
natural
resources

noakholdings.com
Mob: +995 77 2026-27
7

Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours
+(995222) 7 39
13 (24 hr)

Scientific
V.Gvakharia
research
firm
Gamma Ltd
Mass media directory
Company name Contact person

in Fax

+(995222) 7 39
05

+(995222) 7 49
25

+(995222) 7 39
29

+(995393) 2 39 (77) 47 75 25
38

+(995 32) 33
39 52

Companies connected with harbor

Company name Contact person Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours
Batumi marine Reception
+(995 222)
7
harbor
office
62 69
Supsa terminal Reception
+(995 99) 58
office
46 78
National
Reception
+(995 22) 69
Management
office
96 00
committee
Consulting companies
Company name Contact person

+(995 222)
65 60

in Fax

+(995 222)
65 60

(22) 6986 20

Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours
+(995 22) 33
02 74

in Fax

Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours

in Fax

+(995 22) 33
02 74

Page 62 of 105

Poti television Leila Kakulia

Fazisi
Poti television Mamuka Todua
Metskhre
talgha
Newspaper
Zuri Abralava
Potis
utskebani

+(995393)
70095
+(995 393)
24114
+(995 393)
20222

Material-technical provision (logistics)

Floating transport (ships) directory
Company name Contact person Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours
Barvil Georgia Jon Niepers
+(995 393)
71687
Maerski
Maka Gvichia
+(995 393)
25895
Avia company directory
Company name Contact person

Directory of plants
Company name Contact person

Ship
building
plant
Hydro
mechanical
workshop

Vakhtang
Katamadze
Reception
office

in Fax

+(995 393)
25894

Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours

in Fax

Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours
+(995 393)

in Fax

+(995 393)
22519

+(995 393)
7
20 00; 7 16 03

Directory of equipment supplier in oil pollution

Company name Contact person Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours
Poti
marine Reception
+(995 393)
harbor
office
77777-1113
Batumi marine Reception
+(995 222)
harbor
office
76269
Supsa terminal Reception
+(995 995)
office
84678
National
Reception
+(995
22)
regulation
office
699699
committee

in Fax

(995 222)
76560

+(995
698220

22)

Page 63 of 105

Contractors in oil-containing waste clear up

Company name Contact person Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours
Fumigator Ltd Tamaz
+(995 393)
Aleksandria
20575
Barge Khibula Dispatcher
+(995 393)
Valeri
70108
Arkulinski
Equipment and response at oil spill
Company
Contact person Telephone
in Telephone
Name
working hours
nonworking
hours
Cikor
Jim Mac Heil
+995
32
506113/4
Lamor
Nikol Kldiashvili +338 400 99 11
92
Oil spill simulation
Company
Contact person
Name
MRCC

Gogi Kikvidze

Convention
Ana Shoradze
service of the
Ministry
of
environment
protection and
natural
resources
of
Georgia

Taking of ecological samples

Company
Contact person
Name
Department of Badri Tsatava
monitoring
of
the Ministry of
environment
protection
Convention
Ana Shotadze
service of the
Ministry
of
environment
protection and
natural

in Fax

in Fax

+995
394767

Telephone
in Telephone
in Fax
working hours
nonworking
hours
+(995 222)
+(995 77) 75 +(995 222)
73913
(24 85 49
39 05
hours)
+(995
22) +(995
99)
272850
107911

Telephone
in Telephone
in Fax
working hours
nonworking
hours
+(99532) 27 57 Mob: +(995 99)
67
58 38 46

+(995
272850

22) +(995
107911

99)

32

Page 64 of 105

resources
Georgia

of

Mapping of ecological sensitivity/geographical information (GIS)

Company
Contact person Telephone
in Telephone
Name
working hours
nonworking
hours
Ministry
of Paata
+995
99
environment
Chankotadze
191753
protection and
natural
Giorgi
resources
of Maghlakelidze
+995 99720026
Georgia
Railway
of
Georgia
Useful information
Company
Contact person
Name
Police
First aid
Ministry
of
State security

Telephone
in Telephone
working hours
nonworking
hours
+(995393)
03
(995 393) 7 00
70

in Fax

in Fax

Ministry of environment protection and natural resources of Georgia

Name,
Status
Address
Telephone
surname
David
Minister
Georgia,
27 57 00
Tkeshelashvili
Tbilisi, 0114,
Gulua str. 6
Zaal
Deputy
877 424004
Lomtadze
minister
Sofiko
Deputy
275713
Akhobadze
minister
Sofiko
Project
+(955 77) 77 40 14
Berishvili
manager
Ana Shotadze Convention Batumi
Mob. +(995 99) 10 79 11
inspection of
the
Black
Batumi office: (995 22)
Sea
272850
protection,
head
of
Batumi
department
Tengiz
The Black Batumi
Office (995 22) 272850
Gogotishvili
Sea
convention
inspection,
Batumi

E-mail

zl@gol.ge
mail com

zaallomtadze

nposp@csucasus.net

Page 65 of 105

Jumber
Sarjveladze

Badri Tsatava

Giorgi
Lebanidze

Nodar
Kontselidze

Dito Gjlonti

Nino
Gabriadze

REvaz
Enukidze

department,
Chief
specialist (in
sea pollution
control)
The Black
Sea
convention
inspection,
Batumi
department,
Chief
specialist (in
sea pollution
control)
Environment
protection
inspection,
ecological
monitoring,
executor
director of
the
department
Environment
protection
inspection,
ecological
monitoring,
Senior
specialist
Chief
of
waste
control
department

Batumi,
Mob; +(995 99) 17 02 27
Gamsakhurdia Office (995 22) 272850
str. 6

Georgia,
Mob; +(995 99) 58 38 46
Tbilisi, 0114, Office: (995 32) 27 57 67
Gulua str.6

Georgia,
Mob: +(995 99) 19 59 48
Tbilisi, 0114, Office:+(995 32)
Gulua str.6
59 56 81

Achara
regional
service of the
Ministry
of
environment
protection
Environment Georgia,
protection
Tbilisi, 0114,
inspection,
Gulua str.6
head
of
analytical
service
Head
of Georgia,
public and Tbilisi, 0114,
media
Gulua str.6
relations
service
Head
of Georgia,
department Tbilisi, 0114,
of
Gulua str.6
international

g.lebanidze@yahoo.com

Mob: +995 93 19 08 65
concelidze@rambler.ry
Batumi
office
888 222 761180

Mob: +(995 95) 50 98 25 dimitriglonti@yahoo.com

Office: (995 32) 27 57 64

Mob: 89954 39 58
Office: 27 57 24

Tel/Fax:
+(995
32) renukidze@yahoo.com
275 716
revaz.enukidze@moe.gov
Mob: +(995 99) 164 469

Page 66 of 105

Nino
Tskhadadze

relations
and
conventions
Department Georgia,
Mob: +(995 77) 46 48 84
of
Tbilisi, 0114, Office: +(995 32) 27 56
international Gulua str.6
23
relations
seenino2002@yahoo.com
and
conventions,
senior
specialist

Administration of marine transport of Georgia

Name,
Status
Address
surname
Captain
Marine
Georgia,
Paata
transport
6017,
Imnaishvili
administration Gogebashvili
str.
60
Batumi office

Captain Gogi Head

of
Kikvadze
rescue
coordination
centre
Captain
Deputy chief
Valeri
of
rescue
Khardin
coordination
centre
Avto
Chief
Tvildiani
mechanical
engineer
of
rescue
coordination
centre
Sergo
Chief oil spill
Kerdzevadze response of
rescue
coordination
centre
Rezo
Chair
of
Beridze
marine
transport
administration
Devi Gvalia
Rescue
coordination
centre

Batumi

Telephone Fax
+(995 32) mtag@maradsaqartvelo.org
222 73909 captpaata@maradsakartvelo
Fax:
+(995)
222 73020
Mob:
+(995 77)
40 82 38
Mob:
+(995 77)
75 85 49

Batumi

Mob:
+(995 77)
41 73 08

Batumi

Mob:
+(995 93)
33 54 57

Batumi

Mob:
+(995 99)
48 12 37

Psavlov str. Mob:

revazberidze@yahoo.com
12,
Tbilisi +(995 77)
office
52 15 15
Poti

Page 67 of 105

Batumi oil terminal Ltd

Name,
Status
surname
Konstantine Deputy
Megrelishvili director

Tengiz
Gordeladze

Address

GMT
PLAZA,
No4,
Georgia,
Tbilisi,
0115,
Freedom
square
Head
of Batumi
environment
protection
service

Telephone Fax
+(995 32) konstantin@greenoakholdings.com
24 18 18
Fax:
+(99532)
24 18 17
Mob:
+(995 77)
40 77 41
Mob:
+(995 77)
46 87 64

Ministry of economical development

Name,
Status
Address
Telephone
Fax
surname
Irakli
Head
of Georgia, Tbilisi, Office:
+(995
Taktakishvili
transport
0112,
32) 999 899
department
G.Chanturia str.
2
Raylway of Georgia
Name,
Status
surname
Irakli
Head
Ezugbaia
railway
Georgia

David
Gelashvili

Irina
Baghlishvili

Tamaz
Tsirekidze

Address

of Georgia,
of Tbilisi.
Tamar
Mepe
str.
15
Head
of Georgia,
transport
Tbilisi.
safety general Tamar
inspection
Mepe
str.
15

Telephone

Fax

Office:
+(995
32)
56 44 00

Office:
lok_gelashvili@railway.ge
+(995
32)
56 30 90
Mob: +(995
99) 50 37
70
Deputy chief Georgia,
Mob: =(995 irabagi@rambler.ru
of
Georgian Tbilisi.
99) 11 32 irabagi@posta ge.
railway
Tamar
37
environmental Mepe
str. Office =(995
and technical 15
32) 56 31
facilities
84
centre
First
deputy Georgia,
=(995
32)
chief
of Tbilisi.
56 33 77
transport
Tamar
+(995
32)
safety general Mepe
str. 56 51 95
inspection
15
Fax: +9995

Page 68 of 105

Aleko
Sakvarelidze

trainmaster
in Tbilisi

Tbilisi

Valeri
Gordilava

trainmaster
in Samtredia

Samtredia

Paata
Kakiashvili

trainmaster
in Khashuri

Khashuri

32) 56 44
25
Mob: +(995
99) 50 37
03
Mob: +(995
99)
50 37
64
Mob: +(995
93) 25 23
28
Mob: +(995
99) 76 56
14

Ministry of home affairs

Name,
Status
Address
Telephone
Fax
surname
Fridon
Department of Georgia, Tbilisi Office:
=(995
Sadunishvili
emergency
0114,
Gulua 32) 75 21 61
situations
str. 10
+(995 32) 75
management
53 88
+9995 32) 75
04 01

Page 69 of 105

6.2 Contact persons in case of oil spill. The Black Sea region

6.2.1 Georgia

The Black Sea region competent State authorities

Name
Status
Address
Pollution
Georgia, Tbilisi
elimination
emergency
national centre,
the Black Sea
protection
convention
department,
Ministry
of
environment
protection
Marine
Georgia,
department,
Batumi,
rescue service
Gogebashvili
str. 60
State
contact
office
for
reception
of
pollution
incident
notification (24
working hours)
National
OnScene
Commander
Competent
customs
authority

Telephone

E-mail, telex

(25561) 366207 412617

Fax:
(90522) GESCO SU
889493

6.2.2 Bulgaria

The Black Sea region competent State authorities

Name
Status
Address
Competent
Ministry
of Bulgaria, Sofia,
state
environment
1000, William
governmental
and
water Gladstone
authority
protection
str.67

Telephone
E-mail
+359 2 940 65
05
+359
2
94065 55 Fax:
+359 2980 96
41
Ministry
of Bulgaria, Sofia, + 359 2 87 22
transport
and 1000,
Levski 87 Fax: +359
communications str. 9
2 988 55 37

Page 70 of 105

Competent
State
organization
responsible for
operation
State contact
office receiving
notification on
pollution
incident

General
directorate,
marine
administration,
Sofia
Marine
administration,
Varna

Emergency
response
centre

Search
and
rescue centre,
Varna
Search
and
rescue centre,
Burgas

Marine
administration,
Burgas

National
On- Varna
Scene
Master
Commander

harbor

Burgas
Master

harbor

Competent
customs bode

Varna customs
Burgas customs

Bulgaria, Sofia, +359 2 988 55

1000,
Levski 37 Fax: +369
str. 9
2988 55 37

Bulgaria, Sofia, +
359
52
9000, Primorski 603113
Fax:
bulvar, PB 141 +359
52 602
378
Bulgaria,
+359 56 4 31
Burgas,
40 Fax: +359
A.Batenberg
56 4 30 89
Bulvar 3
+359 56 4 31
40 Fax: +359
56 4 30 89
+359 56 47112
+359 56 40039
+359
48
963864
Fax:
+359 56 4 00
39
Bulgaria, Sofia, +359
9000, Primorksi 52 225 409
bulvar 5, PB Fax:
+359
141
52 602 378
Burgas, 8000, +359 56 4 31
A.Batenberg
40 Fax: +359
bulvar 3
56 4 30 89
+359
52 632
232
A.Batenberg 1
+359 56 459 38
Fax: +359 56 4
58 43

6.2.3 Rumania

The Black Sea region competent State authorities

Name
Status
Address
Telephone
E-mail
Ministry
of
Bdul. Libertatii (0040)
stadium@mappm.ro
environment
12 Buchuresti, 21 410 24 07
protection and
75061 Sector 5 Fax: (0040)
water
21 410 20 32
resources
management
Ministry
of
Bdul.Dinicu
(0040) 21 22 Cazacu#mt.ro
transport,
Golescu
38 23 636 Fax:
building and
Bucuresti,
+(0040) 21
tourism
77113 Sector 1 31 20 772
Ministry
of
Str.Mihai Voda (0040)
administration
6,
Bucuresti 21 222 96 30

Page 71 of 105

and
Home
Affairs
National
company
Romanian
Waters

Dobruji coast
branch (24 h)
Romanian
naval
authorities (24
h)

Civil
protection
authority (24
h)

70 622
Sector 5
Str.Micea
cel
Batran 127
Constant 8700

Fax: (0040)
21 311 20 52
(0040)
Dispecer@dadl.rowater.ro
241 673 036
Fax: (0040)
241 673 027

Incinta port
Coonstanta
(dana 0)

(0040) 241 Ma@rna.ro

60 22 29
(0040) 241
60 18 70
Fax: (0040)
241 60 19 96
(0040) 241
55 39 17
Str.Ceasirnicului (0040)
cnci@ pcnet.ro
19
21 232 17 77
Bucuresti
Fax: (0040)
21 232 20 08

6.2.4 Russian Federation

The Black Sea region competent State authorities

Name
Status
Address
Russian
Russia,
Federation
Moscow,
trans-port
103759,
Ministry, State
Rozhdestvenrf
marine
str. 1/4
pollution,
search
and
rescue
administration
Novorosiisk
Russia,
search
and
Krasnodar
rescue
region, 353091,
underwater
Novorosiisk,
company
Portovaya str. 7
(Novorosiisk
UASPTR)

Telephone
E-mail
+7 095 050
411197
4695,
MORGLOT RF
+7 095 053
9929,
Fax:
+7 095 926
9038,
+7 095 959
4694
+7 861 7 29 22
86,
+7 861 7 29 26
28
Fax: _7 861 7
25 22 72

6.2.5 Turkey

Competent state authority

Name
Contact person
Ministry
of
environment
protection

Address
Eskisehr 8 km.
Bilkent
Kavsagi,
06570, Ankara,

Telephone
+90 312 285
1876
Fax:
+90 312 285

Telex/E-mail

Page 72 of 105

Turkey
Competent state operational authority
Name
Contact person Address
Deputy minister
GMK
128,
of
marine
Maltepe,
activities
06570, Ankara,
Turkey

5875

Telephone
Telex/E-mail
+90 312
2324560 Fax:
+90 312 231
3306

State contact offices of pollution incident notification reception (24 hour working regime)
Name
Contact person Address
Telephone
Telex/E-mail
Turkish coast
Karanfil
Sok, +90 312 417 50 46201
protection
62,
06640 50/51/51
and
authority
Bakankuklar,
425
33
37
Turkey
(director)
Fax:
+90 312 417 28
45

Fast response centre (telephone and fax numbers will be established later)
Name
Contact person Address
Telephone
Telex/E-mail
Coast
safety
Istanbul
and ship rescue
General
Council

6.2.6 Ukraine

Competent local authority

Name
Contact person
Ministry
of
Ukraine
on
emergency
situation
and
Chernobil
catastrophe
results
protection
problems

Address
Telephone
Telex/E-mail
55 Gochara Q., +380
44 247
252034
3050/245 4956
Kiev
Fax:
+380
44 245 4956

Competent national operational authority (24 h)

Name
Contact person Address
National
7,
Vokzalyno
coordination
Q., 01032
centre of water
Kiev
reservoirs
response

Telephone
Telex/E-mail
+380 44 245 49
56
Fax:
+380
44 245 49 56

Page 73 of 105

Part II. Poti port contingency plan for oil spill on land
I. Introduction
Poti port oil spill contingency plan for oil spill on land is elaborated on the basis of
decrees of National oil spill contingency plan for oil spill on land11 in compliance with
activities, procedures and principles indicated therein.
It should be mentioned that oil and other harmful substances emergency spill response
need preliminarily conceptualized planning in order to minimize oil spill damage. The
main purpose of Poti port oil spill contingency plan for oil spill on land is to form
effective and economically substantiated mechanisms of prevention and abatement of
oil spill negative effects and of damage elimination caused by oil spill.
The plan considers functions and responsibility sphere and also instructions for the
measures to be carried out in case of small scale (step 1) incident of oil spill on land and
the measures of large-scale and effective response in complicated cases (step 3) which
need international interference.
There is a whole number of different scenarios of oil spill which may happen in Poti
harbor territory during oil unloading operations.
The national plan indicates that at present there are no national or international laws on
the basis of which the plan of response on oil spill on land would be elaborated. At the
same time it is undisputed that there is oil spill probability and for response to such
incidents the appropriate response plan is necessary. Also oil spilled on land often
pollutes sea environment which may grow into trans-border contamination.
Taking into consideration the world leading experience of creating such plans this plan
consists of three pats. Part 1 considers all strategic problems of oil spill incident
response readiness. Part 2 describes the activities and measures to be realized in case
of oil spill and part 3 gives the list of persons who must be contacted in case of oil spill
incident

11

See version of January 31, 2007 of National oil spill contingency plan for oil spill on land

Page 74 of 105

II. List of persons responsible for plan administration

Persons responsible for plan administration
Poti harbor administration
Ministry of home affairs
Ministry of environment protection and natural resources of Georgia
Oil and gas resources regulation National agency
Ministry of law
Ministry of economical development (Georgian railway Ltd.)
Ministry of Defense
Ministry of Public Health
Ministry of finances (customs department)

Copy No

Page 75 of 105

III. List of amendments and additions introduced in the plan

Number
of Date of change Date
of Initiator
of Signature of a
amendments or approval
introduction of amendment or responsible
additions
amendments or addition
person
additions
1
2
3

Page 76 of 105

Chapter 1. Response strategy on oil spill on land

1.1 Objectives and purposes
The plan of elimination of oil emergency spill on land determines measures which are to
be performed by oil spill response personnel of Poti harbor in port responsibility space
or for abatement of oil spilled as a result of implemented operations.
The purpose of the document is to understand the needs that arise on land in Poti port
territory in case of emergency oil spill and describe readiness for urgent measures
which are already prepared or are to be prepared (or agreed) by state responsible
authorities and third parties to minimize the effect caused by oil spill on environment.
This document determines the responsibility of those organizations and persons who
are directly concerned in oil spill case, the obligations of main personnel in case of oil
spill beginning from initial notification procedures, from mobilization to demobilization of
personnel and equipment.
Proceeding from the fact that the sphere of action of national plan on oil emergency sill
on land spreads on the whole territory of Georgia the plan of oil emergency response
elaborated by Poti harbor is absolutely compatible with the mentioned national plan.
1.2 Relation to other plans
The procedures described in plan contain directions how to act in case of hydrocarbon
pollution in order that spill response operation is safe.
This plan will be implemented together with local power oil emergency spill elimination
plan and regional plan of oil and chemical substances pollution elimination while in case
of great emergency spill together with environment management plan and environment
protection national action plan.
Local power oil spill contingency plan
In case of emergency happening outside Poti harbor jurisdiction when clean-up works of
coastal line is necessary the local government is to start response procedures
according to the own plan of oil spill elimination.
Regional plan of oil and chemical substances pollution elimination
This plan is used in case of emergency on the Black Sea and in case of all those
incidents which happen in Black Sea countries and the results of which may get beyond
the borders of a specific country.
Environment management plan (EMP)
The environment management plan is worked out for minimization or abatement of
some negative results which may be caused by construction and using of new
terminals. Also, the elements for monitoring program organization which can be realized
before or after terminal actuating are mentioned in the plan. The objective of the plan is
to provide minimization of the volume of wastes and polluting substances, conformity
with international norms and operation standards, permanent improvement of

Page 77 of 105

environment protection practice, conformity with law and realization of environment

protection plan.
National environment action plan (NEAP)
With the aim to support the realization of The Black Sea strategic action plan in
Georgia the Ministry of environment protection and natural resources, which is
responsible for coordination of governmental measures on state ecology protection and
preservation worked out the national action plan of environment protection of Georgia.
World Bank and government of Holland allotted a grant for preparation of this
document. This document, the elaboration of which has just terminated, is presented to
government for approval. In the process of its preparation the project implementation
unit (PIU), the coastal zone management joint working group (ISZM WG) held
consultations with international marine organization, environment protection association
of oil industry representatives (IPIECA) and International Federation of tankers owners
responsibility restriction (ITOPF) in case of sea contamination in order that national
plans on accident reaction be in conformity with international marine organization
standards and with the programs of actuating the similar plans. The document
considers the possibility of financing the oil spill response with the help of the existing
conventions where responsibility of tanker owner/operator and also, those
compensating funds which provide tanker owners and member countries with insurance
in case of oil spill are determined. The plan considers the possibilities of reaction on
accidental spill in sea and land (along Georgian sea shore), as well as, strategies of oil
spill avoidance and abatement in the process of activity.
1.3 The presumable sources of oil spill on Poti harbor territory
The possible sources of emergency oil spill on Poti harbor territory are Channel
energy oil loading terminal and oil transportation railway trains which move and
implement oil unloading operations.
Characterization of Channel energy Ltd.
Channel energy Ltd., the affiliate company of Delta Petroleum Products Trading Co
signed an agreement with Poti harbor about oil products terminal construction and
exploitation in Poti. At present Channel energy has the following territories in Poti
harbor:
Phase 1a
Phase 1a consists of four reservoirs with floating cover for white oil products storage
(volume 36000 m3). This project is located on the territory adjacent to 3rd pier. The
construction of 1a phase was begun in September 2001 and finished at the end of
September 2002.
Oil stores in harbor jurisdiction
Phase 1a
Storage system
Volume
Phase 1a storage 31430 m3
reservoirs (No 1-3)

Oil type
Diesel
Petrol
Naphtha
Kerosene
Aviation kerosene

Location
Pier No 3

Page 78 of 105

Phase 1a Storage 4835 m3

reservoir (No 4)

Total volume:

Diesel
Petrol
Naphtha
Kerosene
Aviation kerosene

Pier No 3

36265 m3

Phase 1b/2 (expansion)

Phase 1b/2 implied construction of four additional reservoirs for white and black oil
products storage with volume 77500 m3. Phase 1b/2 is situated on the territory
adjacent to pier No 7.
Oil stores in harbor Jurisdiction
Phase 1b/2
Phase
1b/2
61230 m3
storage reservoirs
(No 1-3)

Phase
storage
(No 4)

1b/2
16340 m3
reservoir

Total volume:

Fuel
Raw oil
Diesel
Petrol
Naphtha
Kerosene
Aviation kerosene
Fuel
Raw oil
Diesel
Petrol
Naphtha
Kerosene
Aviation kerosene

Pier No 7

Pier No 7

77570 m3

General infrastructure
Both territories have general infrastructure including railway loading crane, oil shipping
facilities, pumping stations, boiler house and heating system.
Characterization of Poti harbor railway lines
On the territory of Poti marine harbor there is 17197 m railway line and 41 pointworks:
In region I there is 7070 m railway line and 17 pointwork sets;
In region II there is10127 m railway line and 24 pointwork sets.
To region I of Poti harbor the cars are supplied through main access line which is 815 m
long. With this line cars are supplied to South park where empty and loaded cars are
waiting. General length of park lines is 2436 m. Also cars are supplied to the lines
where they are loaded/unloaded. These lines are:
Platform line 9215 m;
Container terminal line -265 m;
Lines of piers No 8, 9, 10 1975 m;
Aluminum unloading line 468 m.

Page 79 of 105

To region II of Poti harbor the cars are supplied through main access line which is 1125
m long. With this line cars are supplied to North park where empty and loaded cars are
waiting. General length of park lines is 3835 m. Also cars are supplied to the lines
where they are loaded/unloaded. These lines are:
Ferry line 1050 m:
Oil terminal I-II lines 645 m;
Lines of piers No 3, 4, 5, 6 1607 m;
Channel energy Ltd. line 775 m.
Thus, railway oil rolling stocks move on the territory of region II of Poti harbor, total
length of rails used is 2545 m, including:
Main access line 1125 m;
Oil terminal I-II line 645 m;
Channel energy Ltd. Line 775 m.

1.4 Risk resources

Harbor review
Poti harbor is situated on the South shore of the Black Sea. The territory adjacent to the
harbor is populated. Poti harbor is situated in high humidity zone, in the East part of
Kolkheti lowland. From South to north it borders with the Black Sea coastal line.
Physical environment
Poti harbor is situated within Kolkheti lowland. In this zone there are three types of soils.
The first type is contemporary dune line which comprises multiple sand dunes, stretches
along the coast and is 1-3 m height and 30-100 m width. The second type of soil is flat
silty lowland of the river Rioni. The third type is flat silty and sea ooze lowland which are
divided with river bed, irrigation channels and low meadows between rivers.
Ecologically sensitive zones
Poti marine port is situated within Kolkheti swamps, the West part borders upon sea
shore and is known with rich biological diversification. Port is also situated near Kolkheti
National park and swampy places. Here is the habitat of different birds of passage. Here
is diversified flora and fauna. Some of the species of flora and fauna are very rare and
their preservation in these places is very actual.
The environment of region greatly depends on water. In lakes, rivers and channels such
species are encountered as Patamogeton spp., Nymphaea colchica, Nuphar luteum
and Trapa colchila. Here in sphagnum turf swamps grains (Molinia litoralis) and relict
paleoarctic species e.g., Drosera rotunfifolia and Osmunda regalis are often
encountered. Also, rush and moor-grass swamps are developed which are usually
populated by Carex riparia, C.acutiformis, Juncus effuses and J.inflexus. Alnus barbata
dominates in forest-shrub swamps where it is replaced with sphagnum moss, Juncus
spp., Cladium mariscus and seldom Pterocarya pterocarpa.
Alder (Alnus barbata) groves unlike turf swamps are spread on super-humid alluvial
soils. Alongside with alder here grows oak (Quercus spp.) and hornbeam (Carpinus
caucasica). In places were ground waters are deeper the second type of groves are

Page 80 of 105

encountered - mezophilous mixed deciduous Kolkhic forests which are overgrown with
Quercus imeretina, Q.hartwissiana, Carpinus caucasica and Staphyllea colchica.
Ecologically important zones
In ecological viewpoint in this surroundings there are two important zones: Kolkheti
National Park and swampy place which is in 205 km from Poti marine harbor oil
terminal.
Vegetable cover of the region is presented with turf and grass swamps, open waters,
forests and secondary meadows which are included into Kolkheti super-humid protected
territory. The mentioned territory includes multiple sage buffer zone and places covered
with Ramsar convention.
At present other places represent secondary areas of meadows, pastures, shrubberies
and arable land. Here Juncus effuses, J.inflexus, J.acutis and J.maritimes are widely
spread species.
The main kinds of settlings spread in Poti region are swampy territories and secondary
shrubberies. In super-humid places humid alder groves and alder swamps are
encountered.
Super-humid areas humid alder groves and alder swamps
Alder Alnus barbata is growing in the places where Gubus sp and Juncus sp. are
spread. Here are also fragments of secondary meadows with such species as: Trifolium
spp., Achillea sp., Lotus corniculatua, Prunella vulgaris, Ramunculas repens and
Plantago lanceolata.
Alder swamps are more water abundant. Here are encountered Sphagnum spp.
fragments as well as, such species as Sorbus terminals, Smilex excelsa, Periploca
graeca, Hedera cjlchica, Rubus sp., Cerex sp., polygonum hydropiper and Juncus
effuses.
Shrubbery and unfit for use grounds
The above mentioned territories are covered with different species of shrub plants, such
as: Alnus barbata, Crataegus sp., Rubus sp. and Sambucus ebulus, which are
substituted with meadow fragments where Trifolium sp., Achillea sp., lotus corniculatus,
Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus repens and Plantago lanceolata are distributed.
Populated territories
Within populated territories we mainly encounter roadside low vegetation with meadow
elements, such as: Botriochloa ischaemum, Plheum phleoides, Plantago sp., Trifolium
spp., Achillea sp. and prunella vulgaris.
General zoological characterization of Poti region
The given chapter is based on the results of literary material review on the species of
birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates distributed here.
Birds

Page 81 of 105

In Poti region arable lands after harvest are used for cattle pastures. It is fragmented
with deep fold (ravines) net which provides drainage of this territory. Here grow low
shrubs which are periodically slashed down. The similar habitats are widely spread on
sea shores.
Bird species encountered in arable lands varies according to the variety of crops. Some
species nestle in these sown lands, some are feeding on these plants, but the most part
are connected through weeds and invertebrates. Many of them such as: Merops
apiaster, Coracias garrulous and Upupa epops are summer migration birds. From
wintering species great flocks of Corvus frugilegus , Sturnus vulgaris and Fringella
coelebs are to be noted.
Small bird flocks attract birds of pray, particularly, Accipiter nisus and Falco columbaris.
In fields Buteo rufinus and Milvus migrans are also encountered which hunt for small
mammals and birds.
On the territories adjacent to surface water objects the birds Egretta harzetta and
Alcedo atthis are encountered which feed on small fish and water invertebrates or
amphibians. There may also be found Gallinula chloropus and Acrocephalus spp.
In the region there are groves with the elements of meadows and shrubbery. Different
birds need different stages of forest growth and as forests are periodically felled the vital
area is quite limited for each given species. Fauna of birds nestling here consists of
sparrows widely spread species as Turdus merula, Erithecus rubecula and Troglydytes
trolydytes. In summer a number of migrating species which breed here live in these
forests. Among them are Streptopelia turtur, Sylvia spp. and Hippolias spp.
In coastal zone there is a narrow line of low plants groupings which may be nestlings for
species living here (Tachybaptus ruficollis, Podiceps cristatus and Gallinula chloropus).
Supposedly here is also breeding Alcedo atthis. It may be that in neighboring shrubs
together with ducks (Anatidea) are nestling Acrocephalus spp. which is a summer
migrant. In winter in river vicinity there is encountered migrating species Podiceps
nigricollis. In all seasons of the year here are encountered Phalacrocoras carbo, Ardea
cinerea, Egretta garzetta, E.alba, Larus ridibundas and L.cachinnans. In heavy sea a
numerous representatives of Podiceps cristatus, Anas spp. and Aythya app. are
sheltering near rivers.
Within the region there are also some small pondages and boggies. Swamps are used
as nourishing places by migrant and wintering representatives of Charadriidae such as
a small number of Tringa ochropus and Gallinago gallinago.
Near Poti on great areas there are former fish breeding reservoirs. These places are
attractive for water birds. In winter here are great amounts of Podiceps cristatus,
Tachybaptus rufficolis, Ardea cinerea, Egretta garzetta, E.alba, Larus ridibundus and
L.cachinnans. Here also nestle Platalea leucorodia, Tadorna tadorna, Av-nas
platyrynchos and A.acuto. In spring and autumn these places may be resting places for
birds of passage Charadriide and Sterna spp. The nestling birds are limited because of
no nestling cover on the surrounding grassy territories but here may nestle some
species of Anas spp. and Aythya spp. and possibly here may be nourishing Ardea
cinerea and Egretta spp. which nestle elsewhere.

Page 82 of 105

Estimation of species and habitat condition

The most part of birds connected with arable ground, shrubbery forests and shrubby
undergrowth is multiple and is widely spread which point the frequency of such habitat.
It is less expected that any rare species can be met on the territory adjacent to terminal
effect zone.
The birds nestling in swampy places and at river sides are locally widely spread
although Egretta garzetta and E. alba are included in Red Book, while platalea
leucorodia is the subject of particular care of International Environment Protection
Society because they become less in number. The river Supsa estuary and downstream
may be important as the shelter in storms for a great number of Podiceps cristatus and
also for some Anas spp. and Aythya spp.
The importance of Kolkheti swamps for birds
Kolkheti swamps represent the habitats of lake, river and channel Juncus and TyphaPhragmites, the vast territory of super-humid meadows and alder groves spread. A part
of this territory in the past was used for turf production and in the nearest period was
used in military purposes. A part of it is damaged because of pollution and the intrusion
of salty water into the lake considerably changed its ecology. At present alder groves
are felled for burning. Although it is supposed that in the North part of this territory which
spreads from shore to land, North of Poti natural unchanged transition from sea
condition via dunes to fresh water super-humid ecosystem is preserved.
The list of bird species characteristic to this place is quite long and includes many
Anceriformes and Charadriiforms. A certain part, particularly Anser erythropus and Crex
crex. represent Internationally important species due to small and/or diminishing
number. Besides, here exist eight species which is introduce in Red Book of Georgia.
These are Cicoonia nigra, Pandion haliaetis, Haliaeetus albicilla, Auila heliaca, Egretta
alba and E.garzetta, they are bred or may be bred, Grus grus which appears here in
migration period and Cygnus Cygnus which is a wintering species.
There is no information about birds number but the widths of this territory and its
location in the West part of Caucasus ibdicates that these places must be populated
with an important number of birds and possibly, this territory performs an important role
as resting place for migrant birds of passage. Ornithological importance of these
territories is undoubted.
Mammals
26 species of mammals are known in this region.
Out of species most frequently encountered in Alnus barbata forests the rodents
Sciurus anomalis, Apodemus sylvaticus and predators Martes martes and ursus
arctos are to be mentioned.
Some species prefer mosaic alternation of forests, shrubberies, pastures and arable
lands which enable them to hunt and feed in open wide places and in case of danger or
for safe rest get shelter under forests. These species consist of ungulates Sus strifa
and Capreolis capreolis, predators Canis aureus, Felis silvestris, Meles meles and
widely spread Vulpes vulpes and Mustela nivalis.

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The species which prefer arable lands, meadows and forest sides represent insect
eating mammals - Talpa caicasica, Crocidura russula and Sorex raddei and rodents
Microtus maiori and Microtus arvalis.
Two species of rodents are closely connected with human settlements and agricultural
objects,t these are widely spread Mus musculus and introduced Rattus rattus.
Otter Lutra lutra is encountered in such fresh water basins where there is a good cover.
Other mammals connected with water and bank herbage or nearby forest cover are
introduced and represent rodents Rattus norvegicus and Myocastor coypus and
predators Procyon lotor.
In the region several kinds of bats are encountered thougt this group of mammals is
less investigated. The kinds which use forests for rest and hunt on open places are
Rhynolophys ferumequirum, Myotis bechsteini and Nyctalus leisteri. Other existing
kinds are connected with caves and limestone places. These species are Rhynolophys
mehelyi, Miniopterus schreibersi and Vespertilio murinus.
Some of these mammals are endemic for this region and are in danger of extinction.
Talpa caucasica and Sciurus anomalus are Caucasian endemics. In Red Book of
Georgia the following kinds Lutra lutra, Sorex raddei, Rhynolophus mehelyi, Myotis
bechsteini, Miniopterus schreibersi and Nytalus leiseri are introduced. In IUCM Red
Book the following kinds are introduced Lutra lutra (on the brink of extinction), bear
Ursus arctos (rare, endangered), roe-deer Capreolus capreolus (vulnerable), jackal
Canis aureus (vulnerable) and forest cat Felis silvestris (vulnerable).
Reptiles
Only eight species of reptiles are connected with super-humid habitat (Muskhelishvili
and Negmedzianov, 1984) unlike arid habitat where considerably more species are
encountered. Swamp turtle Emys arbicularis is encountered in moor-grass and reedovergrown swamps, as well as water snakes Natrix natrix and Natrix tesselata. Here are
encountered three species of lizards Lacerta derjugini, Lacerta practicola and Lacerta
mixta. The mentioned species represent endemics of Caucasus and the latter two
species are classified as vulnerable according to IUNC categories. Among snakes of
this region a rare species is Elaphe longissima which is entered into Red Book of
Georgia and Vipera kaznakowii which is entered into Red List of Europe.
Natrix tesselata and also non-poisonous species Natrix natrix are recorded in Grigoleti
and Maltakva turf swamps (Shanshiashvili et al. 1995).
Amphibians
In Kolkheti over-saturated regions eight species of amphibians are expected to be living
(Tarkhnishvili et al., 1995). Three of them are widely spread. These are lake frog Rana
ridibunda, green toad Bufo viridis and usual toad Bufo bufo. Here are also three species
of salamanders, two of which Triturus vitarus and Triturus vulgaris lantzi are entered
into Red Book of Georgia and according to classification of IUCN categories are
vulnerable. Also, here inhabits Caucasian frog Pelodytes caucasicus and it represents
Caucasian endemic species. Also, green tree frog Hyla arborea is inhabiting which is
spread in subtropical territories.
Rama ridibunda as well as Hyla arborea are registered in all humid places near
channels, streams, pondages or little pools.

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Fish
From outgoing species of the region the most important are the Black Sea/ Azov Sea
sturgeon (Acipenser guldenstadti) and Atlantic sturgeon (A.sturio). From other species
that are encountered in rivers mullets Mugil cephalus, Mugil auratus and Mugil saliens,
Black Sea gurgeon Atherina machon pontica, several species of ginger goby and plaice
Platichtys flesus luscus are to be mentioned. The streams and rivers are widely used for
sport, as well as everyday fishing with fishing-rods and nets. The variety of caught fish
depends on season.
Invertebrates
The most part of insects concentrate on reclaimed and cultivated lands. According to
Cholokava et al. (1984) there are registered 154 species of beetles which are unites in 8
families and 83 genuses. Only 28 representatives of families of Curculionidae and
Chrysomelidae are closely connected with marshes. There are no data about Carabidae
and Staphilinidae families. Out of Orthptera 10 species, in turf marshes live only
Oecanthus pellucens and Philaenus spumatius. Here are encountered two endemic
butterflies Erebia hewitsonii and phassus shamil (Nekrutenko, 1990). In forests the
most multi numbered insects are Culicidae (real mosquitoes) and Tabanidae, while in
open over-saturated places the most multiple are Chironomidae. Out of dragonflies
Pyrrhosoma nymphila is the only representative of this genus in Georgia and Calopteryx
mingrelica is the endemic species. The most multiple species of dragonflies are
Chalcolestes viridis, Lestes sponsa and Aeshna grandis.
In Kolkheti lowland 27 species of land and fresh water snails and 2 species of fresh
water two-cell mollusks (shellfish) are encountered. Water snail Orcula dolium is spread
only in marshy places, while land endemic snail Oxychilus mingrelicus is mainly
encountered in forests of over-saturated regions. In Kolkheti region four endemic
species of earthworms (Lumbricidae) are encountered Eisenia pseudonematogena,
Dendrobaena faucium, D.schmidti marinae and Eiseniella colchidica. All these species
are encountered in water-saturated places except E.cilchidica which are encountered in
forests (Cholokava et al. 1984). Three species of nemathode Merlinius leptus,
M.macrurus and Sporonchulus sp. are encountered only in marshy regions.
Protection priorities
Kolkheti National Park consists of unprotected land and marine ecosystems which may
be damaged by oil spill. Marine space is spread on 15000 ha on Poti-Anaklia coastal
line and is particularly important because there live three species of dolphins.
Land zone comprises coastal beaches and dunes (with unique herbal cover), turf
swamps, the depth of which in places achieves 10 m and swampy forests. Swampy
zone is important in the sense of preservation of Kolkheti flora and fauna and of water
biodiversities, particularly for preserving permanently nestling and passage birds.
The reserves of Bichvinta, Miusera, Kobuleti and Tsiskara and Kolkheti national park
are situated in the black Sea coastal line. The government of Georgia decided to create
reserve on Poti-Ochamchire coastal section, too.
Environmental values
The most part of the region are arable lands which are widely spread in these places
and do not contain species needing protection. Here also are alder groves and alder

Page 85 of 105

marches which are less spread habitat. But, at the same time, greater areas of such
habitats are introduced in the system of protected territories of the region.
The Kolkheti super-humid protected territory is very rich in botanic species and
comprise the absolute collection of super-humid habitats surface waters, turf swamps,
rush and moor-grass swamps, alder swamps and groves. Specially is to be mentioned a
complex system of ponds in turf swamps locality. A specific vegetable co-society is
preserved in each pond. Here are encountered species entered in Red Book of
Georgia, some of which are endemic of these places. Out of theses species Nymphaea
colchica, Nuphar luteum, Trapa colchica, Molinia litoralis, Drosera rotundifolia,
Osmunda regalis, Pterocarya pterocarpa, Quercus imeretina, Quercus hartwissiana and
Staphyllea colchica are to be mentioned.
The Poti marine harbor territory represents industrial habitat where the initial vegetable
cover is absolutely destroyed and substituted; this diminishes conservation value of
botanical component of this zone

Page 86 of 105

CHAPTER 2. Actions
2.1 Control list of Poti marine harbor response measures
Emergency oil spill response measures on land which is to be implemented by the
respective personnel of oil spill response team
2.1.1

Situation estimation and response measures beginning

Harbor Master

2.1.2

Determination of measures compliant to category

Harbor Master

2.1.3

Mobilization and readiness of oil spill response team

Harbor Master

2.1.4

Spilled oil observation

Spilled oil clean-up operations supervisor

2.1.5

Determination of spilled oil quantity and motion direction

Spilled oil clear up operations supervisor

2.1.6

Information on spilled oil

Supervisor of incident elimination measures

2.1.7

Estimation of safety claims connected with spilled oil

Spilled oil clear up operations supervisor

2.1.8

Response strategy elaboration

Spilled oil clear up operations supervisor

2.1.9

Existing resources estimation and mobilization

Incident
elimination
measures Person responsible for communication
supervisor
and material-technical supply

2.1.10 Oil sample taking

Spilled oil clear up operations supervisor
2.1.11 Waste removal
Incident
elimination
supervisor

measures Spilled oil

supervisor

clear

up

2.1.12 Current response operation supervision

Person responsible for communication and material-technical supply
2.1.13 Response termination
Person responsible for communication and material-technical supply

operations

Page 87 of 105

2.1.14 Expense calculation

Harbor Master
2.1.15 Further enquiry of measures and accounting
Harbor Master
Incident
supervisor
2.1.16 Form of notification
Harboo Master

Form of oil spill notification

Oil spill category
1
2
3
POti marine harbour

MRCC-OPRC

Incident
elimination
Commander/Incident
elimination supervisor

Ministry of environment
protection
and
natural
resources
Emergency
elimination
operative group
Additional resources

Incident
supervisor

elimination

measures

elimination

measures

Immediate telephone notification

Immediate Fax notification
Status
Contact number
General Manager
Tel: +(995393) 7 77 77 1113
(in work hours)
Tel. +(995393)7 77 77 (in
nonworking hours)
Fax: +(995393)2 06 30
On-duty person of status
Tel: +995 222 7 29 13
(around the clock)
Fax: +995 222 7 39 05
Harbour Master
Tel; +995393 70 827 9in
working hours)
Mob. +995 99 51 40 73 (in
nonworking hours)
Tel/Fax: +995393 70 847
Reception office
Tel: +(995393) 2 39 38
Tel: (77) 47 75 25 (in
nonworking hours)
Fax; +995 32 33 39 52
MS HMC-27
VHF 16
Captain Tskhadaia
VHF 16
GPC Supsa
Briggs Baku
OSRL Southampton

Tel: +(995 99) 58 46 78

Tel: +994 12 97 45 35
Fax: +994 12 97 45 35
Tel: +44 1703 331 551

Page 88 of 105

2.2. Railway transport incidents

Georgian railway LTD is limited responsibility society in State property, it is
responsible for unhampered functioning and technical support of railway network of
Georgia, which comprises 1,569 km rails 425 km being South Caucasian line. The
important part of Caspian raw oil which is meant for international export is transported
via the territory of Georgia by railway to Batumi, the black Sea. Historically Batumi is the
main export channel for Caspian oil. In 2003 terminal let through about nine million tons
of oil and oil products. Under this motive railway of Georgia was appointed State
responsible authority concerning oil spill problems on land.
In case of hydrocarbon transportation by railway different scenarios of oil spill may
occur. Accidental oil spill from railway tank during transit or loading/unloading is an
important and widespread case. At oil transportation by railway the most widespread oil
spill scenario is raw oil shipping and tank operations. Spill may be caused by train wreck
(e.g. after crash or incidental failure) or oil spill from tanks into nearby rivers.
Oil spilled into river floats down and may damage ecologically vulnerable zones
distanced from oil pollution site for some miles.
Train incident may be followed by fire or explosion which is one more ecological danger
and endangers nearby population health because of air pollution and drinking water
poisoning.

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CHAPTER 3. Plan reference book

3.1 Characterization of Poti land part

3.1.1 Climate

Climate of Poti is characterized with heavy precipitations and belongs to humid

subtropical climate. Mean annual temperature is +14.4.degrees. Annual atmospheric
precipitation makes 1600-1700 mm. During the year and particularly in autumn high
intensity precipitations as downpour rains are characteristic with two-side East and
West strong enough breezes which often cause storms in coastal line. During
downpours precipitation amount may in 3 hours reach 140 mm.
3.1.2 Relief

City of Poty is built in low place where once there was a sea bay. Multiple rivers which
flowed into the bay filled it with loose materials during the centuries. The city is situated
2 m above sea level.
Poti surface is covered with heavy post-Pliocene old, as well as contemporary alluvial
strata. It consists of sandy argillaceous material brought down by the Rioni and sandy
sea shore.
The relief of the city is characterized with slightly wavy surface and gradually changes
into coast sandy dunes line. Shore wash over and coast drifting reduced the line of
sandy dunes.
The territory of Poti always was under the action of erosion-accumulation processes
which were conditioned with heavy sea and the Rioni joint action. East and South-West
winds reigning in the surroundings of Poti have an important role in changing of city
shore relief. The mentioned winds cause heavy sea in Poti shore line while the created
waves intensively washed the shore of the city. South-East winds were accompanied
with downpour rains causing the flooding of the Rioni. The flooded Rioni brought down
floating substances to Poti coastal line and performed original filling of washed coastal
line. Thus, accumulation processes were stronger than erosion ones and floating
material downwashed by the Rioni widened Poti coast line.
In the period of floods the Rioni periodically overflowed the banks and inundated the
city, its water partially flowed into the river Kaparchi causing this river to flood the
adjacent territories. In order to avoid elements effects at first the dykes were
constructed, then from the North of Poti the riverbed was cut and with 70 m width
channel it was connected directly to sea. But in 1939 in flood time the Rioni breached
the riverbed ramparts and made a new bed.
The part of the Rioni left in the city premises began bogging, while the territory from the
big island beacon to South pier and from beacon to the South wide territory adjacent
to citrus farm - got under the effect of sea erosion intensive processes. The sea
engulfed over 300 ha of coastal zone populated area, hippodrome and other buildings.

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The Rioni water regulation unit (building) with its bridge passes was put in operation in
1959. The main purpose of the mentioned construction was, besides city protection
from coastal line wash out, minimization of city harbor entrance sea channel sand-up
and making old river-bed healthy and watery, of greatest importance as transport
communication of Georgian section of Euro-Asia corridor.
In the complex of factors of city ecological-melioration difficulties, the low hypsometrical
level of the territory or almost incline-less and ideally flat surface, the decline of which to
sea is negligible and makes 0.001-0.002 has a particular importance.
Relief is raised above sea for in average 0.4-0.8 m, in some places the benchmarks
lower sea level are observed which causes the nearness of ground water to ground
surface or creation of boggies. All this causes the saturation of ground with water during
the year, increase of relative air humidity to 70-80% and real possibilities of ecological
situation complication.
Poti territory soils are presented as coarse sand and sandy grounds characterized with
high filtering capacity, food elements meagerness, instability and turf layer under soilground.
3.1.3 Flora and fauna

Kolkheti lowland which comprises the territory of Poty, first of all is interesting in
botanical viewpoint. Here is still preserved photocenosis compexes rich in floristic
composition varied enough relict and endemic species plant groupings of bogs, relic
Kolkhian forests and sandy dunes along sea coast.
On sun heated sandy dunes there grow plant group sharply differing from the plants of
other territories of Kolkheti: spurge, sea holly, Bermuda grass, foxdlove, Jerusalem
thorn, buckthorn all these plants, differening from each other, grow on narrow coastal
line on steady and semisteady sands. Two species growing in dunes red horned
poppy and water lily are included in Red Book with the status of endangered species.
Along the lakes and turf soils, also in heavily humid places, such plants are distributed
as white and yellow lily and water walnut tree. While in turf swamps, alongside with
tundra-like north species, royal fern and Imeretian moor-grass are encountered.
In relict Kolkheti forests growing along the swamp river valleys dominate 9-10 m height
Kolkhetian-Hyrkan alder. Unfortunately, at present, wing-nut trees, Imeretian oak or
maple are seldom encountered in alder groves. Before mass shopping down of forests
alder was just the second horizon of this wood, while the first horizon was created by
25-30 m height beeches, maples, ash-tress and hornbeams.

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3.2 Recommendations on creation of ecological sensitivity maps of Poti marine

harbour territories
Oil effect on coastal line greatly depends on shore type. In order to identify priority coast
lines which need protection in the first place, the degree of their vulnerability is to be
stated which is done using environment sensitivity index by Gundlach and Hayes and
considering the composition of the Black sea coastal line part of Georgia. The fact is
taken into consideration that environment sensitivity to oil increases with approach to
the shore.
System data base, besides the above mentioned, contains information about clean-up
device resources and setting/arrangement of other respective resources. Besides
ecological factors such social factors are considered as local buildings and structures,
recreation zones and sea shore industry types.
The capacity of coastal line of oil deterrence and self-purification depends on shore
substrate composition (rock, sand, gravel, etc.), its incline and exposure to wave action.
General scale of Gundlach and Heyes (Gundlach and Heyes, 1978) gives environment
sensitivity index respective to oil spill effect for different types of coast.
Table
Ind
ex
1
2

Gundlach and Heyes scale (Gundlach and Heyes, 1978)

Coast
Open rocky cape

Notes

Wave
leaves most part of oil in open sea.
Cleaning operations are not necessary
Disintegrating,
wave Waves are broomed. In some weeks most part
weakening platforms
of spilled oil is removed under the action of
natural processes
Fine sand
Oil does not penetrate into deep layers which
beaches
helps its removal in case of need. The last
observations proved that in other case of oil
penetration into deep layers it may stay there for
months and depends on ground water motion in
deep layers
Coarse sand beaches
Oil may sink and/or be buried rapidly which will
make clean-up difficult. In conditions of mean to
high energies, oil will naturally be removed from
the most part of the beach
Open
pressed
tidal The most part will neither stay nor penetrate in
shallows
compacted layers of tide and ebb lowland.
Cleaning is not usually necessary
Mixed
sandy
gravel Oil can quickly penetrate and be buried in lower
beaches
stratum. In case of mean or low sea energies, oil
may stay during the year
Gravel beaches
Oil may quickly penetrate and be buried. In case
of mean to low energies, oil may stay during
years. In case of great amount of oil accumulated
the formation of solid asphalt is possible
Hidden rock shores
Regions of weakened wave action. Oil may stay

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Hidden tide
shallows

and

10

Salty
swamps
mangroves

for years. Cleaning is not recommended if oil

concentration is not very high
ebb Regions of great biological activity and low wave
energy. There may be several interpretation of
Biological activity. It means high productivity,
possible compliance of biomass and bioturbation.
Oil may stay for years. Cleaning is not
recommended if oil accumulation is not very high.
These regions need priority protection using
harbor booms and oil sorbents
and The most productive water environment. Oil may
stay for years. Salty swamps clean-up by burning
or chipping is to be done only in case if oil
pollution is high. The protection of such
environment with harbor booms or sorbents is of
priority

Proceeding from the above given sensitivity index, Kolkheti lowland swampy territories
between Anaklia and Kobuleti which are characterized with slow water flow enabling
easy displacement of oil to over-humid region, are very sensitive to spilled oil. This
region includes Paliastomi lake and its adjacent super-humid territories which is water
productive environment and important settling place for water flora and fauna.
Oil contamination of sand beaches will cause the decline of their recreational value and
ruin pure plant species of littoral.

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3.3 Safety procedures at oil spill results elimination

3.3.1 Directions on estimation of on-scene safety conditions

The safety estimation of incident place is to be done. Place safety estimation includes
the following aspects:
Inspection of place;
Analysis of work;
Control of place;
Material technical provision and supply;
Personnel.
Each aspect is to be studied in compliance and separately before beginning the work
and the respective steps should be taken for proper provision of claims fulfillment.
3.3.1.1 Inspection of work place

There should be the place inspection form where in case of its correct filling the specific
details characteristic to the place will be fixed which are important for decision making
and will remind the personnel the tasks they may have forgotten.
Place inspection should consider the safety of personnel which performs clean-up
operations, as well as safety preservation of those people who also may participate in
operations.
Below is given the list containing the problems which are to be noted, estimated and
described in inspection. This list is not complete.
Communication claims;
Temperature effect quality;
Practical possibility of using of railings and ropes;
Existence/inexistence of shelter;
Lighting conditions;
Machine-equipment usage;
Maneuverability;
Manual execution of work;
Pedestrians movement;
Need to approach to closed space;
Taking samples;
Ground surface and incline;
Auto transport motion;
Visibility;
Water contamination danger.
3.3.1.2 Analysis of work

After inspection of the place and estimation of those aspects which effect the condition
of land and water and other similar respective factors the clean-up operations
supervisor will on site estimate the method of work execution.

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Preliminarily is to be known which of the below listed means will be used and set the
purpose and advantages of each of these means.
Cranes;
Boats;
Fork cranes;
Hoses and pumps;
Low loading devices;
Auto transport;
Harrowing and sweeping means;
Winch.
3.3.1.3 Control of place

It is essential that persons responsible for clean-up perform as quickly as possible onsite control and this should be done before beginning clean-up works. Only that
personnel should be admitted to the place of incident who are necessary to participate
in clean-up operations.
The measures should be taken to fence around, close and protect the place so that
nobody could enter without operation manager permission. No personnel will be
admitted to the place before full checking and getting instructions about safety
conditions.
3.3.1.4 Material technical provision and supply

In the viewpoint of safety the respective equipment, materials and substances are to be
provided in time. Particular attention should be paid to provision of different protecting
clothes. Sometimes it is difficult to estimate this beforehand until labor force is sorted
out and the role and functions of each worker is determined.
The particular attention is needed in clean-up prolonged operation which may continue
24 hours. In this case the shelter, service, food, rest places, sanitary and first medical
aid should be provided.
If it is necessary to carry out trainings before the beginning of work trainers and
necessary equipment is to be provided, before beginning of clean-up operation.
Experienced personnel should not begin the operation before the beginners pass
training.
Protective clothes
In case of very cold weather personnel should get warm, waterproof and chemically
protective clothes. The set should include special clothes, gloves, high boots, eye
protectors and head wear. In warm weather the same protecting clothes may be
needed but respective ventilation and cooling claims should be provided.
Personnel protecting equipment
Personnel protecting equipment includes:
Breather with respirator
Swimming suit and jacket;
Life jacket;

Page 95 of 105

Protective clothes;
Protective glasses;
Protecting helmet;
Water proof clothes;
Durable boots, foot ware and gloves
First aid
At the place of first medical aid experienced personnel and respective equipments
should be mobilized.
Personnel
When choosing personnel for clean-up operations the particular attention should be
paid to the problems of safety.
Safety in shore line
At inspection of shore line particular attention is to be paid to access roads to incident
place. Tide and narrow sea bays where personnel will need to enter and land sections
where movement is hampered must be considered.
According to need and possibilities the use of such equipment as rails, ropes and
ladders should be considered.
If proceeding from the existing situation personnel is working in such distance from each
other that they dont see each other the communication with supervisor should be
established.
There should be personal beacons and alarm signals and the personnel should know
how to use them.
Safe work
The determination of all possible risks at the place of work or oil spill all is an occasional
problem which is to be executed by the people who take part clean-up operations. The
supervisor who is to coordinate risk estimation should guarantee the determination of all
risks before starting the execution of the next stage of the process. Risks may be
subject, place, process or situation which can cause physical injury, loss, hinder or
contamination.
Disinfection
3.3.1.5 Need of disinfection

Waterproof and protecting clothes of personnel often get polluted with raw oil or
chemical substances used in clean-up operations. In order to avoid further
contamination, clothes need disinfection. Disinfection space should be arranged near
rest or dinning rooms but outside of working space.
3.3.1.6 Personal sanitary

Personnel are to be warned against swallowing of hydrocarbon and chemical

substances in case of contact with polluted equipment and clothes, e.g. in case of

Page 96 of 105

putting gloves to nose or mouth. Washing rooms and places for taking off polluted
clothes should be provided. Clothes should be changed before dinner or before
smoking.
3.3.1.7 Clean-up of disinfection place

Disinfection room where clothes and personal equipment is cleaned-up is to be

arranged so that water used for cleaning and washing down of pollutants be collected in
basins. The measures should be taken that polluted wastes are not drained into usual
drainage system or spilled to the ground under disinfection space.
Estimation of health and safety
Duties of authorities
The duty of every employer and responsible person is to provide safety at working
place, and to create safe working conditions for personnel. The execution of this duty is
indispensable notwithstanding whether working people are employees, subcontractors,
temporary workers or self-employees.
All employers are to fully estimate all risks connected with work to be done. When
personnel are employed all risks are to be estimated and registered and people who are
in danger should be informed about this.
The employers must realize safety control system and must provide work
implementation according standards. All personnel should get the respective training,
receive information and be under control. Besides, it is necessary that all employees
pass respective medical check-up to state whether he can carry out the work and
whether the work to be performed and working conditions will act on his health.
Equipment should be safe and comfortable to use. Personnel should be trained in using
the equipment and the work should be properly controlled.
Personnel should be trained in using personal equipment and all should be informed
about risks connected with the work. Such activities as hoisting, pulling or tracking
should be minimized.
All substances including dust and gas which can effect on personnel health should be
properly estimated and risks should be minimized to safe and acceptable level.
3.3.2 Health and safety estimation form appropriate to working place specificity

In order to provide safety work the person responsible for oil spill elimination should
estimate all potential dangers which may cause uncontrollable emergency incident and
cause more severe damage of environment or cause injury of persons working in oil
spill site. Site estimation form given below includes complete enough list of risks, with
indication of personal equipment, which may exist in working place. The estimation form
is to be filled up before starting spill response operations and specificity of spill site
should be taken into account.
Health and safety estimation detailed form appropriate to working site specificity is given
below.
Use at incident site
Date
3 time:

4. Incident:

5. Product (products)

(attach MSDS)

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6. Place characterization
6a. Place
ocean
bay
coastal line
sandy
stony
6b. Use
Commercial Industrial
farmers
recreational
settling
7. Climate ice/frost
snow

Note all respective squares

river swamp
salty tide zone
rock
harbor
public
rain

governmental
Other
wind

sun

8. Site risk
Birds protection
boats safety
chemical danger
cold stress
use of bins
work of equipment
electric danger
tiredness
other

fire, explosion, burning in place slipping, stumbling, falling

heat stress
steam and hot water
helicopter operation
waves
hoist
channels, pits
autotransport
ultra violet radiation
noise
visibility
underground/overground devices weather
pumps and hoses
working near water
other
other

Air monitoring
O2
H2S

LEL
Other (specify)

Personal safety equipment

Feet protection means
Head protection means
Eye protection means
Ear protection measures
Hand protection means

Special clothes
Leakless suits
Individual swimming suit
Respirators
Other

11. Means necessary for working space

Sanitary
First aid

Disinfection

12. Emergency plan claims

Alarm system

Evacuation plan

13. Necessary contact data

Fire
Doctor
Police
Hospital

First aid
Other

14. Plan finishing date

15. Plan implementer
Indicate working zones, first aid location, evacuation first and secondary routes, shelter
places, assembly places, action place and management office location.
Media management
Crisis management group contacts with harbor administration. Harbor decides whether
media mobilization is necessary or not, sets contact with media and determines the
volume and content of information to be distributed.

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Wastes elimination
General regulations
If in case of oil spill oil polluted wastes are created, the port is obliged to provide
respective accumulation of these wastes, removal from the place and elimination. If
polluted wastes removal is executed by contractors, the port is to check whether
contractor has a respective license on waste transportation and elimination.
Temporary storehouse
Any temporary storehouse should be appropriately constructed. Therefore, the
construction of temporary storehouse is to be done in compliance with local government
or other respective organs. The construction of temporary storehouse is needed in
cases when clean-up place or oil polluted wastes volume do not allow access to
elimination site or direct transportation of waste or when their final elimination method is
not yet chosen.
Temporary storehouse is to be constructed at the initial stage of clean up operations.
Storehouses may be located in sea on barges, in tankers landed at pier or on land in
special containers, in oil bins or specially pits if they are respectively built. Storehouse
volume, amount and types depend on waste volume and properties. Usually, it is
necessary to build stores separately for liquid and
coagulated oil, oil-containing
wastes, etc.
Storehouses are to be located near to clear-up places easily accessible to public roads.
The storehouses for wastes created as a result of personnel, equipment and machines
clean-up operation in order to avoid pollution of public roads and personnel location
place.
Usually, great quantity of water is accumulated together with oil; this is to be considered
at determination of storehouse volume. In temporary storehouse the accumulated
water-containing oil can be filtered later.
Waste elimination methods
In case of final elimination of oil polluted wastes the damage to environment must be
reduced to minimum and wastes are not to contaminate other places. Besides, such
method of waste accumulation and final elimination should be chosen which later will
not endanger the environment.
3.3.2.1 Oil reduction

Oil reduction means removal of liquid oil for further use. Oil is transported to oil
treatment plants where it is treated once more and usable part is removed.
Contaminated oil waste cannot be treated with this method.
3.3.2.2 Waste burial

The places appointed for waste elimination should be agreed with local government. At
waste burial especial caution is needed in order that the oil is not washed into water
containing layer or water. There may be municipal or legal limitation of garbage
recipient choice.
If there are no appropriate garbage recipients the abandoned mines which frequently
are appropriate for waste burial can be used. In spite of that such mines are safe from

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water getting in it is necessary that mines be deep enough for rain water spill out and
the necessity to oil transfer to another place.
Often, oil and domestic waste removal is performed together though oil is decomposed
slower because of oxygen deficiency. All kind of domestic waste absorbs oil and the
danger of its wash down is minimal.
3.3.2.3 Stabilization

Method used for clear up of sand containing small amount polluted wastes considers
fencing of polluted section with such inorganic materials as quicklime, cement, ash, etc.
They make inert product which prevents oil leakage. Stabilized material elimination is
possible with less strict conditions than that of nonstabilized oil and it may be used in
melioration and road construction. The necessary amount of binding material depends
on water contain in wastes than on oil volume and its precise estimation is done with
tests directly on site. Although in case when quicklime is uses its amount must be 520% weight of clean-up material.
In case of spilled oil sand sections pollution it is possible to mix binding material with oily
sand at sand accumulation as well as immediately after its accumulation. Such mixes
may be used in building roads, car parks, etc. or they can be stored for further use in
civil building. Binding material and oily sand mix is pure, simple treated material which is
easily transported and stored.
3.3.2.4 Waste burial into ground

It is known that around oil spill place microbes are rapidly multiplied. Oil waste aerobic
decay continues during one to three years. Although low temperature decreases
oxidation time waste burial in cold climate conditions is also successfully used.
For waste burial the appropriate ground is needed which will not be far from spill place.
Such ground sections should not be located in places where elimination of polluted
material may damage underground and other waters. Besides, soil must be of low
permeability to avoid leached product getting into underground waters. Maximum
proportion of oil waste burial must be about 10 kg/m (100tone per hectare).
After degradation of the most part of oil, soil should be usable for growing various
plants, including trees and grass.
3.3.2.5 Burn

Burning of oil waste in open areas is not recommended except at very distant places as
it usually pollutes atmosphere. In case of burning in open places oil propagates and it is
sucked up with soil. Besides, tarred wastes may stay as full burn of oil sometimes is not
possible.
These problems may be avoided with the help of waste burning furnaces. There are
elaborated some portative garbage burning furnaces where high temperature is
provided for complete burning of oil wastes. Rotating furnace and open furnace types
are most appropriate for dry oil. Usually, domestic garbage burning furnace is not used
as salty sea water may cause their oxidation. High temperature industrial waste burning
furnaces endures salt but may not be sufficiently powerful for burning great amount of
oily wastes. But if durable storage of wastes is possible these furnaces can be used.

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Applications

Page 101 of 105

Appendix 1. Determinations and abbreviations

The following terminology is used in this plan:
Competent National Authority (CAN) is the authority which is responsible to provide
readiness and response on oil spill and it is presented by Marine transport department
of Georgian Transport control National committee.
Emergency Response Centre is presented by State Marine Rescue coordination centre
Oil pollution response Centre (MRCC-OPRC). Rescue coordination Centre is created
by Georgian Marine transport administration for realization the purposes of this plan. It
works 24 hours, is equipped with appropriate communication apparatus, and in case of
plan actuation provides National On-Scene Commander with operation means.
Emergency Response Team is personnel group which acts as independent unit in oil
spill response operations. It may consist of personnel working in harbor and oil
terminals on floating and flying facilities, represent other independent unit or personnel
who render assistance in shore clear-up operations. Emergency situations response
teams are trained according to internationally approved standards and work according
to their commanders tactic supervision, according to respective Local On-Scene
Commander operational management and under National On-Scene Commander joint
operational supervision.
Harbor Master performs the function of Local On-Scene Commander in respective 12
sea mile harbor response zone in case of step 1 oil spill.
Harmful substance means any substance including oil the accidental spill or drain
makes potential dander to human health, sea and its living resources, also it may
damage environment or hinder use of sea and adjoint coastal regions for different
functional use.
Incident Command Centre (ICC) means incidents management office located in the
building of rescue coordination centre which is used by National On-Scene Commander
and his support team for management and control of oil spill incidents.
Joint Response Operations means response operation on any type pollution incident in
which personnel, equipment, products and/or other means of no less than two countries
are participating.
Lead Authority means lead operational governmental authority at international spills.
Lead State means the party on whose territory oil spill has happened and who actuated
the plan and/or requested support in plan frame, or the party charged the leading role in
oil spill case. The Lead State supervises joint response operations and appoints
Supreme On-Scene Commander (SOSC).
Liaison Officer means the officer of the third party who participates in joint response
operations and is a part of the personnel of National On-Scene Commander with the
purpose to provide necessary information about national resources which in the form of
assistance are supplied to lead organization and assists communication with respective
Local On-Scene Commander, respective institution or company.
Local On-Scene Commander represents Harbor Master who is responsible on
organization of pollution response operations and coordination of all necessary local
resources on local level. He is appointed by National On-Scene Commander and
implements operational management of all local resources participating in pollution
operations. Local On-Scene Commander is trained by International Marine organization
for implementation of step 2 operations. In case of plan actuation the Local On-Scene
Commander implementing operation management of emergency response case
towards the respective response teams and independent response units (floating
facilities, flying facilities) is responsible to national On-Scene Commander.

Page 102 of 105

Maritime Emergency means an accidentally created or emergency situation irrespective

of the reasons causing sea pollution or endangers sea environment because of oil
action. The mentioned include ships crash, their wash ashore, ejection at oil drilling and
industrial works and oil seepage in case of improper mounting of industrial plants.
Maritime Casualty is ships collision, wash ashore or any other incident on ship board or
outside it resulting in material losses or material loss danger for floating facility or goods.
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) means State marine rescue coordinate
centre which is responsible for struggle with spilled oil and dangerous substances due
to marine accident and for search-and-rescue service in the frames of search-andrescue territory under his responsibility.
National On-Scene Commander is the head of rescue coordination centre who performs
the functions of On-Scene Commander of Georgia in case of oil spill and who is
charged to implement joint supervision of all response operations within the frame of
plan.
National On-Scene Commander is trained for execution of step 2 operations of
International Marine Organization and he must have competence appropriate for the
given step.
National Operational Contact Point is contact point which is responsible for receipt and
giving of oil contamination reports is presented on state level by marine coordination
centre and on local level - by the nearest Harbor Master.
National responsible Auth0rity within plan frame means the same as State Competent
Authority which is represented by marine transport committee. Oil is oil product in any
kind including oil, fuel oil, oil deposit and wastes and treated oil products.
Operational Authority appoints National competent Authority who is charged with
responsibility for operation in case of oil pollution of sea. Within the given plan
Operational Authority is Georgian marine rescue coordination centre which is charged
with operational responsibility for sea pollution using all means, equipment, devices and
resources existing in the harbor.
Operational Command means full coordination of joint response operations and
management of national resources, emergency response teams and other resources
(pilot, floating facilities) appointed for assistance by other parties including coordination
and management. This is realized by Operational Authority through Supreme On-Scene
Commander.
Operational Control means direct management of personnel, facilities and units which
take part in operations, giving orders and information necessary for response
operations. This is realized by Local On-Scene Commanders of the parties who
participate in operations or by the persons appointed by them.
Operations at sea implies any measures which include intrusion into pollution source,
aerial observation, pollutants accumulation, use of cleaning agents from floating and
flying facilities or any other activity which is realized in open sea with the purpose to
response on pollution, reduce the area of its distribution and support pollutant
elimination and diminish incident results.
Operations on shore (shore clean-up operations) means any activity which is performed
on shore or straight on sea shore with the purpose of pollutant reduction, removal or
elimination and diminish of its negative action on environment.
Pollutant is used in the same sense as harmful substance.
Pollution incident means the case or number of cases when there happens or may
happen oil or other harmful substance leakage and which endangers or may endanger
sea ecology, or shore, or interests of one or more countries and which needs
emergency action or other immediate response.
Pollution Report (POLREP) means report by which lead organization informs other
respective parties (countries) about oil pollution fact.

Page 103 of 105

Public Relations Officers (PRO) mean the persons who are commissioned to inform
society about the development of happenings and inform National On-Scene
Commander about public mind and reaction.
Support Agency is any organization which is appointed to solve the specific problem
which helps to carry out oil spill response operation.
Supreme On-Scene Commander (SOSC) is the Lead country On-Scene Commander of
International response operations. Leader, as a rule, is the country in the waters of
which spill happened or the country nearest to spill place if spill happened in
international waters.
Plan means National Marine Oil Spill Contingency Plan, Georgia.
Step 1 spill implies small spills which can be dealt with by one individual organ,
administration of oil terminal or harbor. The actual response level is estimated by the
character and environment condition of incident site.
Step 2 spill needs readiness and response on oil spill when coordination of materials
and personnel from more than one source is performed. In case of Step 2 response the
support may be necessary from different units located within harbor or sources straight
outside of geographical area. Step 2 spill includes oil spill different scales and different
potential scenarios.
Step 3 spill is large scale spill which need mobilization of all available national resources
and proceeding from the situation requires inclusion of regional and international
systems.

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Appendix 2. Scenarios of spill on land

Different scenarios of oil spill may develop when transporting hydrocarbons by railway
or in case of oil extraction and refining/storing.
Accidental spill of oil from tank cars at transit and loading/unloading is the most
important and spread case.
On oil transporting by railway the most spread scenario of oil spill is also oil loading and
bunkering operations. Oil spill may be caused by transport incidents, such as train crash
and/or derailing, tank overturn which causes spill of transported product. Oil stores are
the potential source of oil spill, too.
Road incidents, as a rule, are connected with smaller oil spills, although if spill happens
in sensitive areas (rivers, sea) important problems may arise in connection of
complexity of damage and oil clean-up measures. In case of road tanks incidents the
risk becomes severe as light oil products, as benzene and diesel are, in the main,
transported with auto tanks. Explosion risk, toxic action on water ecosystem is higher in
case of benzene and diesel spill than in case of oil spill. During the past 15 years the
incidents connected with oil spill have been recorded (railway incidents, road tank
cases, etc)
Analysis of spill scenarios and risks for oil companies is presented in specific plan on
Oil spill response by Channel energy. Below is given the analysis of risks in case of
oil spill on railways.
Incidents on railways may be caused by natural catastrophic phenomena (landslides,
rock falling, mud streams, rail wash at floods, etc.), outdated infrastructure elements,
operators errors, etc.
Table 4 presents the possible types of spills at oil transportation by railway, their
possible amounts and probability. The most distributed incident which may happen at
railway transportation of oil is connected with raw oil loading and bunkering operations.
Oil spill may happen in case of train damage (train crash or incidental damage) or oil
leakage from tanks and its getting into local rover. Train incidents are the greatest
danger as great amounts of oil are transported by railways.
Table 3.11.1. Scenario and response steps
Oil type

Spill scenario

Diesel

Train
storage
/technical
service works
at
maintenance
stations/depos
situated along
railway line
Small
scale < 10 t
spill;
single
points
of
leakage in the
process
of

Raw

Typical size of Risk estimation

spilled patch
fuel small < 1
High

Unknown

Recommended
response step
Step 1

Step 1

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Raw

Raw
Raw

transportation
from train to
rails
Small
scale > 100 t
spill;
multiple
points
of
leakage in the
process
of
transportation
from train to
rails
Small
scale < 10 t
incidents
Grave incidents > 100 t

Unknown

Step 2

Low

Step 1

Low

Steps 2-3