Preventative measures

The most exposed countries have reacted to the dangers generated by the vessels which frequent their ports and waters through different preventative measures, on a national scale, or through decisions made by the International Maritime Organization, such as the implementation of traffic separation schemes, the use of ocean salvage and rescue tugs, the introduction of double hulls and segregated ballast tanks, and the reinforcement of the powers of maritime authorities of the Coastal State concerning passing ships and specific standards to be respected by vessels offloading in the ports of a particular country.

Grounding of the container ship the Kini Kersten

The prevention of oil tanker accidents requires many varied administrative and technical measures. Just five examples of prevention strategies will be outlined in the following pages:

• a technical measure: the double hull
• three administrative measures: compliance checks, places of refuge and traffic separation schemes
• a practical measure: involvement of the oil industry.