OIL SPILL DATABASES: DEVELOPING PREVENTION STRATEGIES ACROSS STATE LINES

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Abstract
This paper details the process used by two states, California and Washington, to develop common reporting of oil spill causes. Many different agencies use databases to store oil spill information, but there is a general lack of standardization in reporting requirements, making it difficult to share information. Many of these databases only reflect initial spill reports, and few contain information on spill causes that could be used to prevent oil spills from occurring. Washington State's Office of Marine Safety (OMS) has developed an extensive database that includes spill and casualty information from vessels transiting Washington state waters. California State Lands Commission, Marine Facilities Division (MFD), has similarly developed an oil spill database for marine terminals in the state of California. What makes these systems unique is that they attempt to integrate reliable, accurate information on incident causes, paying particular attention to human error. Both agencies have joined together in a pilot program to share oil spill causal information using common terms. This paper addresses the approach used to establish common data dictionaries, oil spill report formats, and a methodology to determine causal information. California and Washington are currently working with other states and British Columbia to develop common reporting throughout the West Coast. The information collected and shared can be used by each jurisdiction to develop appropriate prevention strategies.

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