The 2011 Annual Spill Management Team Tabletop Exercise (SMT TTX) was a great success.  We had a huge crowd at our exercise in Seattle, Washington. A Spill Management Team of nearly 90 people met all the objectives set before it. Exercise observers were able to see the ICS process in real time.  Our exercises held around the world attracted a record number of participants both by number of Plan Holders represented and the number of individuals. We’re already planning for and looking forward to the 2012 program.  Look for our announcement of the schedule on or about June 1, 2012.

Please remember that participation in the 2011 was required for compliance with both the Coast Guard and State of California regulations.  The California Office of Spill Prevention and Response will undoubtedly be issuing notices of violation to Plan Holders who did not participate in one of our exercises, just as they did for 2009 and 2010.

Background

The annual SMT TTX is an important element in our “Partnership in Compliance” program.  USCG regulations require that each Vessel Response Plan Holder test their plan by conducting an annual Spill Management Team Tabletop Exercise (SMT TTX).  The State of California also requires Plan Holders to conduct an annual SMT TTX. 

The USCG has provided additional guidance about the annual SMT TTX requirements in the “Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP) Guidelines”.  These guidelines state that:

“One or more representatives from each plan holder organization that the spill management team represents must participate in the exercise.”

As your designated SMT, O'Brien's designs, conducts, evaluates and reports these exercises on your behalf in order to ensure compliance.  To make it easy for you to comply we conduct a PREP SMT TTX at strategically located cities around the world.

As always, there is no limit to the number of participants that can attend from your company.  You may also send participants to one or more of the venues.  We want the SMT TTX to be available to as many of your staff as possible.  Please plan on sending a representative to one of these exercises.

Who Must Attend an Annual SMT TTX

• At least one representative for each plan holder must attend one of the exercises.
• However, participation is unlimited.  You may send as many participants to as many venues as you like.

US Exercise

The 2012 SMT TTX is anticipated to be on the US East Coast. Please check our website around June 1, 2012 for specific information.

Also, please note that the hand outs, presentations, evaluation, certificate maker and documentation of the SMT TTX in Seattle will be available until January 1, 2012.