Getting the message across

This is an abridged version of an address by the chairman of the Oslo and Paris (Ospar) commission to the SPE/UKOOA/E and P Forum European Environmental Conference and Exhibition held in Aberdeen in April 1997. The Ospar Commission arose out of the Oslo and Paris Conventions on marine pollution in the 1970s. The petroleum industry is now effectively working under the revised and consolidated Oslo Convention of 1992. Three main elements which arise from the provisions of the Convention and set the framework within which the Commission works are discussed. The first of these is a general obligation to take all possible steps to prevent and eliminate pollution, to protect the marine ecosystem and to restore the main adversely affected areas when practicable. Secondly, there are two guiding principles to be observed, the ''polluter pays'' principle and the ''precautionary principle''. The third main element is that the Commission is to take measures which ensure the application of the best available technology and the best environmental practice. Current issues being addressed by the Commission within this framework include: the oil content of discharges from platforms; cuttings produced by drilling; discharge of chemicals offshore; disposal of offshore installations no longer in use. Finally, the problems associated with effective communication on these issues, particularly with regard to risk are considered. (UK)