INTRODUCING INTERNATIONAL SPILL ACCREDITATION SCHEME

Firstly, let me start by saying how delighted and honoured I am to have been elected as the first Chairman of the newly established International Spill Accreditation Scheme Ltd (ISAS). ISAS has come about as a result of the recent merger of the UKSpill and ISAA accreditation schemes and it sits alongside the UK & Ireland Spill Association, the newly created trade association

The new Trade Association and Accreditation Organisation represent members and accredited companies/ organisations working in the spill response and remediation industry, either as spill responders, manufacturers of equipment or consultants. Our accredited contractors work across marine, shoreline and inland environments not only in the UK and Ireland but Internationally and they represent some of the most talented individuals and companies working in this field globally.

I have been involved in the industry as a regulator and as a consultant for 29 years. My own interest, is that as someone who is involved in the management of spill incidents on a day to day basis, I need to know that when I appoint an accredited emergency spill responder or consultancy the accreditation they hold from ISAS means that I will receive a first class service; a timely, proportionate, cost appropriate and safe response from a professional, experienced, trained, equipped and insured responder. The ISAS Accredited Contractor logo should be a badge of quality, standards, reassurance and provide peace of mind to the end user. We have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us to set and maintain World Leading standards for the accreditation of spill response and remedial activities, to champion Approved Training, to encourage innovation, understand and provide support and technical guidance to our accredited companies on the issues of the day ie. spillages involving second generation biofuels. Most importantly, we have the opportunity to develop an accreditation scheme which is recognised by regulators, is wanted, valued and needed by members and leads to commercial activity for our members.

Following our first Board meeting in September, we have a clear action plan of what we need to achieve. The amount of work to be done is not insignificant but as a priority, we are looking at merging and redefining the UKSpill and ISAA accreditation schemes into the definitive ISAS scheme. I am pleased to say that I am not alone in this task! I have been surrounded by talented individuals with huge experience and knowledge in Marine and Inland spill response and management, just the right balance of saltiness and freshwater, a perfectly seasoned Board! I would like to take the opportunity to introduce each Board member to you.

We will not be a faceless Board, we will be meeting with you regionally which will provide a good opportunity for us to disseminate information and take on your feedback to help us drive the industry forward and raise our profile with Government, regulators and potential clients. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during my term as Chairman.

I can be contacted at stewart.ower@ compassenviro.co.uk or on 07722962687.