The next convening of the triennial International Oil Spill Conference (IOSC) will be held in New Orleans, LA from May 10-13, 2021 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The IOSC promotes a culture of proficiency and preparedness across the oil spill response and incident management communities in order to ensure the protection of the marine environment. It provides an open forum for professionals from the international community, the private sector, government, and non-governmental organizations to highlight and discuss innovations and best practices across the spectrum of prevention, preparedness, response, and restoration.
In 1971, the USCG, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American Petroleum Institute (API) began a joint sponsorship of the IOSC. Today’s IOSC permanent sponsorship team includes five additional domestic and international organizations:
(1) the International Maritime Organization (IMO),
(2) the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA),
(3) the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE),
(4) the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA),
(5) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
With a 48-year track record of participation, the USCG serves on the Executive Committee, provides the IOSC Program Chair, contributes to the development and facilitation of the Technical Demonstration, showcases special capabilities on the trade floor, and supports the international community's involvement by hosting beneficiaries of the IOSC scholarship program. In addition, the Coast Guard provides authors for papers and posters, and volunteer subject matter experts for reviewing abstract, paper, and poster submissions.
Please visit the IOSC website at: www.iosc2020.org periodically to find information and updates regarding the conference’s film festival, short courses, guest speakers, trade show, and equipment demonstrations.