Pollution report

Source: UK Ministry of Defence Acquisition Management System.

INITIAL POLREP-SIGNAL MESSAGE FORMAT

Addressee for action: relevant MRCC.

Addressee for information: relevant authorities

Title/subject: POLREP

A – Classification of report
Doubtful – probable – confirmed

B – Date and time pollution observed/ reported

C – Position and extent of pollution
If possible, state range and bearing of some prominent land mark or Decca position, and estimated amount of pollution (i.e. size of polluted area, number of tons spilled, or number of containers, drums lost). Where appropriate, give position of observer relative to pollution.

D – Tide, wind speed and direction

E – Meteorological conditions and sea state

F – Characteristics of pollution
Give type of pollution, e.g. oil (crude or otherwise), packaged or bulk chemicals, sewage. For chemicals give proper name or United Nations number if known. For all, give also appearance, e.g. liquid, floating solid, liquid oil, semi-liquid sludge, tarry lumps, weathered oil, discolouration of sea, visible vapour. Any markings on drums, containers etc. should be given.

G – Source and cause of pollution
E.g. from vessel or other undertaking. If from vessel, say whether as a result of a deliberate discharge or a casualty. If the latter, give brief description. Where possible, give name, type, size, nationality and port of registry of polluting vessel. If vessel is proceeding on its way, give course, speed and destination.

H – Details of vessels in the area
To be given if the polluter cannot be identified, and the spill is considered to be of recent origin.

I – Whether photographs have been taken, and/or samples for analysis

J – Remedial action taken or intended, to deal with the spillage

K – Forecast of likely effect of pollution
(eg arrival on beach) with estimated timing.

L – Names of other States and organisations informed.

M – Any other relevant information
Eg names of other witnesses, reference to other instances of pollution pointing to source.