Marine Oil Pollution Assessment 

The syllabus is structured into five core modules, combining theoretical knowledge with practical assessment techniques.

Module 1: Fundamentals of Marine Oil Pollution

This module establishes the core concepts of oil as a pollutant, its sources, and its fate in the marine environment.

Topics and Key Learning Outcomes

1.1 The Nature of Oil
Understand the chemical and physical properties of various crude oils and refined petroleum products (e.g., viscosity, density, volatility).

1.2 Sources of Marine Oil Pollution
Identify major sources, including shipping accidents, offshore drilling, pipelines, vessel deballasting, and land-based runoff.

1.3 Fate and Weathering of Spilled Oil
Explain the weathering processes (e.g., evaporation, dissolution, emulsification, photo-oxidation, biodegradation) that determine oil persistence and toxicity.

1.4 Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts
Analyze the biological effects on marine organisms (ecotoxicology) and the broader economic and social consequences of oil spills. 

Module 2: Surveillance, Sampling, and Analysis

This module focuses on the practical methods used to detect, track, and characterize oil following a spill.

Topics and Key Learning Outcomes

2.1 Spill Trajectory and Fate Modeling

Interpret and utilize oil spill models for predicting the movement and fate of oil slicks.

2.2 Remote Sensing and Aerial Surveillance

Master techniques for detecting and mapping oil slicks using radar, satellite imagery, and aerial observation.

2.3 Water and Sediment Sampling

Learn standardized procedures for collecting environmental samples (water, sediment, biota) for laboratory analysis.

2.4 Oil Fingerprinting and Analytical Chemistry

Understand advanced analytical techniques (e.g., Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) used for source identification and correlation of spilled oil.

Module 3: Oil Spill Risk and Impact Assessment

This module covers the formal processes for assessing the risks associated with potential spills and evaluating the damage following an incident.

Topics and Key Learning Outcomes

3.1 Oil Spill Risk Assessment (OSRA)
Develop a framework for identifying, analyzing, and evaluating oil spill risks for specific marine operations and geographical areas.

3.2 Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Mapping
Utilize ESI maps and data to identify and prioritize sensitive resources (e.g., wetlands, bird colonies, aquaculture sites) for protection.

3.3 Damage Assessment Methodologies
Learn about initial damage assessments and the process of Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) to quantify injury to the environment.

3.4 Health and Safety in Assessment
Review site safety plans, necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and health protocols for working in a polluted environment. 

Module 4: Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT)

SCAT is a core methodology for developing effective shoreline cleanup strategies. This module includes both classroom instruction and simulated or field-based exercises.

Topics and Key Learning Outcomes

4.1 Introduction to SCAT
Understand the objectives, organizational structure, and integration of SCAT within the Incident Command System (ICS).

4.2 Shoreline Type Characterization
Identify and classify various shoreline types (e.g., sand beaches, mudflats, rocky shores) and their vulnerability to oiling.

4.3 Oiling Conditions and Description
Learn standardized terminology and forms for systematically describing oil distribution, thickness, and degree of oiling on the shoreline.

4.4 Cleanup Endpoints and Treatment Recommendations
Determine appropriate cleanup endpoints (when to stop cleaning) and formulate viable cleanup recommendations based on environmental and operational constraints. 

Module 5: Response Management and Regulatory Frameworks

The final module covers the broader context of managing an oil spill response and the essential international and national laws.

Topics and Key Learning Outcomes

5.1 Oil Spill Response Options
Review primary response methods: containment, mechanical recovery, dispersants, in-situ burning, and bioremediation.

5.2 International Regulations
Summarize key international conventions, including MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) and the OPRC Convention (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation).

5.3 National and Local Contingency Planning
Understand the structure and requirements of national and local oil spill contingency plans.

5.4 Case Studies and Lessons Learned
Analyze major historical oil spill incidents (e.g., Exxon Valdez, Deepwater Horizon) to understand assessment failures and successful strategies. 

Course fee including taxes: LKR 30,000.00

If you are a member of the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces, you are exempted from the fee, and you can enroll in the course free of charge. But the eligibility requirements remain.

Additionally, individuals requiring financial assistance may apply for full or partial fee exemptions, provided they demonstrate and provide with proof for above-average qualifications.