Protection of the Marine Environment

Introduction

Professionals involved in addressing marine environment issues come from diverse fields. Therefore, it is crucial for them to first gain a broad understanding of the subject before focusing on specific areas of interest within this policy. This Marine Environment Protection course is designed to provide participants with the most important aspects of this rapidly changing and complex field.

The course is aimed at a wide variety of specialists, particularly those from the maritime and oil and gas sectors. It includes informative presentations, practical exercises, and applications that focus on current international and regional aspects of marine environment protection.

The program addresses pressing issues, such as unconventional air pollution from maritime transport, and broader topics like the decommissioning of offshore platforms. By the end of this course, participants will have developed advanced decision-making and policy-building skills related to the complex management of the marine environment.

Objectives

Upon completion of this Marine Environment Protection course, participants will be able to:

• Comprehend the concept, impact, and obligations of marine environment protection.
• Examine the current policies in place for addressing marine environment protection issues.
• Develop strategies for engaging and collaborating with different groups and agencies on marine protection issues.
• Recognize and appreciate emerging activities that impact the marine environment.
• Broaden and deepen their understanding and knowledge in the field.

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures
• Case modification method
• Group interactions
• Site visits
• Panel discussions
• Life simulation workshops
• Dramatization
• Use of video aids
• Evaluation and grading

Course Outline

Unit 1: The Importance of Conserving the Marine Environment Today

• Considerations: Consequences and current impacts on the marine environment
• Connection between global warming and marine ecosystems
• Key stakeholders involved in marine environment protection initiatives
• Overview of relevant policies and laws
• Contribution of sustainability and ocean governance to environmental protection

Unit 2: Systems Aimed at Marine Environment Protection

• Procedures and bodies of international standardization
• State policies and laws on marine ecosystem compliance certification
• State action plans for marine environment protection
• Certifications and standards, such as ISO, for marine protection
• Environmental management and sustainable business approaches

Unit 3: Marine Environment Protection and the Shipping Industry

• Awareness in the shipping sector regarding marine health issues
• Marine pollution and its adverse effects on the world’s oceans
• Water pollution from industrial chemicals
• Controlling vessel blackwater and accidental or operational discharges to preserve natural seas
• Reducing air pollution from ship emissions

Unit 4: Marine Environment Protection and the Oil and Gas Offshore Industry

• Overview of the offshore oil and gas industry’s impact on the marine environment
• Historical review of lessons learned from the industry’s experience
• Legal frameworks enhancing marine training and respect for the environment
• Legal arrangements for regional management of offshore resource development
• Current hot topics affecting marine environment conservation

Unit 5: Accountability

• Marine protection principles from the "polluter pays" concept and precautionary policies
• Legal policy of absolute liability under the International Contracts Act for private operators
• State liability for marine environment degradation
• Insurance implications of marine pollution incidents
• Comprehensive analysis of legal practices in marine protection