Emergency Response

Kirby has had a formal, documented emergency response process in place since 1980. Over time, the process has evolved. The objectives of this process are to provide fast, efficient, effective, and responsible action, to minimize the impact of incidents and minimize exposure to personnel, equipment, environment, and the public. The tools employed to achieve these objectives are a well thought out emergency response plan, including vessel and geographic specific response plans, extensive training, and frequent drills.

The OPA '90 Oil Spill and Hazardous Substance response Plan regulatory requirements were incorporated into Kirby's overall response plan as a subsection of the plan. Kirby's OPA Contingency Plan was among the first approved by the United States Coast Guard. This approved plan encompasses a larger geographic area of operation and more tank vessels than any other plan. Kirby also has in place plans that meet specific state requirements.

Kirby's emergency response plan goes far beyond what is required by law to include response actions to address personnel injuries and illnesses and navigation incidents, as well as spills. This includes an Emergency Response Plan that identifies the duties and responsibilities of key personnel, emergency notification procedures, reporting procedures to government authorities, customer notification, external resources and media relations.

To facilitate response efforts, Kirby has established a Corporate Incident Command System. This System is adapted from the National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS) Incident Command System. This system is consistent with the National Contingency Plan and is out lined in Oil Spill Field Operations Guide (FOG) Number ICS-OS-420-1. This System provides for response activities to be directed from a Unified Command Structure and for maximum flexibility in response management.

Personnel designated to operate as part of the Corporate Incident Command System are trained applicable to that individual's responsibilities. To supplement the training, drills are used to ensure the system will function effectively in an emergency.

Kirby is proud of our emergency response planning efforts and would welcome any opportunity to share them in more detail.