This edition of Section IV draws on the experience and lessons learned by Governments and industry in responding to marine oil pollution world-wide during the past thirty years. It builds on earlier editions, and provides a clear and concise overview of the present level of knowledge, expertise and understanding in the field of oil spill response.

It covers the behaviour and fate of different types of oil when spilled and the effects on marine and coastal resources, and includes new chapters on burning in situ and bioremediation measures. Guidance is provided on training, exercises and equipment maintenance and storage information is also given on liability, compensation and cost accounting.

The revision of this section of the Manual on Oil Pollution was undertaken by the Oil Pollution, Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) Working Group and approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of IMO.