The Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre (AMOSC) was established in 1991 by ten major oil companies as a not-for-profit subsidiary company of the Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP).   Since its inception, AMOSC has attended all of the major Australian marine oil spills and marine incidents (with the potential to spill oil) around the Australasian region in full support of the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies.

Following the establishment of AMOSC, the petroleum industry committed to following the OPRC Convention in order to remain consistent with the ‘National Plan’ – this includes the key Convention tenets of:

• Plans
• Trained personnel
• Pre-positioned oil combat equipment
• Exercises
• Mutual aid

Through AMOSC, the petroleum industry remains committed to the OPRC Convention and delivers the requirements of the OPRC Convention to the domestic industry needs consistent with international ‘good oilfield’ practices.

AMOSC operates from 2 main centres being Geelong and Fremantle. At both locations, AMOSC can respond 24/7 to marine oil spills providing skilled and experienced people with equipment capable of containing and recovering all oil types.    AMOSC operates under AMOSPlan – this sets out the cooperative and mutual aid arrangements for all members of AMOSC and also integration by industry into the National Plan. The AMOSPlan exists in three layers: for AMOSC use only, for AMOSC member use and for the wider public dissemination.   The first two layers of the plan are highly operationally focussed and designed for AMOSC and its members to prepare and respond to marine oil spills.   The third layer discusses the industry arrangements and is available through this website.