Standard dispersant operations under the incident command system

Dispersants have now become a viable and preapproved response tool in the Gulf of Mexico; however, there are currently no standard procedures or terminology for an actual dispersant operation lender the incident command system. A dispersant model for an actual dispersant operation has been del eloped by the authors with the assistance of a large industry group. This model, which can apply to all types of dispersant operations, describes responsibilities and on-scene coordination of persons involved in a dispersant operation. Specifically, the model clearly identifies the various positions and responsibilities for such an operation. Benefits of the model include better coordination, improved communications, and reduced conflict between industry and government agencies; these benefits result in quicker response times, which are critical to dispersant operations.