POLMAR Plan

Regulatory and operational framework for action in case of accidental pollution of the sea, to coordinate human resources and mobilize control means. The POLMAR plan was implemented in 1978 (Circular of the Prime Minister) after the Amoco Cadiz disaster. A circular from the Prime Minister dated 17 December 1997 confirmed the existence of two types of action (two components): the POLMAR/SEA plan which is triggered by the maritime prefects and deals with interventions at sea, and the POLMAR/LAND plan which is triggered by the prefects of the Departments concerned by coastal pollution. The prefect of the defence action area coordinates the whole system (land and sea). The physical preparation of the plan (setting up technical means and financial resources as well as staff qualification) is the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Works and of its decentralized services. The effectiveness of the POLMAR Plan is based on: storage and intervention centres (13 in total, including 8 in continental France and 5 overseas) distributed along the coast and in which equipment is stored and maintained to be made available to the prefects when needed (floating barriers, skimmers, oil-recovery vessels, pumps, high-pressure cleaners, etc); men prepared to intervene (trained) by regular simulation exercises; Departmental POLMAR plans regularly reviewed. In 2004 (Act of 13 August 2004) the POLMAR plan was renamed ORSEC-SEA Plan.