The mission of OSPR’s Prevention Branch, is to protect California's natural resources by working with the maritime and inland communities to develop and maintain best achievable oil spill prevention measures.
Programs
The purpose of the Harbor Safety Committee Grant Program is to assist the Administrator in providing funding and guidance to the five Harbor Safety Committees along the California Coast. These Committees are responsible for planning safe navigation and operation of tank ships, tank barges, and all other vessels transiting within their jurisdiction, in coordination with the Office of Spill Prevention and Response. Websites and current meeting information for the five harbor committees can be found on this page.
The Prevention Branch’s Marine Safety unit works as the initial compliance review for all vessels entering California waters that give notice to our PORTS, Partnering State Departments and the Marine Exchanges. The Marine Safety Unit is also responsible for the Escort Tug Inspection Program (E-TIP), the PORTS Grant covering the San Francisco Bay Area, and administrative responsibilities for the Harbor Safety Committees.
The Field Prevention Specialists are members of OSPR’s Field Response Teams (FRT). The FRT is made up of OSPR’s Field Prevention Specialists, Environmental Scientists, and Wardens. The FRT responds as first responders during oil spills. A list of Field Offices, Areas of Responsibilities, and Field Prevention responsibilities can be found on this page.