1 INTRODUCTION

The countries adjacent to the North Sea reached an agreement in 1983, known as the Bonn Agreement.

The agreement describes among others cooperation in the field of detection and combat of oil and chemical pollution in the North Sea. In 1990 in London the global convention on oil pollution preparedness response and cooperation (OPRC) was concluded.

2 PROCEDURES

In the Netherlands, Rijkswaterstaat (North Sea directorate) is responsible for the combat of pollution.

In order to combat oil pollution at sea as effectively as possible and to trace the source of pollution it is important to report detected pollution quickly and completely.

In the Netherlands the Coastguard Centre is the central reporting station, tel: +31 (0)88 958 4000.

Aircrew in Amsterdam FIR are requested to report observed pollution to the Coastguard Centre through Amsterdam ATC.

Similar reports elsewhere over the North Sea can be made to the ATC of the appropriate North Sea country, while in the rest of the world pollution has to be reported to the ATC of the nearest coastal state.

The reports should be prefaced with "Pollution Report".

If possible the report should contain the following information:

1. Flight number and/or call sign, name of captain and flight level.
2. Date and time of observation.
3. Position of the pollution (latitude and longitude).
4. Estimated dimensions (length and width).
5. Observed colours.
6. Source of pollution (rig, type of ship, colour, name).
7. Additional information, e.g. vessels in the vicinity.

This information will make it possible for the authorities concerned to undertake action.

Pilots can be informed about the proceedings on request.

3 DOCUMENT CONTROL

This AIC-A replaces AIC-A 19/92 dated 31 OCT 2013; telephone number changed.

ISSN: 1386-6605