QI / Spill Response

Trading to the United States places shipowners and operators into one of the most demanding regulatory environments in global shipping. Environmental exposure, federal and state oversight, strict response timelines, and personal accountability all combine to create real, operational and financial risk.

ShorelineHudson acts as your guide, helping you anticipate regulatory expectations, meet compliance obligations with confidence, and respond decisively when incidents occur. We work alongside owners, operators, and managers to ensure vessels remain compliant, prepared, and protected at every stage of their U.S. voyage.

From Obligation to Operational Readiness

Since the introduction of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90), ShorelineHudson has supported shipping companies in meeting its requirements in a practical, operationally focused way.

OPA 90 compliance is not a box-ticking exercise. It is a living framework that demands preparation, documentation, trained personnel, and the ability to respond immediately under regulatory scrutiny. We help clients move beyond compliance in theory to compliance in practice, reducing business disruption, financial liability, and operational uncertainty.

Our services include Qualified Individual (QI) services, Vessel Response Plan (VRP) development and maintenance, training and exercises, coordination of response resources, and ongoing regulatory advisory support.

Your Authoritative Voice When It Matters Most

OPA 90 requires vessel and facility owners to designate a Qualified Individual, a named authority empowered to act immediately in the event of a threatened or actual oil spill.

The QI is not a passive designation. It is the focal point of regulatory interaction, response coordination, and decision-making under pressure.

As your appointed Qualified Individual, ShorelineHudson:

• Interfaces directly with Federal and State authorities
• Activates and coordinates response resources
• Oversees compliance assuming regulatory and financial obligations
• Guides the response to protect life, the environment, and your commercial reputation

With nearly 40 years of experience acting as QI for vessels and facilities trading to U.S. waters, ShorelineHudson brings credibility, authority, and calm leadership when it matters most.

Clear Direction in High-Pressure Situations

When an incident occurs, uncertainty and delay amplify risk. Regulators expect immediate action, accurate information, and disciplined coordination.

ShorelineHudson provides structured incident and spill management support, working on behalf of owners and operators to:

• Maintain clear communication with Federal and State authorities
• Coordinate response activities and specialist resources
• Manage regulatory exposure and documentation requirements
• Support informed, defensible decision-making

Our team has hands-on experience managing a wide range of casualties, including oil pollution incidents, vessel groundings, collisions, allisions, loss of propulsion, and environmentally sensitive responses. We understand how incidents unfold in U.S. waters and how regulators expect them to be managed.

Plans That Respond When Needed

A Vessel Response Plan is more than a regulatory submission; it is the foundation of an effective response.

ShorelineHudson works closely with clients to develop, implement, and maintain USCG-approved VRPs that are:

• Technically compliant
• Operationally realistic
• Aligned with actual trading patterns and response capabilities

We ensure VRPs are kept current, compliant, and ready to be executed not just to meet regulatory approved.

Meeting Response Expectations Without Operational Delay

OPA 90 regulations require response assets for an Average Most Probable Discharge to be available within strictly defined timeframes.

ShorelineHudson supports clients by facilitating AMPD planning and coverage arrangements appropriate to the vessel’s trading profile and cargo transfer locations ensuring compliance without unnecessary disruption to operations.

Lined Up Before You Need Them

OPA 90 mandates that vessels contract:

• An Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO)
• Salvage and Marine Firefighting (SMFF) service providers

These services form the backbone of any effective response, from pollution mitigation to casualty stabilization and emergency lightering.

ShorelineHudson assists clients by facilitating compliant OSRO and SMFF arrangements, ensuring that contracted resources align with regulatory requirements, vessel characteristics, and operational realities.

Practical Solutions Where Standard Models Don’t Work

In remote trading areas, including Alaska, Guam, and American Samoa,  response resources may not meet National Planning Standards.

Alternative Planning Criteria (APC) provide a structured way to demonstrate the best achievable response in these regions.

ShorelineHudson provides advisory support for:

• APC development and implementation
• Remote area contingency planning
• OSRO and response strategy alignment

Our experience in these regions allows us to guide clients through heightened scrutiny with clarity and confidence.

ShorelineHudson works alongside vessel owners and operators to interpret regulatory requirements, coordinate effective response, and manage engagement with U.S. authorities. Our role is to provide clarity, confidence, and control in an environment where preparedness and decisive action matter.