Protocol Concerning Regional Cooperation in Combating Pollution by Oil and other Harmful Substances in Cases of Emergency 1982.

This Protocol to the Regional Convention for the Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment deals principally with an effective response to emergencies caused by pollution by oil and other harmful substances of the marine environment and coastal zones in the area to which the Convention applies. With this Protocol, the Contracting Parties establish the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre. For the purposes of dealing with a marine emergency, internal waters, including ports, harbours, estuaries, bays and lagoons, may be treated a part of the Sea Area if a Contracting Party concerned so decides. The Protocol also defines duties of the Contracting Parties to assist the Centre and to cooperate with other Contracting Parties in the manner as provided for in this Protocol; sets out a duty to take measures to prevent, mitigate and respond to emergencies; provides for supervision of the Centre by the Council of the Regional Organization for Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment and requires each Contracting Party to establish and maintain an appropriate authority to carry out fully its obligations under this Protocol.