evaluated include lovv-light-level TV, side-looking radar, a 

 microwave imager and infrared line scanner with one ultraviolet 

 channel. It promises to have all-weather, day and night capability 

 and the ability to detect, quantify, and identify pollutants on the 

 water. 



The National Response Center (NRC), operated by USCG, is the 

 focal point for responding to oil and other hazardous substance 

 pollution incidents. It receives current information on pollution 

 incidents as they occur, contains technical data on hazardous 

 substances, and inventories response resources. 



Unlike PIRS, which receives management information after a 

 response has taken place, NRC provides coordination of response 

 efforts to major incidents and disseminates operational information 

 to all interested parties and agencies. It is manned continuously and 

 has quick access to qualified personnel who can provide assistance 

 and advice on a wide range of subjects required for response 

 activities. 



The increasing volume of maritime bulk chemical transport and 

 increased concern about the effects of such traffic led USCG to 

 propose in June 1970 a chemical information and retrieval system to 

 be incorporated as part of NRC. The Chemical Hazard Response 

 Information System being developed by USCG will be placed in 

 operation in 1974. It will provide field personnel with the 

 information they need to make an effective response to discharges of 

 hazardous polluting substances. Initially, the system covers some 

 400 chemicals, with room for expansion to at least 1,000. 



During 1973, USCG embarked on a program to increase its ability 

 to respond effectively to polluting incidents occurring on U.S. 

 navigable waters. A cadre of USCG personnel were trained to 

 respond to discharges of oil and other hazardous polluting 

 substances. This cadre, called the National Strike Force, is organized 

 into three teams, the Atlantic Strike Team, the Pacific Strike Team, 

 and the Gulf Strike Team. Each team, consisting of about 15 men, is 

 knowledgeable in ship salvage, diving, and oil and hazardous 

 material removal techniques. The teams respond to pollution 

 discharges or threats of discharges and provide technical expertise 

 and supervisory assistance in deployment of special pollution 

 control equipment for removal operations to USCG, EPA, or other 

 Federal coordinators. 



In order to be better equipped to control large offshore oil spills, 

 USCG has been actively engaged in a research and development 

 effort aimed at reducing the quantity of oil released, controlling the 

 spread of released oil, and removing oil from water. 



Basic development of a system to reduce the quantity of oil 

 released during a tank vessel accident has been completed. Known as 



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