Response Tools for Oil Spills
Photo: Responder in helicopter.
NOAA develops a number of emergency response and planning tools for dealing with oil and chemical spills.

Here is a quick guide to many of the most commonly used tools and resources that NOAA OR&R offers for oil spill responders and planners. General emergency responders may also want to refer to the quick list of tools and resources for chemical spill response.

Software and Datasets

  • ADIOS, oil weathering model.
  • ERMA®, online mapping tool for environmental response data, adapted to a variety of regions.
  • Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps and data, concise summaries of coastal resources that may be at risk in a spill incident.
  • GNOME, oil spill trajectory model.
  • GOODS, a tool that helps GNOME users access base maps, ocean currents, and winds.
  • CAFE Database, a program to help responders in their assessment of environmental impacts from oil or chemical spills into an aquatic environment.
  • NUCOS, a unit converter that includes units unique to oil spill response.
  • Response System Planning Tools, tools to assess system performance of oil spill response methods, including mechanical recovery of oil, dispersant application, and in situ burning of oil.
  • Trajectory Analysis Planner, oil spill contingency planning software.

Publications, Training, and Other Resources

  • FOSC's Guide, describes the scientific products and services that NOAA can provide to FOSCs (Federal On-Scene Coordinators).
  • Incident Command System (ICS) forms, available as an electronic database.
  • Job Aids, field guides to assist with various response tasks.
  • Publications, a list of our spill response reports, guides, and publications.
  • Seafood Safety After an Oil Spill, background information and publications describing how to monitor seafood for exposure and contamination after an oil spill.
  • Training, classes and self-study options for spill response professionals.

More Information about Oil Spill Response

Learn more about OR&R's tools and resources for oil spill response.

You can also find contact information for SSCs around the U.S., and a sampling of research publications written by OR&R scientists and other partners.