Nov. 14, 2017 — NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R), a leader in providing scientific information in response to marine pollution, offers several Science of Oil Spills (SOS) classes annually for spill responders to increase their understanding of oil spill science. Registration is now open for this year's spring sessions:

• Mobile, Alabama the week of March 26, 2018
• Lewes, Delaware the week of April 9, 2018

OR&R will accept applications for these classes as follows:

• The application period for the Mobile class will run through Jan. 19, 2018. We will email applicants regarding their application status no later than Feb. 2.
• The application period for the Lewes class will run through Jan. 26, 2018. We will email applicants regarding their application status no later than Feb. 9.

SOS classes help spill responders increase their understanding of oil spill science when analyzing spills and making risk-based decisions. They are designed for new and mid-level spill responders. The trainings cover:

• Fate and behavior of oil spilled in the environment.
• An introduction to oil chemistry and toxicity.
• A review of basic spill response options for open water and shorelines.
• Spill case studies.
• Principles of ecological risk assessment.
• A field trip.
• An introduction to damage assessment techniques.
• Determining cleanup endpoints.

To view the topics for the next SOS class, download a sample agenda [PDF, 170 KB].

Please understand that classes are not filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We try to diversify the participant composition to ensure a variety of perspectives and experiences, to enrich the workshop for the benefit of all participants. Classes are generally limited to 40 participants.

For more information, and to learn how to apply for the class, visit the SOS Classes page.