Oil Spill Training - Volunteers - Paid Work

It has been sometime since my last update. I know you have all been inundated with news and rumors regarding the BP oil spill. I am trying to help you all sort through the massive amount of information out there, valid and not. I spent some time today at the new BP office in Pensacola, 435 E. Government Street. I learned quite a bit about the volunteer/training/employment issue. Please share this email with anyone you know in the Gulf Coast who might be interested. For those of you that have taken the 4 hour “Personal Safety” course you will be able to assist organizations in their efforts, not BP. If you want to be on the front lines you will have to take the new 6 hour OSHA training being offered.  And, you will have to be hired by BP; they will not be allowing any volunteers to work directly in cleanup efforts. I was told that this is because as an employee you are covered by their insurance, volunteers are not. They are constantly updating OSHA training schedule here: http://pecpremier.com/ The very first introduction to the Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) program happened in Apalachicola and Pensacola yesterday. Other introduction sessions will be happening in counties throughout Florida and are not being announced publically. Rather, they are contacting marine and fishery groups to announce these meetings as they are geared toward boat owners only. This introduction meeting (3 hours!!) is NOT required to participate in the VOO program, it is simply an information gathering opportunity. What are required are a signed contract and a 4 hour class for all crew (the OSHA 6 hour class mentioned above is NOT required for the VOO program). Once you have submitted a signed contract and attended the 4 hour class you are now qualified to be hired by BP for oil response. However, you will not be allowed to work directly in cleanup operations (instead you may lay boom or other supportive roles). If you are interested in participating directly in cleanup efforts (in the VOO program) you and your crew will have to attend a 40 hour “Hazwapper” class (paid for by BP of course). ONLY those folks who are contacted and asked to assist in cleanup efforts will be told of the time/date of the 40 hour class. I hope this helps to clear up much confusion out there regarding training and volunteering. My next report will be regarding health impacts of this unfortunate mess. Just a reminder that our Gala is coming up next Saturday, May 22nd. Information can be found and tickets can be purchased online at emeraldcoastkeeper.org/gala. $30 each or two for $50 in advance, or at the door for $40 each. We are a non-profit completely dependent of the support of our members and generous sponsors. Thank you to all of you who help us in our fight for swimmable, drinkable waters! Chasidy Fisher Hobbs Coastkeeper Emerald Coastkeeper, Inc. o: 850-429-8422 chasidy@emeraldcoastkeeper.org www.emeraldcoastkeeper.org   We need members to help in our fight for clean water. Please Join NOW: www.emeraldcoastkeeper.org/donate   Proud member of WATERKEEPER Alliance http://www.waterkeeper.org        "Never underestimate the power a few dedicated citizens have to change the world, indeed that is all that ever has" Margaret Mead