Maritime Oil Spill Australian Maritime Resources is contracted to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to provide aircraft and pilots for dispersant application in the event of an oil spill off the coast line of Australia. This is an important component of the Australian Government Nation Plan for the prevention and control of pollution of the sea by oil (NATPLAN). The contract involves having aircraft and pilots on standby at six locations around Australia and dispatching them with the necessary equipment within four hours of receiving a call. Major incidents include the “Kirki”, in Western Australia, the “Era” in Spencer Gulf, South Australia and the Mobil Refinery Spill in South Australia. Involvement in these incidents has placed Australian Maritime Resources in the unique position of being at the forefront of the use of this technology in Australia. The aircraft used are built specifically for agricultural operations and do not require modifications for dispersant application. The over-water operations require turbine powered aircraft for reliability and safety. Aircraft types utilised include the Airtractor AT-502, AT-602, AT-802 and Ayres S2R34. These aircraft have load capacities of between 1900 and 3000 litres of dispersant product and fuel for up to 4 hours flight time. All aircraft are fitted with standard spraying systems and are capable of applying controlled amounts and required droplet sizes. Australian Maritime Resources maintains a continuing research and development program to ensure the most effective and efficient dispersant application technology is available to the aircraft operators. The incorporation of on-board GPS marking systems capable of data recording, logging and printout capabilities are now used as an industry standard and is one of the most innovative and professional aids the industry has experienced.