The following is the result of a broad-based literature search of dissertations, articles, and presentations. These records focus on crisis management aspects of the spill. To obtain these articles, dissertations, and abstracts, it is suggested that you print off the pertinent records and submit it to your local librarian for assistance.
Most libraries can obtain the documents through interlibrary loan.
The initial response to an oil spill can in itself determine the effectiveness and success of the entire response effort. The development of a contingency plan prepares an organization to quickly mobilize, organize, and control the response. Most organizations utilize contingency plans to prepare for emergencies. However, it has been commonly observed that during an actual response there is inevitably a shift away from the organizational forms and actions delineated in the established contingency plan. This deviation from stated procedures is often so dramatic that the original plan becomes of limited use.