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For over 40 years the biennial London-based Oceanology International exhibition and conference has played a key role serving the marine science and ocean technology community. Events held alongside the major exhibition, and free-to- attend conference, at Oceanology International 2010 (London's ExCeL, 9-11 March), demonstrate its importance, and the central role it plays within the community it serves.

This year's event is no exception, for the two-day UKSPILL10 Marine Oil Spill Seminar, organised by the UK Spill Association (UKSPILL), is just one of several events to be co-located with Oceanology International. The association represents companies, organisations and individuals working in the oil spill industry in the UK and is recognised by the UK Environmental and Maritime Regulators as the national industry body for the commercial and related interests of the industry. UKSPILL10 will take place on 9 and 10 March at ExCeL and thus take advantage of the presence at Oceanology International of so many global players in the sector.

As UKSPILL's Director, Roger Mabbott explains: "We are hosting the two day European seminar to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC), which was adopted in November 1990, to help Governments combat major oil pollution incidents. Oceanology International with its wide range of highly relevant exhibitors and visitors is the perfect event at which to hold this seminar.

"We will be looking at what has been achieved in the UK and Europe over the 20 years, what the spill industry shares and where we differ across borders in preparing for, and dealing with, marine oil spill incidents. Presentations will encompass views from the UK and European maritime agencies; from manufacturers and responders; and will include recent case studies from leading industry figures. There will also be a dedicated exhibit area for marine spill equipment and services within the Oceanology exhibition."

"We are delighted to welcome UKSPILL and the OPRC anniversary conference to Oceanology International," says Oceanology's Exhibition Manager, James Coleman. "There is great synergy between the two events and we know that Oceanology participants will find it extremely useful to be able to attend both under one roof. In 2008 the event was attended by over 6,600 people from nearly 90 different countries.

"Equally, those attending UKSPILL will be able to attend the Oceanology International exhibition, which boasts more than 500 suppliers of products and services from around the world; and the free-to-attend conference with its dedicated sessions and streams devoted to navigation and positioning; hydrography/ geophysics; marine environment; geotechnics; and ocean observation and forecasting. It is certainly a win:win situation!"

And there are more co-located events
"This is not the only event to be co-located with Oceanology International,"

James Coleman adds. "Indeed, this year's show will host the meetings of the Global Ocean Observing System Scientific Steering Committee, the Panel for Integrated Coastal Observations and the Intergovernmental Global Ocean Observing System Executive Board.

"The organisers of these important international meetings have taken the decision to meet at Oceanology International in order to be alongside the many providers and users of ocean observations that will be participating in this spring's show.

"We are also extremely honoured to be an officially badged supporter of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) being celebrated in 2010," he adds.

Additionally the Hydrographic Society will be staging its UK AGM; IMarEST - the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology has plans for relevant meetings including one on Oceanology's Careers Day; and IMCA - the International Marine Contractors Association will host its now traditional ROV Seminar, and its European & Africa Section meeting on 10 March, as well as playing a key role in the well-established and vitally important Careers Day on 11 March.

Further information on all aspects of Oceanology International 2010 is available from www.oceanologyinternational.com and from Reed Exhibitions Ltd at Gateway House, 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DN, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 8439 8890.

SOURCE: Oceanology International