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Oil Spill Trajectory Model Top 30 Frequently Asked Questions

Purpose

This paper provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about Australia’s Oil Spill Trajectory Model (OSTM). This paper also provides an overview of the recent changes and upgrades to OSTM which is used by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as a decision support tool on behalf of the National Plan to predict the behaviour and movements of oil spills at sea based on wind, current and tidal data.

OSTM was launched in September 2000 and components of the system were significantly upgraded in during 2004. A new hydrodynamic model (for water current prediction) called HYDROMAP was implemented in June 2004. HYDROMAP expands the modelling capability and supports the incorporation of live meteorological and oceanographic (‘met-ocean’) data, including satellite observations of large-scale currents from CSIRO, and detailed wind data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoMet.). A new version of the oil spill mapping software component of the model, OILMAP, was also installed as part of annual updates. OILMAP is used by a wide range of government agencies, research institutes and oil companies, in at least 40 countries. In addition to playing a key role during an oil spill response, spill modelling has become an integral part of contingency planning and backtracking mystery spills and in court evidence for prosecutions.

DISCLAIMER:
Any Oil Spill Trajectory Model predictions are for the exclusive use of the client and not for third party use. The oil spill trajectory predictions, opinions and interpretations contained in predictions are based on observations and data supplied by the client and information sources available to AMSA.
The computer model predictions, interpretations or opinions expressed represent the best judgement of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). AMSA and its personnel or advisers, assume no responsibility and make no warranty or representations as to the accuracy or reliability of the predictions. It should be noted that accuracy of predictions may be adversely affected where modelling is carried out in respect of spills in enclosed waters, estuaries, close to shore, or when only low resolution maps are available.
The use and mention of any specialist software or equipment in any prediction does not represent endorsement of these products by AMSA.

Glossary and Abbreviations

AMSA - The Australian Maritime Safety Authority

APASA - Asia Pacific Applied Science Associates. The company that provides the software for the Oil Spill Trajectory Model. See Question 11.

BoMet - The Bureau of Meteorology (Australia)

GASP - Global scale wind predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology

HYDROMAP - The hydrodynamic modelling software component of the Oil Spill Trajectory Model

LAPS - Local scale wind predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology

Met-ocean data - Shorthand reference to meteorological and oceanographic data

National Plan - Australia's National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous Substances. A national integrated government and industry organisational framework enabling effective response to marine pollution incidents in Australia.

OILMAP - The oil movement prediction software component of the Oil Spill Trajectory Model

OSRA - Oil Spill Response Atlas. A Geographical Information System (GIS) containing environmental, heritage and logistics used by the National Plan.

OSTM - Oil Spill Trajectory Model. See Question 4.