MEDESS-4MS service is dedicated to the maritime risks prevention and strengthening of maritime safety related to oil spill pollution in the Mediterranean. The main goal of MEDESS-4MS is to deliver an integrated operational multi model oil spill prediction service in the Mediterranean, connected to existing oil spill monitoring platforms (EMSA-CSN, REMPEC and AIS data), using well established oil spill modeling systems, the environmental data from the GMES European Marine Service and the MS national ocean forecasting systems. The overall objectives of the project are: - To implement an integrated real time oil spill multi -model prediction service for the Mediterranean - To implement an interconnected network of data repositories that will archive and provide in operational way access to all available environmental and oil spill data - To develop an integrated user interface system with a unique Web point providing an interactive access to the different multi-model service scenarios, to suit the requirements of EMSA-CSN, REMPEC and the generic users. - To test the service functionalities with -key end-users': REMPEC, EMSA and other end-users such as national agencies combating oil spills and private profit commercial companies. MEDESS-4MS does not aim at developing new elementary service chains but will integrate and consolidate the existing ones, based on the experience gained through the interaction with operational response agencies, REMPEC and EMSA during real oil spill incidents in the region and the demonstrations and inter-calibration exercises carried out in the framework of EC projects. The proposal consists from 6 WPs: WP1 Project Management WP2 Information and awareness raising WP3 Capitalisation and long lasting effects WP4 To improve the evaluation and the monitoring of risks WP5 To strengthen common analytical and planning tools WP6 To compare and strengthen operational intervention systems All the activities in MEDESS4MS will be carried out in order to establish a sustainable integrated multi model oil spill prediction service consortium and partners expertise, operational response agencies, international and European organizations and areas of responsibility, are well established to reach the project objectives. Seven of the project partners are operating during the last 10 years forecasting centers, while six partners are providing individually oil spill predictions at local and sub-regional level, in close cooperation with their national operational response agencies. Achievements: MEDITERRANEAN DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR MARINE SAFETYMEDESS-4MS for training sessionsMANAGEMENT, TRAINING AND EXERCISESThe MEDESS-4MS web portal with different service scenarios, multi-model data access and interactive capabilities can be used to simulate emergency crisis conditions during exercises and training sessions.Exercises and training sessions are an essential element of oil spill preparedness, developing responders competences and ensuring familiarity with response arrangements. MEDESS-4MS services can be used both in preparing and running oil spill response exercises. Modelling can be used to develop a scenario for a particular operation, and gives a visual indication of areas which may be at risk during an incident. When running an exercise, oil spill modelling results can be given to participants, providing visual and practical information to help them develop response action plans. Exercises also allow participants to become familiar with the capabilities of modelling systems and the range of inputs required.MEDESS-4MS useful information:• Oil slick drift and weathering results• Environmental data (Winds and Currents)• GIS layers (sensitivity mapping)MEDESS-4MS for emergency planningPLANNING FOR RESPONSE OPTIONS TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE ACCORDING TO THE TIERED APPROACH AND PLAN REVIEWTo ensure a quick and appropriate response, it is important to be prepared. The development of an Oil Spill Contingency Plan is an industry standard approach, and often a legislative requirement for any operation that is exposed to an oil spill risk. Most plans are centred on a risk assessment that identifies potential oil spill events and scenarios, along with their probabilities of occurrence and potential consequences.MEDESS-4MS provides useful information in both risk assessment and contingency planning processes. Following identification of the worst case spill scenario, oil spill modelling can assist in the identification of resources (flora, fauna, habitats, tourism facilities, harbours...) most at risk (i.e. Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas, see Figure below). The identification of these resources can assist in the appropriate prioritisation of sensitivities and so determine the best methods for responding to a spill (such as chemical dispersants and/or mechanical oil booms).MEDESS-4MS useful information:• worst case scenario• probabilities of impact at different locations• simulation of a multitude of possible scenarios • risk assessment and relative dataMEDESS-4MS for emergency operationsSUPPORTING STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT, RECOVERED OIL AND DEBRIS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION GATHERING AND RISK ASSESSMENT / SENSITIVITY MAPPING OF THE ENVIRONMENT AT RISK / EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIESOnce a simulation is complete, the evolution in time of the oil spill position and concentration can be visualized together with additional operational layers (sea current speed and direction, wind speed and direction, wave height and wave direction, socio-economic sensitivity maps, environmental sensitivity maps, response equipment...).In case of an oil spill event, operators and response managers need to make quick and efficient decisions. For this purpose, MEDESS-4MS services can form the core of an operational forecast system for oil spill response (the trajectory of an oil slick as well as its properties).An intuitive user interface ensures efficient usage during emergency situations without requiring detailed knowledge of the underlying modelling techniques. It is essential that accurate information, about both the incident and environmental conditions, is constantly communicated quickly and regularly to the response room from the in-field teams, so that models can be run using the best available data.Trajectory modelling is commonly used in the early stages of spill response to support initial surveillance operations (satellite, aerial or marine observation and also drift buoys deployed on the oil slicks). MEDESS-4MS allows the backtracking of the oil slicks/illicit discharges to facilitate the identification of the culprit ship. MEDESS-4MS can also be used to run models after an oil spill alert from satellite data (automatic system).MEDESS-4MS useful information:• Oil slick drift and weathering results• Backtracking• Environmental data (Winds and Currents)• GIS layers (sensitivity mapping) • International communicationSee more: http://www.medess4ms.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/guideline_for_emergency_planning_FINAL.pdf