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The final step is to check if dispersant application can be conducted properly according to the 
capabilities of the equipment and the prevailing weather: if not, consider other response op 
tions; otherwise, plan and implement the dispersant application operation. 
In conclusion, Part II of the IMO guideline for the use of dispersants for combatting oil spills 
at sea, may be viewed as a tool to facilitate setting up national regulation & organization, by 
including recommendations as to the way to act, the requirements to be met for a sound 
planning, and -as described here- relevant criteria for decision-making at the time of the spill. 
In this latter case, it may contribute to ease the decision whether of not use dispersants dur 
ing the spill. 
Finally, the development of these guidelines in the international framework (that is the IMO) 
may help harmonizing policies at a regional level, and ultimately be beneficial for the various 
potentially involved public and private stakeholders. 
References 
Merlin F., 2015. Traitement aux dispersants des nappes de pétrole en mer. Traitement par 
voie aérienne et par bateau. Guide Opérationnel. Brest : Cedre, 2015. 59 p.