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Two Science of Oil Spills (SOS) Classes Now Open for Applications

FEB. 17, 2020 — NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R), a leader in providing scientific information in response to marine pollution, has opened registration for two Science of Oil Spills (SOS) classes this summer, in New London, Connecticut and Seattle.

A group of people standing outside in front of a body of water with vessel traffic.
SOS class field trip. Image credit: NOAA.

The New London class will be held the week of June 8, 2020 at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the Seattle class the week of June 22, 2020 at the NOAA Western Regional Center.


Applications for the New London class will be accepted through Thursday, April 2, 2020, and for the Seattle class through Thursday, April 9. For both classes, we will notify applicants regarding their participation status by Friday, April 17, via email.


SOS classes help spill responders increase their understanding of oil spill science when analyzing spills and making risk-based decisions. They are designed for new and mid-level spill responders.


The training covers:


  • Fate and behavior of oil spilled in the environment.
  • An introduction to oil chemistry and toxicity.
  • A review of basic spill response options for open water and shorelines.
  • Spill case studies.
  • Principles of ecological risk assessment.
  • A field trip.
  • An introduction to damage assessment techniques.
  • Determining cleanup endpoints.

To view the topics for the next SOS class, download a sample agenda [pdf, 170 kb].


Please understand that classes are not filled on a first-come, first-served basis. OR&R tries to diversify the participant composition to ensure a variety of perspectives and experiences to enrich the class for the benefit of all participants. Classes are generally limited to 40 participants.


To learn more about SOS classes and how to apply for the class, visit the SOS Classes page.


For more information, contact the OR&R Training Team, at SOS.registration@noaa.gov.

Last updated Tuesday, January 17, 2023 10:32pm PST