Training oil spill response workers in the use of dispersants is of critical importance to the oil and gas industry, according to the Joint Industry Oil Spill Preparedness & Response Task Force (JITF).

In a new wide-scope report assessing the impact of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spill, the organisation claimed: "Technologies such as dispersants and in situ burning are critical response tools, as evidenced by their successful use in the DWH response"

And in order to improve the efficacy of oil and gas training standards, the industry should focus closely on providing its workers with the skills necessary to deploy dispersants and other technologies, the group added.

The JITF is comprised of member companies and affiliates of the American Petroleum Institute, the US Oil and Gas Association, the National Ocean Industries Association and other industry groups.

Its findings have this week been presented to federal regulators in Houston as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement prepares to submit new drilling safety recommendations to the Obama administration.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development