Federal Volunteer Management Policies 1

Background National Response Team “Use of Volunteers Guidelines For Oil Spills” - September 2012 Based on the outcome of the USCG Incident Specific Preparedness Review (ISPR) for the M/V Cosco Busan Incident in 2007

Definitions Affiliated Volunteer: – volunteers to assist – Without pay – Has a pre-existing formal or informal arrangement – With either an governmental agency or non governmental organization (NGO) – Or Community Based Organization (CBO) – And who has been trained for a specific role or function in incident response – Ex: Oiled Wildlife Care Network

Definitions (cont) Unaffiliated Volunteer: – volunteers to assist a govt agency, NGO or CBO – With response activities – Without pay – Also known as “convergent”, “emergent” or “spontaneous” volunteers – May not have benefited from pre-deployment training

NRT Policy Statement EPA and USCG federal OSCs may use the services of volunteers in oil spill responses in accordance with their statutory authorities and other applicable laws. The Incident Command/Unified Command should make that decision on a case-by-case basis, weighing the interests of the local volunteer community and benefits of volunteer efforts against health and safety concerns, resources needed for volunteer supervision and training, liability concerns, and other relevant issues.

Use of Affiliated vs. Unaffiliated Affiliated volunteers are the preferred method of volunteer manpower Best efforts should be made to direct unaffiliated individuals towards affiliated organizations. When affiliated volunteers are used, they may be covered under the umbrella of the affiliated organization‘s liability coverage. Beyond insurance coverage, affiliated organizations provide supervision, training, and support of their members.

Use of Affiliated vs. Unaffiliated The use of unaffiliated volunteers creates the potential for additional liability to the federal government Federal responders should give their use considerable scrutiny during the decision-making process. For the purpose of determining liability coverage, if the government provides tasking, day-to-day supervision, and supplies to unaffiliated volunteers, then these individuals, if injured, may be considered employees of the government and are afforded coverage under the Federal Employee Compensation Act OSHA requirements must be met for all volunteers

Planning Ahead Area Comittees should pre identify affiliated organizations within their AOR Plan ahead for unaffiliated volunteers – Consider using them for “minimal risk” activities pre-impact beach cleanup temporary movement of natural debris administrative duties messenger tasks

During a Response Human health and safety is the first priority in decisions regarding how to use volunteers. Section (c) of the NCP outlines the general policy regarding use of volunteers: – ―ACPs should identify specific areas in which volunteers can be used, such as beach cleanup surveillance, non-oiled logistical support, and bird and wildlife treatment. Unless specifically requested by the federal OSC/RPM, volunteers generally should not be used for physical removal or remedial activities. If, in the judgment of the federal OSC/RPM, dangerous conditions exist, volunteers shall be restricted from on-scene operations.

During a Response

Mr. Scott Knutson District 13 District Response Advisory Team (DRAT) Current Volunteer Coordination Efforts