Environmental Response

RESPONSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Canadian Coast Guard Response Management System has been designed to aid Environmental Response personnel monitor or respond to marine pollution incidents or other natural or manmade disasters. It has been accepted as the management system used by the Canadian Coast Guard in all monitoring/response operations to incidents and exercises.

The Response Management System is an organization that provides the necessary coordination to facilitate effective and efficient monitoring or response operations to an incident. It is based upon a structure with clear lines of authority and an appropriate span of control, facilitated by common terminology. Specifically, with respect to Environmental Response, the Response Management System is a management system designed to:

• Maximize the efficiency of monitoring or response efforts;
• Manage and execute operational objectives to mitigate the effects of pollution;
• Coordinate and manage human and equipment resources;
• Facilitate effective communications within the RMS structure and to all stakeholders;
• Document the actions of responders and account for their expenditures; and,
• Support the transition from "reacting" to "managing" the incident.

The RMS is based upon a "management by objectives" philosophy where objectives are established based upon the needs of the circumstances. This embedded philosophy allows for the use of this system in virtually any situation requiring a response, regardless of severity.

Response Management System User's Guide V.3.0 (PDF Document)