The project will develop an internet-based training platform to enhance the response of shipping companies, environment agencies, coastguards and other related parties to oil spills that threaten the natural environment. Based on an oil spillage simulation package that has been developed by the project leader, the project partners will develop a more comprehensive crisis training package. The target groups for the proposed package include educational institutions and maritime training centres responsible for training personnel in crisis management. The project will establish the training needs of the different project partners. From here, course material will be developed and designed as an internet-based training platform employing state-of-the-art technology. The onus is on simulating 'real life' crisis management of oil spills. The course material will be delivered by trainers who will be trained to guide users through the training material. The material will be piloted in the partner countries and accordingly adjusted. International and national legislation concerning the management of oil spills will be incorporated into the training programme. Local and national partners will be affiliated to the project in the early stages of its development and will be involved in the piloting of the prototype training package. This process will ensure dissemination of the project and will be aided in this through presentation of the training platform at national and international seminars, exhibitions and conferences.