Response Structure in the Field

The NRS employs the National Incident Management System (NIMS) which includes using the Incident Command System (ICS) for organizing a response. ICS is a scalable, flexible construct not unique to pollution response. ICS is a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response providing a common hierarchy within which responders from multiple agencies can be effective. All NRT agencies have personnel trained and certified to plug into the ICS structure as needed during a response. The Unified Command is responsible for overall incident management and is typically made up of the Federal On-Scene Coordinators, State On-Scene Coordinators, and RP. NRS uses ICS for emergency responses under NCP and ESF #10 activations under NRF. Federal On-Scene Coordinator coordinates oil/hazardous substance response from Incident Command Post level. Tribes can also lead a response on their jurisdictional lands. Full description (alt text) of the response structure example graphic.