In the event of an oil spill, which organization should be contacted promptly?

In the event of an oil spill, contacting the U.S. Coast Guard is essential because they are the federal agency responsible for maritime safety and security, including oil spill response. The Coast Guard has specialized response teams and the authority to coordinate spill response operations, ensuring that the situation is handled efficiently and effectively to minimize environmental damage. Their expertise and resources enable a rapid assessment of the spill's impact and the implementation of appropriate response measures.

While other organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and state environmental agencies play important roles in environmental protection and regulation, the U.S. Coast Guard is specifically designated to manage spill responses on navigable waters and is often the first line of defense in a maritime emergency. This ensures that the response is not only timely but also compliant with federal and state regulations related to oil spills.