EXERCISE GROUND RULES
(1) This exercise is being conducted in a “no-fault” learning environment, wherein systems and processes, not individuals, are being evaluated.
(2) This exercise should be viewed, above all other considerations, as a training opportunity. Exercise participants who diligently pursue execution of their responsibilities cannot fail. Everyone involved in the exercise is there to learn and heighten his/her state of preparedness. Exercise participants who are uncertain of their responsibilities or actions are encouraged to ask for help from their fellow exercise participants or exercise facilitators.
(3) Real-world emergencies take obvious precedent over exercise play. The exercise will be suspended in the event of an actual incident or other emergency. Any observed or potential safety hazards must be immediately reported to the exercise facilitators and designated Safety Officer (SOFR). Upon correction, exercise play may resume.
(4) All internal/external telephone calls and radio transmissions must be prefaced with the phrase “THIS IS A DRILL”. All other written and electronic correspondence, including emails, text messages, ICS forms, maps, notification logs, etc., should be similarly marked. This precaution shall be taken to ensure any individuals who overhear conversations or read drill-related correspondence don’t mistake exercise play for a real-world emergency.
(5) In addition to engaging in dialogue with those in attendance, players are encouraged to communicate with non-participating agencies, contractors, vendors, and other members of the response community, with the exception of elected officials and news media, as if this was an actual event. This will promote realism and help facilitate a working relationship with those who may become involved in an actual emergency response.
(6) However, no materials or supplies should be procured unless so authorized. ALL actions must be stopped short of expenditures for actual mobilization, purchase, or contract.
(7) Exercise controllers will relay certain physical descriptions of what is theoretically occurring at the simulated incident site, either verbally or with written materials/illustrations. Such information may include air monitoring readings, spill plume observations, equipment arrival times, wildlife casualties, oil recovery volumes, etc. Exercise controllers may also play non-participating agencies, stakeholders, contractors, politicians, news media, and public.
(8) Unless otherwise noted, actual weather conditions will apply for the scenario.
(9) Parts of the scenario may seem implausible. Players should recognize certain objectives need to be satisfied, which may require the incorporation of unrealistic aspects.
(10) Exercise play spaces will be outfitted with tables and chairs, arranged to accommodate the respective ICS sections. Wall space should be suitable for the posting of maps and status boards as part of the Situation Display.
(11) Members of the Incident Management Team (IM)T are encouraged to wear color-coded vests, corresponding to their specific ICS function, throughout the exercise.
Command (White).
Operations (Red).
Planning (Blue).
Logistics (Orange).
Finance (Green).
Exercise Controller (Black).
(12) As the scenario unfolds, Operations personnel will be dispatched to various field locations to capture site-specific data and formulate work plans. Company personnel will be accompanied by Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) and other OSRO representatives in the field. Intake forms for the collection of data are available in both electronic and paper-based format. Data should also be reflected on the Work Plan/Assignment List (ICS-204) worksheets.
(13) A Microsoft Teams meeting interface will be established for members of the HFSM Regional Incident Management Team (IMT) and Corporate Crisis Management Team (CMT) participating remotely.
(14) Various “injects” (refer to the example below) will be introduced throughout the exercise. “Injects” will be issued as hard-copy printouts. These “injects” present players with information and challenges associated with the incident and are specifically designed to stimulate discussions regarding a particular subject matter. For benefit of the exercise, please react to these scenarios as presented, in the same manner as if the simulated events were real.
(15) Exercise participants are expected to complete incident-related documentation and various ICS forms and technical reports/plans coinciding with their assigned ICS function. A combination of paper and electronic ICS forms will be available for use. However, exercise players are strongly encouraged to use the IAP Software and Initial Response mobile app to generate the appropriate ICS forms. Poster-size status boards and maps will also be displayed within the exercise play spaces (refer to examples below).
(16) Exercise players should reference and follow the procedures outlined in the OPA ‘90 Facility Response Plan (FRP) and Emergency Response Action Plan (ERAP) which is available on the Witt O’Brien’s ePlanPro online platform.
(17) Exercise participants are requested to keep a record of events, using Individual Activity Log (ICS-214a), along with lessons learned during the exercise, as they would in an actual incident. All paperwork should be turned into the exercise facilitators upon conclusion of the exercise.
