Risk Assesment

Navigational Risk Assessment
Cook Inlet RCAC, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and U.S. Coast Guard launched the Cook Inlet Navigational Risk Assessment in 2011 to examine the risk of oil spills posed by the marine vessels transiting through, near and/or servicing the region. The goal of the risk assessment is to answer the following questions:

• What can go wrong?
• How likely is it?
• What are the impacts?
• Can the impacts be mitigated?

The risk assessment is examining the current types and sizes of vessels plying Cook Inlet and dominant accident types, and attempting to identify future oil spill risks based on vessel size, type and frequency. The first phase of the navigational risk assessment was limited to a semi-qualitative analysis. The study relied primarily on historical data, expert opinion, and lessons learned from prior studies. Study results provided a basis for the identification and initial ranking of risk reduction measures.

An Advisory Panel was formed to make sure that stakeholders are extensively engaged throughout the process of defining and analyzing risks and identifying risk reduction measures. Initial funding for the navigational risk assessment was secured through a legislative appropriation by the State of Alaska. The Kenai Peninsula Borough and Cook Inlet RCAC are administering the funds.

Vessel traffic study
Our Prevention, Response, Operations and Safety Committee commissioned a vessel traffic study, which culminated in a written report and illustrated inventory of vessel traffic movements in Cook Inlet. The report by Dave Eley of Cape Decision, Inc. may be used as a reference document to support discussions on the environmental risks associated with vessel traffic in the area, as well as any discussions regarding mishap prevention initiatives. This study, funded solely by Cook Inlet RCAC, is being used to augment the navigational risk assessment.