Washington State Maritime Cooperative

Strategic Preparedness, Swift Response 

Oil spill response services protecting Washington waters and supporting the maritime industry

About Us

The Washington State Maritime Cooperative (WSMC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and protecting Washington's environment and maritime industry. We proudly offer the state's first fully approved oil spill contingency plan, the only umbrella plan authorized by the Washington State Department of Ecology for Puget Sound and Gray’s Harbor. We also offer the state’s only 72-hour initial response team, providing comprehensive and effective measures to prevent and respond to oil spills. 

With a deep understanding of Washington's maritime history and the requirements of its oil spill contingency planning, WSMC has been at the forefront of oil spill preparedness in our state since 1995. Our plan is specifically designed for the unique challenges of Washington's waterways and is carried out by a highly skilled team. 

Key Services

  • Contingency Plan

    We provide the first fully approved oil spill contingency plan for Washington state that extends beyond regulatory compliance to include measures and practices tailored to safeguarding Washington’s unique maritime environment.

  • Full-Scale Drill Design & Practice

    We ensure our members are fully prepared by conducting comprehensive drills in accordance with Washington regulations. Our training programs ensure response readiness through annual and supplemental exercise of the contingency plan and practice for our response teams.

  • 24-Hour Hotline

    Our dedicated hotline ensures immediate response and assistance during oil spill emergencies. Call day or night to speak directly with a team member who will initiate response procedures, assist in other regulatory calls, and connect you with an incident commander.

ANNUAL HAZWOPER REFRESHER

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

Hilton Doubletree
Seattle, WA

Stay compliant and prepared with the Washington State Maritime Cooperative's Annual HAZWOPER Refresher Training! This essential course provides the required annual refresher for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification, ensuring your team is ready to respond safely and effectively.

📅 Date: 22 October 2025

🕒 Time: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

📍 Location: [Insert In-Person Venue]

🌐 Online Option Available!

💵 Cost:

  • $35 for WSMC members

  • $150 for nonmembers

This year, we’re offering both an in-person experience and a convenient online option to accommodate your needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to keep your certification up to date while networking with industry peers and strengthening your response capabilities.

Space is limited for both formats, so register now to secure your spot!

2025 WSMC MEMBER SEMINAR

Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

Hilton Doubletree

Seattle, WA

Join us for the 2025 Washington State Maritime Cooperative Member Seminar, a must-attend virtual event designed to keep our members informed and engaged on critical maritime and oil spill response topics. This year's seminar will feature updates on our ongoing work addressing the Coast Guard’s new Vessel of Opportunity inspection program, insights into recent regulatory changes, and other key initiatives impacting our membership.

📅 Date: 23 October 2025

🕒 Time: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM

🌐 Location: Seattle, WA

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and ensure your organization stays ahead in 2025. Registration is free for WSMC members, but spaces are limited—secure your spot today!

Why WSMC?

  • The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) mandates specific requirements for oil spill contingency plans. By becoming a member of WSMC, you not only ensure compliance with these requirements but also gain access to a plan that surpasses the minimum standards with additional measures to safeguard Washington's environment. This includes our 72-hour initial response team, the only one in the state that goes beyond the first 24-hour requirement.

  • With decades of combined experience, our team of highly skilled and respected incident commanders is distinctly qualified to handle oil spills in Washington. They have extensive knowledge of the Pacific Northwest region, allowing us to leverage their local expertise and providing us with a significant advantage over our competitors. This deep geographical understanding provides us with valuable community insights and enhances our ability to effectively respond.

  • Through WSMC, you have access to our network of Pacific Northwest focused resources, connections, and partnerships, including government agencies, environmental organizations, and industry experts.

  • Both are part of the initial call-out team and work closely with you, the WSMC incident commander, and PIOs from other agencies to ensure a coordinated message during a spill. They are available to support your team in any way you need.

  • As a nonprofit, we are driven by our mission and members, and all revenue goes back to serving them. By choosing our cooperative, you not only receive a superior oil spill contingency plan, but you also become part of a community dedicated to protecting our environment and maritime industry.

Check it Out

Women in Power in Emergency Response

Tune in for an enlightening episode that pays tribute to the remarkable contributions and leadership of women in the realm of emergency response. Hosted by Jenny Johnson, CEO of Maritime Inclusion Partners, we dive deep into the accomplishments, hurdles, and prospects for women who have risen to influential roles in the sector. This episode is a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination of women making waves in emergency response.