Mozambique government and military officials spent three days preparing, testing, and evaluating the nation's crisis response procedures to a potential oil spill. These familiarization exercises July 7-9, 2008, were part of a maritime security workshop hosted by the U.S. Africa Command in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique.

The event was designed to test the effectiveness of the current system and ensure that responders have the knowledge, resources, and preparedness to effectively engage in the clean-up of a hazardous substance spill.

During the event, approximately 25 participants from key government agencies exchanged information, participated in field assessments, and developed procedures for reacting to maritime disasters.

According to Art Koloziejski, an instructor with the U.S. Africa Command, oil spills can have a devastating impact on the region's economy as well as the health of its residents. Having a set plan in place for a potential spill will allow responders to act more quickly and efficiently, thus minimizing the damaging effects of the spill.