Bermuda is better prepared to deal with potential oil spills following a four-day drill last week.More than 120 people participated in the exercise, organised by Esso Bermuda Ltd and the Department of Environmental Protection.“I was highly impressed at the level of organisational competence displayed by all during this drill,” said Premier Craig Cannonier of the real-time mock spill that he attended with Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley at the Fairmont Southampton.“The depth of thought that went into creating this spill scenario was quite impressive and demonstrates the many aspects that must be taken into account when dealing with this kind of disaster. The cohesiveness between the local staff and the international teams was extremely commendable and I am confident that this drill has gone far in putting us in a state of readiness for any potential spills which may occur.”The drill allowed the Department of Environmental Protection to identify key personnel within Government, Esso Bermuda, Belco and BIOS who could be called on in the event of a spill.“This exercise created a very realistic scenario in a Bermuda setting,” said Geoff Smith of the Department of Environmental Protection. “All participants of the exercise now have a much greater understanding of what is expected of them in response to an oil spill with the resources available to us. The drill was also helpful in assessing Bermuda’s ability to maintain energy supplies following a serious incident to a supply pipeline to Belco.”A total of 49 people flew into Bermuda for the week of the exercise.Added Dr Smith: “Many were directly involved in the response at the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Gulf of Mexico 2010 or in the response to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska in 1989.”The last marine oil spill incident in Bermuda occurred in November 2007 when a fault was detected on the Esso Bermuda Ltd pipeline that supplies Belco.