CMS (Crisis Management System)

CMS is a powerful crisis management software application designed for use by marine emergency response managers to input and display the situational information as well as to model the 3D trajectory, fate, impacts and biological effects of a spill or disaster.

Applications for CMS include:

• training and simulation
• real-time response
• cost-benefit analysis
  
• contingency planning

All of the following can be handled within 1 response management interface:

• oil spill
• chemical spill
• search and rescue
• marine emergency
• nuclear disaster
  

Features

• Network environment running in training or real-time response mode enables efficient communication between stations.
  
• Each individual computers on a network may represent an ICS function such as Planning, Logistics, Finance, & Operations.
  
• Interactive map and electronic forms instantly available to each responder.
• GIS applied to anywhere in the world.
  
• 3D Viewer capabilities.
• Real-time resource management database with ability to enter, request, and assign response resource status and assignments.
  
• Generates reports, paper forms, and maps, as well as poster size Status Boards.
  CMS enhances the management and distribution of information within a response organization.

Speed
All CMS computers share a single resource database across a LAN providing immediate access to resource status and deployment information. Information may be distributed outside the response command post to any computer with a WAN, or via an Intranet or Internet connection. The CMS resource database is pre-loaded with personnel and response resources for the area of concern as part of the contingency planning process so that resources deployed during an exercise or response can simply be selected from a database.

Flexibility
Concerns that can be responded quickly by CMS include:

• What is the length and location of a deployed boom?
  
• What are the status and work assignments of all personnel involved in the response?
• How are all the response resources overlaid on environmentally sensitive areas and the local road network?

Record Keeping
CMS records every status and location change for every resource deployed in the exercise or response. The information stored includes time and date, and who made the change. In training mode, performance evaluation of students may be monitored in real-time, or in a post-analysis debriefing session.

For more information on ASA's Crisis Management System (CMS) contact by email Eoin Howlett