International conventions have played an important role in creating external networks for governing oil spills in the U.S. international treaties when signed by the U.S. are on the same level as federal law, hence signatory parties must implement domestic legislation to reflect the agreement.
The most important international organisations that contribute to oil spill governance in the U.S. include the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), International Spill Control Organisation (ISCO) and the Association of Petroleum Industry Managers (APICOM) [REF].