it passed both trials with flying colours, a spokesman said yesterday.

John Barnes, director of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, said that the two spills -- one on Tuesday in the area of Riddell's Bay and another one in the Great Sound yesterday morning -- were an opportunity to see the plan executed.

"We have a Marine Pollution Contingency Plan which deals with oil pollution and other types of contaminants,'' he explained.

"It is a very complex plan. The Marine Police are the first ones to respond but in the most serious cases the Bermuda Regiment could be called in.

"Fortunately, on both occasions the spills have not been large and the Marine Police were able to take care of both.'' Mr. Barnes said he was pleased to see that the planning and response to both spills went smoothly.

In the case of the Riddell's Bay spill, he said the source of the oil was shore-based and it was transferred from the sand to the water.

"In times of heavy rain it is not uncommon to have oil spills on the road wash into the sea,'' he explained.

"A little oil goes a long way. However we are extremely appreciative of the general public who are quick to alert us whenever they see oil spills no matter how small.''