Negligent Operation: The Captain and crew of the Exxon Valdez were found to be negligent in their operations, including decisions made regarding navigation and safety procedures.
Inadequate Crew Training: Exxon Valdez was criticized for inadequate training provided to its crew, particularly in areas such as safe navigation and spill response procedures.
Lack of Emergency Preparedness: Exxon's response to the oil spill was widely regarded as slow and inadequate, with initial efforts hampered by a lack of preparedness and ineffective communication.
Environmental Damage: The oil spill caused significant environmental damage to Prince William Sound and surrounding areas, affecting wildlife, fisheries, and marine ecosystems.
Inadequate Oil Spill Response: Exxon Valdez was held accountable for its inadequate oil spill response efforts, including the slow initial response and the ineffective deployment of spill containment and cleanup measures.
Financial Liability: Exxon was found liable for the damages caused by the oil spill, including cleanup costs and compensation for environmental impacts and economic losses suffered by affected communities and businesses.
Legal Consequences: The oil spill led to several legal proceedings and lawsuits against Exxon, resulting in significant financial penalties and settlements with affected parties.
Image Damage and Public Relations: Exxon Valdez's reputation and public image suffered significant damage due to the oil spill, leading to long-term challenges in restoring trust and confidence among stakeholders and the public.
Regulatory Changes: The spill prompted significant changes in regulations and industry practices related to oil transportation and spill prevention measures in Alaska and beyond.
Lessons Learned: The Exxon Valdez oil spill highlighted the importance of safety protocols, crew training, emergency preparedness, and effective response systems in the oil industry, leading to improvements and advancements in these areas.
In summary, the appraisal of Exxon Valdez's responsibilities focused on issues such as negligence, inadequate training, lack of preparedness, environmental damage, and insufficient response measures, which ultimately resulted in significant financial, environmental, and reputational consequences for the company.