The NRC response network is made up of both the ICN (Independent Contractor Network) and the MRN (Marine Resource Network). The ICN was created and forms the foundation of NRC’s response resource base for the Rivers/Canals, Great Lakes, and Inland environments. It is a prescreened group of over 150 (National and International) oil spill response contractors that have been selected as ICN participants by NRC after a thorough audit of their individual resources and capabilities. Collectively, ICN Participants contribute to a networking structure, enabling NRC to cascade massive numbers of personnel and equipment into a response effort as dictated by its clients, their response plans, and the spill scenario being faced.

The Marine Resource Network (MRN) is the offshore equivalent of the Independent Contractor Network in many ways. It serves as a source for backup and support to the dedicated vessels in NRC’s offshore fleet and enables NRC to have access to over 37 million barrels of temporary storage.