Responder training is an essential pre-condition for effective oil spill response, which requires personnel who understand, and can perform, a variety of emergency response and incident management functions. The purpose of oil spill training is to ensure that these personnel are identified and given appropriate opportunities to learn and maintain relevant knowledge and skills. This document presents a stepwise process, known as the ‘training cycle’, to assist organizations and individuals in achieving this aim. This document is linked and cross-referenced to the companion Good Practice Guide on oil spill exercises.