The CRRT serves as the regional body for planning and preparedness activities before a response to a major or other significant oil or hazardous substance incident is taken, and for coordination and advice during such response actions.

Co-chaired by EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard, with membership and participation from approximately 20 federal, commonwealth and territorial government agencies, the CRRT meets semi-annually to review and comment on recent response actions or other issues related to the preparation, implementation, or exercise of regional and/or local plans; to conduct advance planning for use of dispersants or other chemical agents in response to oil spills; and to conduct or participate in training and exercises as necessary to encourage preparedness activities of the response community within the Caribbean region.