Case Studies of the USN Supervisor of Salvage, Salvage Related Oil Pollution Incidents

Abstract

ABSTRACT As the United States Navy Supervisor of Salvage Oil Pollution Program Manager, Mr. Irons describes the involvement of the Navy salvage forces in oil pollution control, prevention and cleanup of spills generated by ships damaged by fire, groundings, collisions and overboard discharge. The six cases discussed include oil pollution threats to a major river, a major harbor, a turtle sanctuary on an isolated western Pacific island and the open ocean and the adjoining miles of beaches. Methods and equipments used to combat the spills are described in detail. Marshalling of forces, establishing liaison with interested civilian organizations and the Coast Guard are fully covered. In addition, the Navy salvage forces including worldwide pools and bases of back-up equipment are discussed. The use of contract salvors to provide additional world-wide salvage coverage and to be capable of a quick reaction capability in the event of Navy created oil pollution incidents is described. Further, the stowage of oil pollution abatement equipments and materials at selected contractor yards are fully discussed. Training of Naval personnel in oil pollution abatement techniques and the use of the many and varied equipments and materials is described. Mr. Irons concludes with a report of the status of ongoing research and development programs which will provide improved methods and equipment to combat oil pollution.