This paper describes the state-of-the-art approaches to dealing with the two major types of open-water pollution incidents encountered in bad weather — a tanker stranding where the oil is still contained within the tanks, and an actual spillage from a damaged tanker or fixed source. In the stranding case, the cargo off-loading approach is compared with cargo jettisoning (pumping part of the cargo overboard) and stabilization approaches. In the spillage case, the basic approaches that are feasible are skimming and the use of dispersants. The advantages of each are discussed. Systems including large containment barriers are estimated to be less effective than direct-acting skimmers because of the operational control problems in high sea states. Effective direct-acting skimmers are not in wide-spread use at present, although several systems are under development. Dispersant systems are estimated to have the highest sea-state operating capability, particularly aircraft-application systems, which could be effective in conditions up to where a slick is rapidly dispersed through natural wave turbulence.