TIP 03: Use of booms in oil pollution response

Booms are routinely used to surround and contain oil spilled at sea and to deflect its passage away from sensitive resources or towards a recovery point. The success of booming operations can be limited by the rapid spread of floating oil and the effects of currents, tides, wind and waves. Effective boom design and a well-planned and coordinated response can reduce these problems, although in some circumstances the use of any boom might be inappropriate.

This paper describes the principles of boom design and the two main modes of operation, namely towing by vessels at sea and mooring in shallow or inshore waters.

Categories: Response Techniques, Containment & Recovery, Planning & operations, Technical Information Paper (TIPS)