U.S. Navy Ship Salvage Manual Volume 6 - Oil Spill Response

S0300-A6-MAN-060• The boom is towed in a V-configuration with a skimmer or skimming vessel at theapex. Collected oil is pumped into another vessel or towed barge or bladder.• A specially designed boom is towed in a U-configuration. Oil collected at the apex ofthe boom is drawn through integral manifolds in the boom and pumped into a receivingvessel.• Two vessels tow a boom in a U-configuration. Oil concentrates at the apex and eventuallyescapes to be recovered by a following single-vessel sweep system. The system ismost effective if the boom is constructed with opening to permit controlled escape ofthe oil through a narrow aperture.5-4 NAVY OIL RECOVERY SYSTEMSNavy oil recovery systems are basically commercial or modified commercial skimming systems.A variety of skimmers are maintained in the SUPSALV and NOSCDR inventories.SUPSALV Class V and VB oil recovery skimmers are transportable and responsive to spillsthroughout an extremely wide environmental range. The Class V and VB skimmers are operatedand maintained by contractors as part of the ESSM System.NAVFAC skimmers are the primary oil recovery skimmer systems operated and maintained byNOSCDRs. They are either large, self-propelled oleophilic-belt-configured skimmers or small,nonself-propelled weir and belt units. NAVFAC dynamic inclined plane (DIP) skimmers andsmall weir skimmers are intended for harbor spills but are suitable in some open sea situations.Salvors can request skimmer support directly from SUPSALV or from the NOSC in whose areathe salvage-related spill has occurred. The NOSC contingency plan lists non-Navy skimmerassets that are available if the NOSC is involved in the operation.5-4.1 SUPSALV Class V and Class VB Skimmers. The SUPSALV Class V and VB skimmersare the most utilized, effective and durable vessels ever built for oil recovery. SUPSALV procuredthe first order of these commercially produced skimmers in the mid-1970s. The basic hullwas modified to SUPSALV specifications for operational improvement and rapid movement inresponse to remote oil spills. The modified Class V skimmer is designated Class VB.Class V and VB skimmers are used most effectively as part of a three-vessel V-boom skimmingsystem. Boom-towing boats, oil storage bladders and oil boom are deployed with the skimmers.There are only enough boom-towing boats in the ESSM system to support half of the Class Vskimmers, so boats must be obtained from other sources if more than half the ESSM skimmers aremobilized.The hull of the Class VB has been modularized so the sides may be removed for transportation.Removal of the sides reduces the hull width from 12 to 8 feet. The narrower width eliminates theneed for wide-load permits when trucking the skimmers and facilitates loading the vessels in aircraft.Ancillary equipment is carried in racks with each Class VB (modular) hull.5-17