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Vessel Pollution Tips

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POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

What to do?
Immediate response is the key to successful oil spill mitigation. Isolate the Area and Restrict Access Oil or gasoline on the water creates a hazardous condition. Strictly enforce NO SMOKING and NO BOAT MOTORS!  Immediately Deploy Sorbent BOOMS SPILL KIT should be immediately available. BOOM should be deployed along the dock to prevent the oil from getting underneath. Oil will destroy styrofoam floats and is difficult to clean up when it gets trapped beneath docks. BOOM should also be deployed around the outer edge of a spill to entrap it and prevent it from spreading. Oil spreads rapidly and can easily spread from 30 to 60 times its original size in a short period of time.  

What to do with Oily Sorbents
Oiled sorbent BOOMS and pads must be treated as hazardous material and must be disposed of properly. They should be put in closed containers and kept out of the sun to avoid spontaneous combustion. Contact a hazardous waste disposal firm.  

Engage Spill Contractor as Necessary
Most Marina spills will not require the services of a professional oil spill contractor, but you should be familiar with local contractors in the event the spill gets out of control or is not mitigated in a timely manner.

Notify all Appropriate Authorities
The largest penalties for Discharge of Oil are reserved for those individuals who fail to report a spill. A list of required notifications and phone numbers should be readily available. The list of required notifications varies from state to state but as a general rule should include the U.S. Coast Guard, EPA, and Department of Environmental Conservation.

WHEN MAKING YOUR REPORT
• Be sure to write down the date and time
• Note the name and title of the individual you are reporting the incident to
• Write down the incident report number

WHAT INFORMATION TO REPORT
• Your name
• Your location
• Is anyone injured?
• How much oil is in the water?
• What kind of oil?
• Cause of discharge?
• What measures are being taken to clean it up?