Vessel Dispersant Application Field Guide

A guide to the use of chemical dispersants in the combating of oil spills at sea

VERSION NUMBER: 1
DATE RELEASED: December 2011
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Foreword Contents
This short field guide is intended to be used by
anyone using dispersants to combat oil spills at sea. Safety
Basic coverage of set-up, spraying and maintenance Hazards and mitigations
are included to assist the operator in the safe,
efficient and effective use of this response tool. Key steps

Plan and train

Dispersants are chemicals designed to change the
black oil that is floating as a layer on the sea surface Preparation:
into a plume of small droplets that move into the Organise operations
water column to a depth of 5 – 10m. D
 etermine whether the application of dispersant is suitable for the spill
scenario
This cloud of oil will quickly be diluted to a low
Prepare vessel
concentration where it will be naturally degraded,
reducing its impact to the environment by
Apply dispersant:
decreasing the: Calculate correct dispersant dosage
Persistence of the oil in the environment. Target dispersant application
Risk of oil impacting shoreline.
Record and report:
Volume of waste created. Dispersant application log

Tools:
Basic field dispersant effectiveness test
Trouble shooter
Dispersant operator’s checklist
Safety

If used correctly by following good operational These risks can be minimised by: Minimum PPE standards:
procedures and using the proper Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE), dispersants should Identifying the risks through a comprehensive Chemical suit
pose no risk to health. However, there are exposure risk assessment process and implementing
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or lifejacket
pathways that could present risk to operators and mitigations to reduce them where applicable.
these should be understood and mitigated before Chemical resistant goggles
beginning any dispersant operation. ommunicating the risks and mitigations
C
Chemical resistant gloves
in place through a safety brief before any
operations are carried out. Ear defenders (whilst machinery is running)

Steel toe cap boots

Possible Exposure Pathways Risk of eye irritation or damage Respirator
of Dispersant
Harmful if inhaled or ingested

Can be absorbed through the skin

CAUTION: Dispersants are chemicals and should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance as set out within the appropriate Safety Data
Sheet (SDS). Failure to do so can result in harm or injury to yourself and others. Ensure that monitoring operations are fully risk assessed.
HAZARDS IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES
Man overboard. Potentially leading to hypothermia, drowning. When working on the back, deck personal flotation devices to be worn. Any open access
to be secure.
Unsecured load. Potential crush injuries from unsecure loads. Welding to be carried out by a competent and trained person. Equipment to be secured
Lashing/welding to the deck properly and checked by the person nominated In Command (IC) prior to
equipment to the deck. vessel steaming.
Exposure to dispersant. Risk of eye irritation or damage. Harmful if inhaled or Ensure that all non-essential personnel are inside the accommodation with doors and
ingested. windows shut during spraying operations.
Ensure that the vessel is upwind during any dispersant application.
Distance from site of dispersant application may vary. It is recommended that 0.5 nm for
vessel application and 1 nm for aerial application is allowed.
Exposure to Volatile Could cause nausea and if H2S is present, death in extreme Enforce a site entry protocol. Provide gas monitoring devices and appropriate
Organic Compounds cases. respiratory PPE.
(VOCs) and potentially
also Hydrogen Sulphide
(H2S) from the oil being
recovered.
Manual handling. Potential for back injuries. Before any deployment commences, manual handling training should be given to
anyone involved. Ensure that weights are clearly marked on the packages. Make sure
that lifting equipment is available as appropriate.
Slips, trips and falls. Potential for minor injuries such as cuts, bruises or minor Appropriate footwear to be worn. Handrails to be used. There should be an awareness of
fractures. the sea conditions. Good housekeeping will also minimise the incidences of slips, trips
and falls. Hose deck down after dispersant is applied if required.
Noise (85-90dBA). Danger of damage to hearing if exposed to loud Ear defenders to be provided and worn.
machinery for prolonged periods of time.

While this table lists some of the common hazards that are likely to be present when conducting marine dispersant operations, it does not
constitute a risk assessment. A full site-specific risk assessment should always be conducted prior to operations commencing.
Key Steps

1 ! 2 3 4
Apply Record and
Plan and Preparation Dispersant Report
Train
Spill
Plan and Train If you plan to use dispersant application as a response strategy key assets and personnel should be identified
and/or trained prior to any incident occurring.

Guidance on determining the most Deck Lead Vessel Crew

Minimum of one required per vessel to lead dispersant operations.
suitable platform
Roles and Responsibilities: Roles and Responsibilities:
If a purpose-built spray vessel is not avaliable a Ensure the effective and safe
vessel of opportunity (VOO) can be used if fitted E nsure the successful  dvise vessel crew on
A running of the vessel.
with a spray set. A suitable VOO from which to setup and operation of the appropriate speed and
Determine whether the
mount marine dispersant operations should: dispersant system. course to maximise the
weather conditions are
Report to Incident dispersant effectiveness.
suitable.
Be able to maintain steerage at low speeds. Command the amount of M
 ay be required to maintain
Conduct a safety brief to all
 rovide enough deck space to be able to
P dispersant sprayed. communications with
passengers.
load, store and secure dispersant. Ensure the health and safety the aerial surveillance
platform (this could also be T he vessel’s captain
 ave a means of communicating to any
H of those involved in the
conducted by the captain). maintains absolute authority
aerial surveillance support provided. dispersant operations.
for safety of the vessel and
Adequate berthing for vessel crew and
 passengers.
Training Required:
responders on board. T he vessel’s captain ensures
The health and safety aspects of the application of dispersant.
that the vessel is seaworthy.
The setup, operation and maintenance of spray kit.
Training Required:
The calculation of suitable dispersant application rates.
T he health and safety
How to most effectively target the dispersant application. aspects of the application of
T he determination of dispersant effectiveness from visual dispersant.
observations.
The information required by Incident Command.

A basic operator’s induction course can be run covering the roles and responsibilities of the operator.
Preparation: Organise Operations
Establishing effective methods of communication for dispersant operations can greatly enhance the success of the operation.

Communications Plan Organisation Communication

In order to ensure effective communications, If there are a number of vessels tasked with For effective operations, clear communications
it is important to produce a communications conducting dispersant operations, the use of are required between vessel, shore and air.
plan which will document: ‘mother ships’ may be considered to ensure Spraying should not commence until this has
that there are clear lines of communication. been established and the spray vessel has
W
 ho to call in the event of an emergency.
The mother ship may also be useful in being been directed onto the spray area coordinates.
N
 ames of assets deployed, call signs and able to provide additional resources to vessels The spray vessel should maintain open
frequencies they are operating on. conducting response operations. communication with the air for direction to
stay with the leading edge of the slick.

AERIAL SURVEILLANCE SUPPORT

It will be difficult
INCIDENT COMMAND for vessel
Via UHF (If the vessel is fitted with a UHF base personnel to Aerial platform =
station communications can be maintained accurately excellent viewing area
with the aircraft over a much wider area) determine where
and when to spray
because of low
Generally via satellite height of eye.
communications

Via VHF
Vessel platform =
restricted viewing area

VESSEL TASKED WITH

“MOTHER SHIP” DISPERSANT OPERATIONS
Preparation: Determine whether the application

DISPERSIBILITY
of dispersant is suitable for the spill scenario

NATURAL DISPERSION
REFINED PRODUCTS.
DO NOT DISPERSE!
EFFECTIVE

TEST SPRAY
DOSE RATE &

EMULSION
TEST SPRAY
INCREASED
RANGE
Is the oil amenable Not all types of oil will respond to dispersant treatment in the same way, some
to dispersant? will disperse very easily, but others will be more resistant. The chart will give an LOW VISCOSITY HIGH
indication of whether the spray operation will be successful. A basic field dispersant effectiveness test can be carried out to
assist in determining effectiveness. For more information please see the ‘Tools’ section of this guide.

Is there a suitable There is a window of opportunity where dispersant will be effective. The length of this window will vary according to:
window of • Climate (in warm climates oil viscosity is reduced making the oil more amenable to dispersant. However oil has proven to
opportunity? be dispersible even in temperatures of 0°C).
• Weathering (when oil is released into the marine environment it gradually becomes weathered as the volatile light ends
evaporate and emulsification occurs. The rate of weathering is determined by the oil’s type and source of release.)

Are the weather A minimum wave height of about 0.2 metres (approx. 10 inches) or conditions generating an active chop should be
conditions suitable? present. Any sea condition less than this will rely on the mixing energy provided by the vessel itself. The maximum wave
height to apply dispersant should be about 4 metres (12ft).

Can approval for the Seek approval from the appropriate authority for dispersant application.
use of dispersant
If dispersant is to be used as a potential response strategy, it is advisable
be secured by the
to consult and engage with regulators during the contingency planning stage.
relevant authorities?

Are there adequate There must be adequate stocks of dispersant that have been stored appropriately in order to carry out the operations. Dispersant
stockpiles of should be stored out of direct sunlight. If possible avoid decanting into the vessels’ tanks. Tote tanks and barrels should remain
dispersant? sealed. Do not mix different dispersant types.

This information is intended as a guide only. If in doubt consult a dispersant expert and conduct a test spray to determine effectiveness.
Preparation: Prepare Vessel
1. SOURCE A SUITABLE SPRAY SYSTEM

Application Method Dilute Application Neat Application

Spray Arms Generally the pump rate will need to A lower pump rate will be required
be increased to account for the less when compared to dilute application.
concentrated application. Nozzles Drop tubes may also be required to
may need to be changed, refer to ensure correct coverage at the water’s
manufacturers guidelines. A dispersant surface. Dose rate should be controlled
concentration rate of 5 - 10% is typical. through vessel speed where possible.

Single Nozzle These systems can be used to spray These systems are designed for neat
dilute dispersant, but neat Type 3 application and dose rate should be
is preferred. Seek manufacturer’s controlled via vessel speed where
guidance before spraying seawater possible. Wind direction will have a
diluted dispersant. big impact on effectiveness. Vessel
direction should follow the wind.

Fire Monitor Controlling the dosage of dispersant Modified fire monitors are only
using these systems is very difficult and designed for dilute application so will
will probably result in overdosing in not be used to spray neat dispersant.
some areas and under-dosing in others.
Use at 30 - 40° from horizontal and a
coarse (#4) mesh screen to spread the
spray.
Preparation: Prepare Vessel

2. MOUNT SPRAY SET FOR OPERATIONS aerial surveilance checklist

3. PREPARE TOOLS 4. RECEIVE MISSION TASKING

To achieve maximum efficiency of spray Report/log form (with clipboard

The tasking may be provided verbally or using
operations, it is important to ensure that the
aerial surveilance checklist
and pencil) a written form.
spray set is correctly situated on the vessel. The Digital camera It should contain information such as:
key to a successful operation is to deliver the aerial surveilance checklist

dispersant to the oil before the bow wave has Handheld Global Positioning • The location of the area of operation.
pushed or ‘herded’ the oil away from the vessel. System (GPS)

BOW MOUNTED STERN MOUNTED • R

 adio frequencies used in the area and on the
response.

• C
 all signs of other vessels that are operating
in the vicinity.

• L ocations of any temporary or permanent

exclusion zones.

• H
 ealth and safety points of note for the vessel
The spray system should be mounted before or operation.
the bow wave to ensure direct contact with
the oil prior to mixing by the bow wave and to
minimise the herding effect. It is important that the amount and
If the spray system is mounted to the stern the location of dispersant sprayed is recorded
vessel speed should be decreased to reduce the and reported back to the Incident
herding effect of the bow wave. Command.

A fast vessel may push the oil out of the effective reach of the dispersant, or even push the oil under the surface temporarily. This oil will quickly resurface,
thus it is important that the vessel maintains an appropriate speed and the effect of the dispersant is monitored.
Apply Dispersant: Calculate Correct Dispersant Dosage
The speed of the vessel will have a direct impact on the concentration
of dispersant being applied to the oil; the faster the boat speed the
lower the concentration of dispersant and vice versa. The exact speed
will depend on a number of factors, but will generally lie within the
range of 1 – 10 knots.

SPEED (KNOTS) = OUTPUT PUMP RATE (L/MIN) X 32.4

SWATH (M) X APPLICATION RATE* (M3/KM2)

*A typical rate for application should be 5 – 20 m3/km2 (approx. 5 – 20

US gallons/acre). Some areas may require repeated passes to ensure
dispersion of very thick oil patches.

Dispersant Oil Ratio (DOR)

Controlling the Dispersant Oil Ratio (DOR) accurately during
operations at sea can be difficult as there is little direct feedback to
the operator without aerial surveillance support. However, the colour
of the plume can be used as an indicator to judge the effectiveness
of the spray run. Where available, dispersant effectiveness can be
assessed using fluorometry.

UNDERDOSE EFFECTIVE OVERDOSE

NO EFFECT COFFEE COLOURED PLUME WHITE PLUME

Apply Dispersant: Calculate Correct Dispersant Dosage

UNDER-DOSING EFFECTIVE CONCENTRATION OVER-DOSING

Applying too little dispersant will mean When the dispersant is effective a grey or Spraying too much dispersant or spraying
that the spray run will be ineffective and coffee coloured plume will be visible in on clear water will result in a cloudy white
temporary herding may occur which may the water. There may also be a noticeable plume appearing in the water.
be caused by the bow wave. Oil will remain movement of oil from the surface into the
on the surface in its normal state. water column.

Reduce vessel speed and review It may be necessary to alter the Increase vessel speed or reduce
pump rate. vessel speed or pump rate to pump rate to prevent overdosing.
maintain this effectiveness.
Apply Dispersant: Target Dispersant Application

Any dispersant operation must be directed

at the thickest portion of the slick (leading

LATITUDE
WIND ROWS
edge) and not the thinner iridescent
The concentration of oil in
silvery sheen areas. these ‘wind rows’ may be
lower than a larger slick.
One of the biggest advantages of a vessel-
mounted operation over a fixed wing
aerial operation is that you are able to
accurately target the thickest part of the
slick.

When this has been located (with the help Path of vessel SLICK MOVEMENT
movement
of aerial surveillance) a ladder or zigzag
approach should be adopted dependent
on the distribution of the oil on the surface
UNBROKEN SPILL
of the sea. If the slick is moving at sufficient
speed the vessel’s longitude may
not need to change in order to
stay in contact with the leading
edge of the spill.

LONGITUDE
Record and Report

1. RECORD USING: 2. REPORT (TO INCIDENT

COMMAND):

A
 nnotated maps
U
 nit/Individual Log
P
 hotographs (preferably
L ocation of oil treated (either on
georeferenced, for more details see
map/chart, waypoints on GPS or
Aerial Surveillance Handbook.)
georeferenced photo on mapping
D
 ispersant application log software)
Quantity of dispersant applied
W
 hether it looked to be
successful, based upon visual
observations
Dispersant Application Log
Incident: Location: Date (DD/MM/YY):

Vessel Name: Vessel Type: Vessel IMO Reg No.:

Time Spray Run Started: Time Spray Finished: Aerial Surveillance Used? YES / NO

OBSERVED CONDITIONS IN SPRAY AREA

Wind Direction & Speed: Sea State: Visibility: Weather Conditions:

OIL AND DISPERSANT INFORMATION

Oil Type: Oil Volume: Dispersant Type: Date of Manufacture:

SPRAY OPERATORS LOG

Run # Start Start Position Finish Position Course Bearing Dispersant to Observed Effects of Dispersant
Time Lat/Long Lat/Long Oil Ratio Used

Name of Operator: Signature of Operator:

 Tools
The following pages contain information and tools to assist in conducting dispersant
operations and for determining dispersant effectiveness.
Basic Field Dispersant Effectiveness Test
Tools Required: Procedure:
2 x clear glass containers (with lids) 1. Take one glass jar and fill ¾ with sea water. 6. The oil and water should now mix to form a
Plastic bottles are not adequate as cloudy mixture in the jar, with very small droplets
2. Add 20 drops of oil to the water using the pipette,
the oil will adhere to the plastic and that rise to the surface very slowly (> 1hr) if left
or if not available gently pour a small amount to
affect your results. undisturbed.
cover the water surface to about 1 mm thickness.
Seawater 7. Compare your comparison mixture with the test
3. Cap the jar and shake the oil and water mixture
sample. If the dispersant is effective you should
lightly about 10 times.
Dispersant (small quantity) see a marked increase in water cloudiness and
4. The oil and water should not mix very well and the less surface oiling. The greater the difference the
Oil (same that has been spilled, or potentially droplets should rise to the surface quickly leaving more effective the dispersant, if the two jars show
spilled) the water fairly clear. This is your comparison similar clarity dispersant has not been effective
mixture. and alternative strategies should be explored.
Pipette (optional)
5. Take the second clean jar and repeat steps 1 – 3,
but also add one drop of your dispersant to the
mixture before shaking. This is your test sample.

Comparison
Mixture: Shake
Physically
dispersed
20 x10 Times

Test Sample:
Chemically Shake
x10 >1hr
dispersed
20 1 Times
Trouble Shooter
Symptom/Problem Possible Cause Solution

The oil continues to The Dispersant Oil Ratio (DOR) is too weak. Increase the DOR by: a) Increasing pump rate, and /or b) Reduce vessel speed.
coalesce on the water There is insufficient wave energy to mix the dispersant a) Look at the weather forecast to check if sea-state is likely to increase. The
surface. with the oil. dispersant will still be effective for some time after spraying.
b) Mechanically agitate the oil and dispersant with vessel traffic or breaker boards.
Milky white plumes 1. Spraying too much dispersant. a) Reduce the dose rate of dispersant, and/or b) Increase vessel speed.
appearing in the water 2. You are not spraying the oil, or there is insignificant oil Use aerial surveillance to direct to the thicker areas of oil, ie. black oil.
after spraying present (very thin sheen).
3. Dispersant is not penetrating the oil but running off Stop spraying. The oil is too viscous to disperse.
into the water.
Dispersant spraying 1. Wind speed is too high. a) Wait for wind to drop. Wear appropriate PPE to mitigate risks to health.
back onto the vessel b) Alter course to spray into wind or downwind.
2. Vessel speed too fast. Reduce vessel speed, but remember to reduce pump rate to compensate.
3. Vessel moving across the wind. a) Alter vessel course to spray with or into the wind.
b) If course alteration is not possible, shut down the spray outlet that is being blown onto
the deck and spray only from the downwind outlet. Reduce pump rate to compensate.
4. Boat spray boom arms mounted too high on vessel. Use drop tubes to bring nozzles closer to sea surface (2.5m).

Dispersant missing the Bow-wave pushing oil away from vessel. a) Reduce vessel speed, but remember to reduce pump rate to compensate.
target b) Mount spray arms further forward before breaking bow-wave if possible.
The oil and dispersant There is insufficient wave energy to mix the dispersant a) Look at weather forecasts to check if sea-state is likely to increase. The dispersant
are not mixing with the oil. will still be effective for some time after spraying.
b) Mechanically agitate the oil and dispersant with vessel traffic or breaker boards.
There are large gaps The nozzles are incorrectly spaced for the freeboard Increase the distance between nozzle and sea surface by raising spray arms higher.
between the sprays height.
causing the oil to be Some of the nozzles are not functioning. Perform maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
untreated in areas Nozzles are not aligned with the spray arm.
The spray is not a fine The pump rate is too high. Reduce the flow until a fine rain is achieved.
rain, but a heavy jet. The nozzles are malfunctioning / blocked. Perform maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
The wrong sized nozzles are being used. Consult manufacturer’s guidelines.
Dispersant Operator’s Checklist
PRE-SPRAY SPRAY POST-SPRAY
1. Safety 7. Pattern 11. Report
Correct PPE available and worn? Are you within the ‘leading edge’? Have you informed your command?

YES NO YES NO YES NO

2. System 8. Communications 12. Rehab

Spray arms positioned and dispersant Are you talking to air ops and land support? Have you shut down and cleaned your
available? system?
YES NO YES NO YES NO

3. Window 9. Dosage 13. Restock

Is the oil dispersible/test spray successful? Is your spray working? Has your dispersant stockpile been
replenished?
YES NO YES NO YES NO

4. Weather 10. Problems?

Are wind and waves within range? Is your system operating correctly?

YES NO YES NO

5. Support
Is air support available?

YES NO

6. Testing
Will your dispersant work?

YES NO
 Metric
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140

Other Titles in the Field Guide Series

Aerial Surveillance Field Guide

Containment and Recovery Field Guide
Dispersant Application Field Guide
Dispersant Application Monitoring Tier I Field Guide
Dispersant Application Monitoring Tier II & III Field Guide
Incident Management Handbook
Offshore In-Situ Burn Operations Field Guide
Oil Spill Response Field Guide
Shoreline Operations Field Guide
Waste Management Field Guide

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