Glossary

Eight terms used throughout the basic course.

Skimmer

A device that recovers oil from the water surface. Brush, disc and weir types are used depending on the product and sea state.

Boom / exclusion boom

A floating barrier used to contain, divert or exclude oil. Shoreline and exclusion booms of 750–900 mm are used to protect bays, islands and water intakes.

PPE

Personal protective equipment: coveralls or thermal suits, oil-resistant gloves and boots, eye protection, respiratory protection when ordered, and a lifejacket on water.

Dispersant

A chemical agent that breaks oil into small droplets in the water column. An exception tool, not suitable in shallow nearshore water.

Weathering

The combined processes that change spilled oil over time: spreading, evaporation, dispersion, emulsification, oxidation, dissolution and sedimentation.

Response Commander (RC) / OSC

The Response Commander is the competent rescue authority for the area where the incident originated. The On-Scene Commander runs tactics at the scene.

Sorbent boom

An oleophilic boom or sock that absorbs oil. Used for thin films, final polishing and protection of small watercourses.

Secondary (shoreline) clean-up

Clean-up of oiled shoreline after the on-water phase. Slow, labour-intensive and the main reason exclusion booming is done early.