USCG Aux. Division 22- Coxswain Instruction

Pollution Incident Verification

Introduction

An Auxiliary Facility on patrol may be asked to verify a reported pollution incident, or may “happen upon” a pollution incident. This instruction provides guidance for three common types of pollution incident: Sunken Vessels, Floating Drums, and Oil Spills.

Caution: Under no circumstance should an Auxiliarist bring an object aboard his vessel.

Sunken or Grounded Vessels

Ascertain if the vessel:

A) Presents a hazard to navigation.

B) Causes a pollution incident.

For vessels causing a hazard to navigation, contact Station Eatons Neck. They will determine if a possible “Security” broadcast and/or possible contact with commercial salvage is warranted. Direct other boaters to stay clear.

For vessels causing a pollution incident, determine the extent, as per oil spills (below).

Drums

Treat all floating drums as if they contain toxic chemicals. The drum may be mislabeled.

Stay up wind at a safe distance. Direct other boaters to stay clear.

If possible determine if the bung plug is in place, and if the drum is leaking.

Contact Stations Eatons Neck, and await instructions.

Oil Spills

For gasoline and oil spills determine the gallons spilled by using area of the spill (in square yards), and the appearance.

First, determine the area in square yards. Then determine the thickness by appearance.

For Silvery color: Gallons = .0000315 X Square Yards

For First appearance of rainbow colors: Gallons = .0000630 X Square Yards

For Bright rainbow colors: Gallons = .000126 X Square Yards

For Dull colors: Gallons = .000378 X Square Yards

For Dark Colors: Gallons = .001134 X Square Yards

Direct other boaters to stay clear. Remember, gasoline fumes and light end vapors are flammable (especially in confined spaces).

Contact Station Eatons Neck to report spill size and gallons. Await further instructions.

Documentation

Document all findings with log entries and photographs.

Stay on Scene

Be prepared to stay on scene until relieved by commercial pollution responders.

Communications

To keep information off the airways, cell phones should be the primary means of communicating with Station Eatons Neck. Phone numbers are:

Station Eatons Neck: 631-261-6959

OOD Cell Phone: 631-697-0063

Reference

For more information see MSFO Coram’s presentation:

http://www.cgali.org/Aux%20poll.%20response.pdf

And, National policy instruction:

http://auxmdept.org/pdf_files/auxhzmt.pd

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