Dispersant application at sea: operator field guide
This short field guide is intended for anyone involved in using dispersants to combat oil spills at sea. It covers system set-up, spraying techniques, and maintenance procedures to support the safe, efficient, and effective use of this response tool.
Dispersants are chemical agents designed to break up thick layers of floating oil into small droplets, forming a plume that disperses into the water column, typically to a depth of 5–10 metres. Once dispersed, the oil is rapidly diluted and naturally biodegraded, reducing its impact on the environment by:
- Reducing the persistence of oil in the environment
- Lowering the risk of shoreline contamination
- Minimising the volume of waste that needs to be recovered
