PORTSMOUTH, Va. – Coast Guard hazardous materials experts will be training North Carolina state ferry operators and North Carolina Coast Guard members in the use of specialized oil-skimming equipment Tuesday and Wednesday in Atlantic Beach, N.C.
The purpose of the training is to ensure that should there be a significant oil spill in the Outer Banks, the state of North Carolina and the Coast Guard will be prepared to respond immediately.
The Coast Guard Gulf Strike Team, on the N.C. State ferry boat Kinnakeet, will teach ferry captains and Coast Guard crews how to install and use the Vessel of Opportunity Skimming System, a tool for cleaning up oil spills on the water.
Members of the media are invited to attend training Wednesday, when the crews will get underway to practice with the VOSS on the water. Interested media should arrive at the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina facility by 7:30 a.m. It is located next to Ft. Macon State Park.
VOSS is a portable side-skimming oil-recovery system which can be deployed from most work vessels over 65 feet in length.
Each VOSS consists of two of the following:
