The Shallow Water Skimmer Fast Response Vessel (FRV) is a 56 foot aluminum hulled designated oil spill recovery vessels with two 36” belt skimmers on the bow and twin 350 hp outboards on the stern. Two 75 foot long sections of 3’ air inflatable boom can be deployed in a “V” pattern from each side of the vessel to direct oil to the skimmers. Without the boom, the skimmers can also be deployed over containment boom to recover oil and debris already contained. As oil and/or debris are channeled to the oleophilic skimming belts, the oil sticks to the belt and water is repelled. The belt rotates allowing the sticking oil to be scraped off into a sump and any debris to fall off into recovery disposal bags. The oil is then pumped into a 249-barrel storage tank where it can be offloaded with the skimmers 827 GPM offload pump to temporary storage for disposal in accordance with an approved disposal plan. Any bagged debris can be offloaded to a separate vessel for transport to a disposal location.
Tactical Overview
MECHANICAL RECOVERY
Used in an inshore environment, the SW Fast Response Vessels (SW FRV) can be used in advancing mode with boom extended in a “V” pattern, the skimmers can be lowered into contained oil for oil and debris removal. It is ideal for work just outside the jetties in and around the barrier islands, etc. because its speed allows it to get back into protected waters should weather conditions change. It can operate in waters as shallow as 2 foot.
MAXIMUM SEA CONDITIONS
Calm waters are ideal, anything more than a foot or so of chop and the SW FRV must return to calm waters.
