Intentional Scuttling of Vessels as a Response Alternative
The intentional scuttling of vessels is infrequently conducted as part of a pollution response. Notable exceptions include the M/V New Carissa in Oregon and the T/B Morris J. Berman in Puerto Rico. The decision to scuttle a vessel is usually complicated and controversial, and hopefully is made only after thorough consideration of the environmental trade-offs. This paper summarizes recent case histories of intentional sinkings and outlines the typical environmental considerations and trade-offs. The paper also summarizes the applicable policies, laws and regulations for both planned and emergency scuttling. This summary of issues may be useful to both spill responders and resource managers dealing with derelict vessels if scuttling is under consideration as a response or disposal method. Finally, the paper discusses the relationship between scuttling and 'places of refuge' and concludes that emergency scuttling should be considered as a component of refuge planning and may be a potential consequence if an appropriate place of refuge cant be found.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC United States 20230 -
Authors:
- Helton, D
- Publication Date: 2005
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Print
- Pagination: 15p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Barges; Emergency response time; Environmental impacts; Oil spills; Oil tankers; Reefs; Ships; Vessel operations; Water traffic; Water transportation
- Subject Areas: Environment; Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01138227
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Aug 12 2009 12:46PM