U.S. NAVY SALVAGE REPORT DEEPWATER HORIZON ... - ESSM

Final Report, SONS Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Gulf of Mexico, 27 April — 24 September 2010
SECTION F – EQUIPMENT EVALUATIONS
Various:
Boat operators needed an air conditioner in the workboat cabs in very hot
weather experienced during this operation.
Recommendation: Small portable A/C unit designed for forklifts were procured and installed
in some of the Class V skimmers. Due to the limited availability of the
A/C units, not all the skimmers were outfitted at all sites. Continue to
install A/C units during refurbishment or maintenance as funds become
available. Install A/C units on all workboats with cabs. Also add at least
two shade devices to each skimmer.
SK0050:
The High Speed Current Buster’s exterior covering started deteriorating
and bladders began leaking. Ordered replacement bladders, however
exterior covering was not available. Had to sew covering together with
sail twine to make it last.
Recommendation: Review a heavier upgrade and more durable fabric for the covers.
OA0010:
The aluminum pulley on the lower part of outrigger’s king post where
towline goes through is too small, and line would hang up between it and
the framework causing the line to chafe and cut through.
Recommendation: Replace the aluminum pulley with larger Delrin roller.
SK0050:
Weir Skimmer bellows continued to come off the skimmer pocket.
Recommendation: Install bolts and washers in several locations through the mount point.
SK0711:
The Class V Skimmers’ offloading pumps continually froze up and had to
be worked on. These pumps are old, and parts are not readily available.
Recommendation: Replace with newer hydraulic submersible pumps.
Various:
The Class V Skimmers’ skimmer-to-boom attachment tow points
(aluminum female intrusions) were wearing to the point that the boom-toskimmer
attachment tow points (male extrusion) detached on several
skimmers. The skimmers had to be removed from the water to weld the
female intrusion.
Recommendation: Need to design a permanent attachment setup.
Various:
The Boom Mooring Systems for 42″ boom were adequate; however,
SUPSALV’s inventory did not have enough systems to support all the Oil
Containment Boom on hand.
Recommendation: Procure to the inventory objective as a priority
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