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

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response
Chapter 7 - Lessons Learned
The following Lessons Learned were generated by SUPSALV government staff after the
conclusion of the operation. Internal ESSM lessons learned are identified in the ESSM
Operation Report, Appendix A.
7-1 OPERATIONS
• Near Shore Skimming Operations - Poor communication between Task Force leaders
and SUPSALV , resulting in a lack of operational control of assets:
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Task Force Commanders continually tried to deploy MARCO Class V skimmers
beyond their sea keeping ability or transit speed limitations to return for crew rest.
An Oil Transfer Bladder was torn during offloading due to mishandling when
SUPSALV personnel were not present. Task Forces were trained in the use of
offloading systems by SUPSALV but no trained personnel stayed in place longer
than 1-2 weeks.
MARCO Class V skimmers are more effective skimming, as designed, in a “V”
boom configuration vice the “free skimming” or even scouting mode often ordered
by Task Force leaders.
SUPSALV operators used their personal cell phones to communicate their
locations and Task Force assignments to SUPSALV managers. There was no
formal communication plan that included SUPSALV at the IC level.
Recommend distributing Operation Guides (CONOPS) upfront to entire Chain of
Operational Command. Also recommend Task Force Leaders not be given control of
SUPSALV equipment without the requirement to work with SUPSALV personnel in
deciding deployment strategy of the assets. SUPSALV also needs to be included in IC
communication plans during future operations.
• Due to the aforementioned communication issues with Task Forces, recommend a
SUPSALV representative be designated to each Incident Command Post to approve and
track use/transfer of assets and provide valuable technical advice to decision makers.
• Many near-shore skimmers, especially MARCO Class V systems, often traveled long
distances in search of oil, only to be in the wrong place. Offshore VOSS skimmers were
rarely assigned based on the most efficient use of their capability, wasting many hours
searching for oil as well. Recommend mandatory, real time aerial spotting with direct
communication to skimming forces. It is important to use available helicopters to support
clean-up operations vice other interests and that there is a clear communication plan
between skimmers and spotters. Skimming is only as effective as the oil spotting and
communication.
7-1