The Triton needs to write about what an oil spill can do to yachts since very few have keel coolers with closed cooling systems.
Most yachts use internal sea water sea strainers, which get blocked with oil, are hard to clean, and can overheat main engines and generators. The oil gets in and blocks up heat exchangers and can deteriorate raw water engine water pump rubber impellers.
Many boats have external sea scoops with strainers under the boat for air conditioning. Engines and generators intake sea cocks and those have small plates with holes to prevent the foreign items in the water from getting in to the vessel's systems.
These external scoops usually have barnacles and other marine organisms on them that allow oil tar balls to catch on to them. That's what blocks off the water flow and ends up overheating internal systems. The physical condition of the oil makes a difference in what it can do to a vessel's systems. The main point is that it will create heat in an engine if the oil blocks cooling systems.
Most insurance companies will not pay any claims since the spill has been widely reported and everyone knew about it, even if it should cause a fire later for an engine over heating.
Charles Stephens Marine insurance adjuster
Joe Purtell of Interlux has fielded numerous queries about dealing with oil mess on yacht hulls. He sent this information to clients yesterday and shares it with us today:
INTERLUX GUIDELINES: TREATMENT OF BOATS CONTAMINATED WITH OIL
The surface of an antifouling paint that has become contaminated with oil can become “blocked” i.e preventing the biocide from being released, which subsequently leads to premature fouling. It will also result in a contaminated layer that will make adhesion of new antifouling applications difficult.
Cleaning of contaminated antifouling surfaces:
For hard, polishing and ablative antifouling paints that have been heavily contaminated the best method to use when treating the bottom is to use a paint-stripper such as Interstrip299e to remove all the pollution and the paint, then scrub the substrate using Fiberglass Surface Prep YMA601 and a coarse Scotch-Britepad. Rinse with fresh water. Repeat until the surface is clean (when the water cascades off of the surface with no beading or separating). Allow the surface to dry thoroughly prior to re-painting.
The same process is recommended on metal boats; however, to avoid corrosion, the metal substrate should be prepared by grinding or blasting after the cleaning process and prior to priming. To aid adhesion apply InterProtect2000E primer per label instructions.
Sanding or sand blasting a surface that still has oil on it may drive the oil into the surface and cause a loss of adhesion of the subsequent coats.
If the coating of oil is light, powerwash and then use a household detergent with water to scrub off any pollution.Then scrub using Fiberglass Surface Prep YMA601 and a coarse Scotch-Britepad and rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Let dry prior to re-painting. Polishing paints such as Micron Technology may be re-launched without painting, assuming the film thickness of remaining paint is adequate (2-3 mils dry after scrubbing) & the next application is scheduled within 5 months.
Collection of waste water
Contaminated waste water should be collected per local marina guidelines, local authority regulations and/or Clean Water Act requirements. Collecting the water and waste will prevent spreading of the contaminant into other areas in the yard.
If you require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to call Interlux Technical Service on Tel: 1-800-468-7589.
Awlgrip also offers these tips:
AWLGRIP NORTH AMERICA GUIDELINES: TREATMENT OF TOPCOATS CONTAMINATED WITH OIL
The current situation with leaking crude oil affecting the Gulf Coast has prompted inquiries asking if there are any special recommendations by Awlgrip concerning crude oil fouled topcoats. The answer is that surfaces contaminated with crude oil may develop permanent staining and may lead to possible degradation of the topcoat as result of the acidic nature of the contaminant.
Cleaning of contaminated topcoat surfaces:
Contaminated topcoats should be cleaned as soon as practically possible to minimize the damaging effects of the crude oil. The recommendations below apply to Awlgrip®, Awlcraft® 2000 and Interlux® Perfection topcoats. If there is any doubt of the type of surface in question always test a small area first.
In the case of heavy contamination, the material may be a thick, sticky tar-like material due to its exposure to the elements. It is recommended that these surfaces first be cleared by wipe down with T0016, T0170 or Mineral Spirits followed by power washing, and then cleaned with Awlwash® at a 4 oz/gallon level (or household liquid detergents such as Dawn). The detergent washing step of the cleaning process must be done in manageable areas. Each area should then be thoroughly rinsed with plenty of clean water before moving on to the next. DO NOT allow detergent solutions to dry on the surface.
Hulls exhibiting ‘sheen’ contamination may be cleaned with the regular concentration levels of Awlwash, though they too may benefit from a prewash wipe down with T0016, T0170 or Mineral Sprits to loosen the film.
In both cases, it is recommended that the newly cleaned surface be protected from further contamination with application of Awlcare®.
IN ALL CASES:
Contaminated waste water should be collected per local marina guidelines, local authority regulations and/or Clean Water Act requirements. Collecting the water and the emulsified crude will prevent further spreading of contamination into the estuary that is the livelihood of thousands. Crude and solvent contaminated wipes must also be disposed of in a responsible manner.
I hope BP knows and is prepared to pay for all the haul outs that will have to be done. Ultimately it is their fault.
we put up a page with tons of info,
http://bahamasyachtconcierge.com/BP%20oil%20spill%20info%20for%20the%20marine%20community.htm
if antone would like to contribut a link or article please let us know