How Do Booms Work?

Booms are floating, physical barriers to oil, made of plastic, metal, or other materials, which slow the spread of oil and keep it contained. Skilled teams deploy booms using mooring systems, such as anchors and land lines.

What is the function of booms?

Containment booms are used to control the spread of oil to reduce the possibility of polluting shorelines and other resources. Booms also concentrate oil in thicker surface layers, making recovery easier.

Are booms bad for the environment?

They are effective in calm water, but as wave height increases oil or other contaminants can easily wash over the top of the boom and render them useless. In any oil spill, the use of a single conventional boom is not effective in protecting environmental resources, even with the correct draft and aspect ratio.