The frequency of occurrence and the volume of oil spilled in relation to the various causes as reported to, and compiled by, the Navy Environ-mental Support Office (NESO) is shown in table 8-3. You can clearly see that human error is involved in the majority of these spills. The best way to help cope with this problem of human error is through the proper training of operational personnel. This should include study of pertinent regulations and operational procedures; adherence to the Personnel Qualifica-tion System (PQS) and periodic drills involving cleanup procedures and operation of oil spil1 cleanup equipment.

In addition to routine and schedule maintenance, as well run facility should perform and log periodic inspections dealing with the

Table 8-3.Navy Related Oil Spills by Cause (1975)

prevention of accidental oil spills. Tanks, pipelines, and valves should be periodically in-spected for corrosion. The proper operation and sealing of valves and pumping units are a must. A daily record of tank levels, and observance of standard operating procedures for many shore facilities and all ships, are effective ways for detecting slow leaks before a major equipment failure occurs. Hydrostatic testing of hoses, pipelines and storage tanks should be performed periodically to verify their use for oil service. Operating personnel should be encouraged to report unsafe conditions in equipment or pro-cedures. Another good practice is to report and document causes of oil spill near misses so that preventive action can be initiated. All inspections and records should be in accordance with established written procedures and should remain on file for the use of new personnel and for the identification of deteriorating trends in equipment.

The Navy is expending time, money, and ef-fort to reduce environmental pollution. Therefore, close supervision must be exercised over all opera-tions involving fuel handling, waste disposal, and use and disposal of toxic materials. Personnel must be aware of pollution problems and the necessity to reduce pollution occurrences. Within ones area of responsibility, regular inspection and monitoring procedures must be conducted to en-sure compliance with all applicable regulations and operating procedures for pollution control devices.

You will find more detailed information on oil spills in NAVFAC P-908. This publication will provide you with information about policy, rules, regulations, and procedures for the prevention of oil spills. It will also provide you with informa-tion on what type of equipment is used to

remove/contain oil spills, what are the procedures for cleaning the equipment, and what procedures to follow when reporting the cost of an oil spill.