by Lenna Gonya

Created on: August 03, 2010   Last Updated: August 04, 2010

Shortly after the Gulf Coast spill, BP began a program to put some idled fishermen, charter boat captains, and others to work. This program was designed to aid in the cleanup, as well as to provide work for those whose livelihoods were put on hold. It was apparent to BP that these boats, and the expert seamen who operate them, were going to be essential in an operation this large. The cost of bringing in more vessels and crews from outside the area would have been enormous, and unnecessary, when workers were readily available in the area.

BP’s “Vessels of Opportunity” program has recruited a couple of thousand vessels who provide services such as transporting materials to and from the rig, transporting workers, laying down booms, supervising burns, and locating areas where the oil spills are located.

For some people who make their living on the sea, this was both a way to earn some much needed money, and try and save their way of life at the same time. The problems with the program, however, was that not everyone made the list of those needed, or had the required equipment and qualifications to make the grade. Ship size, experience, and crew were all taken into consideration. Inspections of the boat were needed as well as four hour training sessions. For the smaller fishing operations this sometimes meant that they were put on the bottom of the list, or excluded altogether.

One of the major jobs required was the laying of thousands of feet of boom, which helps to contain the drifting oil until it can be taken out of the water. These booms also help to deter oil slicks from reaching coastlines and wildlife areas. Those working on skimming vessels work with techniques designed to take the oil from the water. And, those recruited to supervise burns, monitor areas where the oil is actually burned off in small amounts.

Teams were also conscripted to work onshore, cleaning beaches, picking up the tar balls on the shorelines, and assisting in wildlife cleaning and rescue.

BP claims that over 30,000 people are currently involved in these clean up efforts. For those who need money now, to meet bills, and living expenses, a job with the clean up crew gives them some hope and some way of helping out, and feeling useful, during an otherwise frustrating situation.

Communities along the Gulf Coast, as in most areas of the country, are accustomed to supporting one another and helping themselves when tragedy strikes. The chance to work toward this goal and get paid at the same time has been a life saver for some of these victims.

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