State-of-the-Art Survey of Hardware Delivery and Damage Inspection Methods for Coast Guard Hazardous Chemical Spill Response.

Abstract : This report is a study of methods that might be used by the Coast Guard, in accomplishing three tasks when responding to a hazardous chemical spill originating from a tank vessel or barge in the marine environment. The specific tasks are: (1) Damage inspection of the endangered vessel; (2) Delivery of Coast Guard hazardous chemical patching and plugging devices (e.g., polystyrene foam plug, evacuated foam plug, air/water inflatable bags); and (3) Delivery of a chemical sensor for venting rate measurements, sampling, and analysis for the detection, identification, and quantification of hazardous chemical pollutants. Mission requirements and hardware design goals are established. All possible methods are reviewed and subjected to a weighted factor evaluation. The results of the evaluation indicate the most promising approach is through the application of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Detailed information of ROVs is compiled and presented. (Author)