The exercise involved the patrol vessels KBV 311 and KBV 315 and the shallow water protection vessel KBV 071. The personnel practised, among other things, laying out about 250 metres of coastal boom to limit the spread of simulated oil on the water surface. The crews then practised collecting the simulated oil for recovery with the bow collector on KBV 071, which brushes the oil up from the water.

Capability is tested in real operations

Being able to assess a situation quickly and prepare measures to protect the environment is vital in a real incident. This became clear last month when KBV 311 responded to a cargo ship that had lost its ability to manoeuvre after an engine failure and had run aground in the fairway off Köping.

The crew checked whether the vessel was damaged or leaking oil. As a precaution, a marine trailer with booms was also arranged, ready to be used if a spill occurred. After a new risk assessment the following morning, the vessel was able to get free. The checks showed no signs of oil leakage, and the vessel was able to continue its journey.

– The Coast Guard's patrol vessels always need backup from a response vessel if oil were to escape. However, the decision to have a marine trailer on site gave us a first unit to use if it turned out to be leaking, even though everything on site showed that the risk was very small, says the Master of KBV 311.

The incident shows how the Coast Guard's patrol vessels, such as KBV 311, can act as a first resource on site. They can quickly examine the situation, assess risks and prepare the first protective measures while waiting for possible reinforcement from pollution response vessels.

The cargo ship Doggersbank on a grey, still stretch of water on an overcast day, photographed from another vessel with a white railing in the foreground. Forested shores and industrial buildings are visible in the background.

Regular exercises keep knowledge up to date

There can be long periods between real incidents where the pollution response equipment needs to be used. Regular exercises are therefore important to maintain the personnel's knowledge and skills.

– The exercise went well. Working regularly and practically with our equipment gives us routine and skills that are important when it really matters, says Henrik, Head of Technology on KBV 311.

By exercising together, the Coast Guard strengthens both its practical capability and the cooperation between different coast guard stations ahead of future pollution response operations.