Recommendations to Verify and Sustain Prevention and ...€¦ · Recommendations to Verify and...

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RecommendationstoVerifyandSustainPreventionandResponse

SystemReadinessinPrinceWilliamSound

August18,2017

SubmittedtoPrinceWilliamSoundRegionalCitizens’AdvisoryCouncil

By:

LittleRiverMarineConsultants

P.O.Box504EastBoothbay,ME04544

NukaResearchandPlanningGroup,LLC

P.O.Box175Seldovia,AK99663

ProjectNo:8020-16-01Revision:4

The opinions expressed in this PWSRCAC-commissioned report are not necessarily those of PWSRCAC.

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ExecutiveSummaryIn2018,EdisonChouestOffshore(ECO)willreplaceCrowleyMarineServicesastheprovideroftugs,barges,equipment,andpersonnelforAlyeskaPipelineServiceCompany’s(Alyeska)ShipEscort/ResponseVesselSystem(SERVS).Thistransitionwillbringnewtugs,barges,andequipmenttoPrinceWilliamSound.NewpersonnelwillalsocometoValdez,playingkeyrolesinoilspillpreventionandresponsefortheValdezMarineTerminalandassociatedtankertraffic.Thearrivalofnewtugsandcustom-builtresponsebargestoPrinceWilliamSoundprovidesanexcellentopportunityforimprovedoilspillpreventionandresponse.Inordertoverifythatthisimprovementisrealized,itwillbeimportanttoverifythecapabilitiesofnewcrew,vessels,barges,andotherequipment.ThePrinceWilliamSoundRegionalCitizens’AdvisoryCouncil(PWSRCAC)contractedLittleRiverMarineConsultantsandNukaResearchandPlanningGroup,LLCtorecommendoptionsfortoverifyreadinessofthenewresourcesduringthetransitionandinthefuture.Theauthorsrecommendacombinationofcomputer(mathematical)hydrodynamicmodeling,fullmissionbridgesimulations,scale-modeltesting,fielddemonstrations,andtabletopexercises(thelatterrelatedonlytopersonnelandresponsedecision-making).Werecommendaseriesofactivitiestoverifythecapabilityofthenewtugsandbargestoassuretheircapabilitytoperformoilspillpreventionandresponse:

1. Conductinitialcomputerhydrodynamicmodelingandfullmissionbridgesimulationstoidentifythetugmaneuversmostlikelytobeeffectivewiththedifferenttugandtankerconfigurations,andevaluatewhetherrescuemaneuverswouldbeexpectedtostopatankerwithinthedistanceavailableindifferentpartsoftheSounduptoworst-caseconditions.

2. Conductfielddemonstrationsinanarrowerrangeofconditionstovalidatethetugmodellingresults,beginningincalmconditionsandworkinguptoatleast90thpercentileconditionsforbothwindandwavesbasedondatafromSealRocksbuoynearHinchinbrookEntrance.(Basedon2013-2016data,90thpercentileconditionsare22-knotwindsand12-footseas.)

3. Useacombinationofon-waterandtabletopexercisestoverifythattheresponsesystemcandeployandsustaintheresponsetacticsaccordingtothetimelineandotherspecificationsnecessarytomeetstateresponseplanningrequirements.

4. Conductongoingexercisestosustainreadinessrelatedtobothpreventionandresponseforallcrewsandinallseasons.

TherecommendationsarebasedonU.S.CoastGuardandAlaskaDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationregulationsapplicabletoassessingoilspillpreventionandresponsefortankersinPrinceWilliamSound.Recommendationsregardingverifyingtugrescuecapabilitiesfollowtheapproachusedwhenthecurrentescortvesselswereintroducedin1999-2001.

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AcronymsABS–AmericanBureauofShippingADEC–AlaskaDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationARPA–AutomaticradarplottingaidBAT–BestAvailableTechnologyDWT–deadweighttonsECDIS–ElectronicChartDisplayandInformationSystemECO–EdisonChouestOffshoreETT–EnhancedTractorTugsFLIR–Forward-lookinginfraredPRT–PreventionResponseTugsPWSRCAC–PrinceWilliamSoundRegionalCitizens’AdvisoryCouncilRMROL–RealisticMaximumResponseOperatingLimitsRPS–ResponsePlanningStandardSERVS–ShipEscort/ResponseVesselSystemSTCW–StandardsofTraining,Certification,andWatchkeepingforSeafarersTAPS–TransAlaskaPipelineSystemVERP–VesselEscortResponsePlan

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TableofContents1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................11.1 Scope..............................................................................................................................11.2 PurposeandApproach...................................................................................................2

2 Background............................................................................................................................22.1 Prevention......................................................................................................................3

3 DemonstrationofCapabilitiesforTransition.........................................................................73.1 Prevention......................................................................................................................73.2 Response......................................................................................................................16

4 SustainingReadinessthroughDrillsandExercises...............................................................214.1 Prevention....................................................................................................................214.2 Response......................................................................................................................24

5 Conclusion............................................................................................................................246 References............................................................................................................................25

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RecommendationstoVerifyandSustainPreventionandResponseSystemReadinessinPrinceWilliamSound

1 Introduction

WithanewmarineservicesprovidercomingtoPrinceWilliamSoundin2018,thePrinceWilliamSoundRegionalCitizens’AdvisoryCouncil(PWSRCAC)isinterestedinvalidatingtheassetsandpersonnelreadinessofEdisonChouestOffshore(ECO)whowillreplaceCrowleyMarineServicestopreventorrespondtoanoilspillinPrinceWilliamSound.LittleRiverMarineConsultantsandNukaResearchandPlanningGroup,LLCdevelopedthisreporttoPWSRCACrecommendingoptionsforinitialandongoingevaluationof“readiness”ofresourcesinPrinceWilliamSound.Thistransitionwillbringnew–andinmanycases,newly-constructed–tugs,barges,andequipmenttoPrinceWilliamSound.PersonnelwillalsocometoValdez,playingkeyrolesinspillpreventionandresponsefortheValdezMarineTerminalandTransAlaskaPipelineSystem(TAPS)tradetankerstransitingtheSound.1.1 ScopeThescopeofthisreportcanbeconsideredfromthreeperspectives:

• Oilspillpreventionandresponse.Bothpreventionandresponseoperationswillchangewithnewvessels,equipment,andpersonnel.

• Diversemethodsinassessmenttoolbox.Itisimpossibletopredictexactlywhatwillhappeninanygivenemergency,whetheradisabledtankeroroilreleasetowater,soarangeoftoolsareneededtoevaluatethesafetyandeffectivenessofemergencyproceduresabsentanactualemergency.Thisreportoffersoptionsincludingcomputermodeling,fielddemonstrations,drills,andexercisestoevaluatesafetyandeffectiveness.

• Initialandon-goingassessment.Thisreportconsidersbothinitialassessmentsthat

maybeconductedpriortooruponarrivalofnewassetstoPrinceWilliamSound,aswellason-goingdrillsorexercisesforthepurposeoftraininganddemonstrationofsustainedreadinessashavebeenconductedinPrinceWilliamSoundsince1989.Equipmentselection,maintenance,andinspectionsarealsoimportant,butarenotincludedhere.

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1.2 PurposeandApproachThepurposeofthisdocumentistorecommendacombinationofmodeling,fielddemonstrations,drills,andexercisestoverifythatnewon-waterassetsandpersonnelareadequatelypreparedtorespondandthatpracticesareinplacetoensurethatpreparedness,readiness,andresponsecapabilitiesaresustainedovertime.RecommendationsprovidedarebasedonStateofAlaskaandfederalregulatoryrequirements,internationalstandards,precedentandpastpractices,and,insomecases,thebestprofessionaljudgmentoftheauthors.Thisreportdoesnotevaluatethecurrenttransitionprocess,orofplannedorcompletedassessmentsordemonstrationbyAlyeskaorECOoftheircapabilities.1.2.1 OrganizationofReportThereportfirstprovidesbackgroundinformation,thenpresentsrequirementsandrecommendationsforinitialdemonstrationofcapabilitiesduringthetransitionofnewassetsintoPrinceWilliamSound,followedbyon-goingexercisestoensuresustainedreadiness.

2 BackgroundThissectionprovidesgeneralbackgroundregardingtherelevantrequirementsthatapplytoSERVS.Amorein-depthoverviewofthepreviousmethodsusedtoassessnewtugsisprovidedin“DevelopmentoftheCurrentPrinceWilliamSoundEscortSystem:Regulations,Analysis,andSystemEnhancements,”byNukaResearch(2017).Newvesselsinclude:

• FiveEscortTugs(ASD4517vesselsare140feetlongwith12,336horsepower)• FourGeneralPurposeTugs(ASD3212vesselsare102feetlongwith6,008horsepower)• TheRossChouest,(257-foot,11,400horsepowerutilityvessel)

Inaddition,fournewpurpose-builtresponsebargeswillreplaceolderbarges.

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2.1 PreventionTugsinPrinceWilliamSoundplaythefollowingpreventionroles:

• Assistingwithdockingandun-dockingtankersattheValdezMarineTerminal(bothonaroutinebasisandinanemergency,suchasafireattheTerminal),

• EscortingtankersthroughtheSound(tetheredtothetanker,escortingcloselybutnottethered,orstandingbyasasentineldependingonthelocationintheSoundandwhetherthetankerisladen),

• Scoutingforiceorotherhazards,and• Aidingadisabledtankertopreventgrounding,allision,orcollision.

TugsalsostandbywithresponsebargeslocatedaroundtheSoundandcontributetoresponse,asdiscussedinthenextsection.TugsmustbecapableofimplementingrescuemaneuversthathavebeendevelopedforthecurrentEnhancedTractorTugs(ETT)andPreventionResponseTugs(PRT)throughextensivecomputermodeling,tanktests,andfull-scaledemonstrations.Implementingthesemaneuverssuccessfullywilldependonthevessel’sdesignandcapabilities,theperformanceofequipmentsuchastherenderingwinchesandtowwires,andtowlinesused.Thesuccessofanyrescuewillalsodependonthesizeofthetanker,weatherconditionsatthetime,locationwithintheSound(i.e.,availablesearoom).Theintentofanyanalysesorexercisesistoincreasethechanceofsuccesswhenthesystemiscalledontopreventanaccidentoroilspill.TheuseoftwoescortsforladentankerswithintheSoundisrequiredunderfederalregulations(33CFR168)whichalsodescribetheminimumperformancerequirements(seeSection3).ThesystemisalsodescribedinAlyeska’sVesselEscortResponsePlan(VERP).TheVERP(Alyeska,2013)describestheescortvesselsandequipment,communications,normalandemergencyprocedures,andotheraspectsofthesystem.TugsarealsoincludedintheStateofAlaska-requiredPrinceWilliamSoundTankerOilDischargePreventionandContingencyPlan(TankerC-Plan)andassociatedSERVSTechnicalManual.Regardingtugescorts,stateregulationsrequire:

• Preventionmeasures.Thespillpreventionroleoftugescortsiscitedinthatplan’srequireddiscussionofspillpreventionmeasuresinplace(TankerC-PlanSection2.1.6).1

• Prevention–orothermitigating–measuresinplacewhenconditionsexceedRealisticMaximumResponseOperatingLimits(RMROL),asspecifiedinTankerC-PlanSection3.4.2

118AAC75.425(e)(2)(D)218AAC75.425(e)(3)(D)and18AAC75.445(f)

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• Atankerunderescortmustbeoperatedinamannerthatallowstheescortto,“beavailableimmediatelytoprovidetheintendedassistancetothetankvessel.”3AlaskaDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation(ADEC)Guidance(2016)statesthatifanescortsystemisused,theplanmustdescribethatsystemincludingtheescortvessel’s“relativeabilitytostop,turn,andtowloadedtankvesselsunderprevailingwind,sea,andcurrentconditions.”4

• Escorttugsandtowlinesmustbe“bestavailabletechnology”(BAT).5BATisdefinedinregulationaccordingto8criteria:6

i. Bestinuseinsimilarsituations,ii. Transferrableforusebytheoperator,iii. Reasontoexpectitwillimprovespillprevention/response,iv. Cost,v. Ageandconditionofcurrentequipmentused,vi. Compatibilitywithexistingsystems,vii. Feasibility,andviii. Environmentalimpactsassociatedwithitsusedonotoffsetanticipated

environmentalbenefits.BATregulationsapplytoawiderangeofequipmentacrossdifferenttypesofoperations.Theyarenotprescriptiveregardinghowapieceofequipment’srelativebenefitsarecomparedtoothersimilarequipment.ThisreportidentifiesorrecommendsmethodsforverifyingthecapabilitiesoftheescortvesselstomeettheState’srequirements.2.1.1 ResponseIfaresponseisneeded,tugswouldshifttoresponseroles,includingmaneuveringalighteringbargeorassistingthetanker,maneuveringresponsebarges,and,ifused,applyingdispersants.Theresponsebargesareusedintheeventofanoilspillasaplatformforskimmingoperations,recoveredfluidstorage,crewhousing,logisticalsupport,commandcenter,andlighteringoilfromastrickentanker.Ifthereareothertankersinthesystem,tugswillalsoremainwiththemasneededtomeetescortrequirements.7

318AAC75.027(e)4Weunderstandfromthisstatementthatoperatorshaveflexibilityintugselection(e.g.,usingasmallertugforsmallertankers)andthatthetugsusedshouldbeabletoperformtheirrolesintheconditionsinwhichtankerswillbeoperatingintheSoundandtheGulfofAlaska.518AAC75.425(e)(4)(A)(iii)618AAC75.445(k)(3)(A-H)7A2005workshopsponsoredbyAlyeska/SERVSandthePrinceWilliamSoundTankerOwnersconcludedthattheminimumnumberoftugsneededforanRPS-sizedspillresponseis10(Harvey,2005).

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Asanintegralpartoftheresponsesystem,bargesandassociatedtugscontributetomeetingtheresponseplanningstandard(RPS)underAlaskaregulations.8TheTankerC-Plan9mustindicateprocedurestocleanupthelargestpossiblespillresultingfromtheoperationcovered,10butoilrecoveryestimatesbasedonequipmentintheregionmustmeetspecificmetricsbasedonthesizeofthetankerandanyreductionsgrantedforpreventionmeasuresinplace.11Therecoverythatcouldtheoreticallybeachievedusingresourcesfrombothwithintheregionandthosebroughtfromelsewheremustalsomeetacertainstandard.12TheapplicablestandardsforPrinceWilliamSoundtankersaresummarizedinTable1.Table1.ResponseplanningstandardsintheTankerC-Plan

TankerC-PlanRPSbasedonequipmentwithintheregion

(PrinceWilliamSoundSubarea)

TankerC-PlanRPSbasedonbothin-regionandout-of-regionequipment

Musthavesufficientequipmentkeptwithintheregiontocontain/controlandcleanupaminimumvolumethatreacheswaterbasedonvesselsizein72hours

Musthavesufficientequipmentoperatingin72hourstocontain,control,andcleanupatleast60percentoftotalcargocapacity,lessprevention

credits.In-regionRPSvolume=300,000barrels(bbl)fortankerswithcargovolumegreaterthan500,000bbl[18AAC75.438(b)(2)

Volumeoflargesttanker(190,000DWT)1,300,311bbl

60percentofvolume[per18AAC75.438(c)]780.210bbl

Preventioncreditfortankerdoublehulls/bottoms-234,063bbl

TotalRPSVolume=546,147bblStateofAlaskaC-PlansmustidentifyresourcesandproceduressufficienttomeettheRPS.13TheymustincludescenariosthatdescribearesponsetothetwoRPSvolumes,aswellasprocedurestostopthespillatitssource,lighteroilfromastrickenvessel,mitigatefirerisk,tracktheslick,transferrecoveredfluids,storeandultimatelydisposeofrecoveredoilorothercontaminatedmaterials,rescuewildlife,andcleanuptheshoreline.14TheTankerC-Planalsodescribesshippercompliancewithfederalresponseregulations,15usingacross-referencetoshowtheapplicablesectionoftheplanorassociatedSERVSTechnicalManual.Theserequirementsincludeidentifyingsalvage,lightering,andfirefightingresources,aswellas818AAC75.438and18AAC75.438(c)9Thereisaseparatec-planfortheValdezMarineTerminalwhichalsoincludesresponsetospillsreachingthewater,withthesameassetsdesignatedforthatresponse.ThisreportfocusesontheTankerC-PlanbecauseitcoversthetankersthroughtheSoundandallaspectsoftheescortsystem.1018AAC75.430(a)1118AAC75.438.Theescortsystemisapreventionmeasure,butwheretherearemultiplepreventionmeasuresinplace,thetotalcreditgivenforpreventionmaynotexceed30percentofthevolume.1218AAC75.430(c)1318AAC75.425(a)1418AAC75.425(e)(1)(F)1533CFR155,SubpartD

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identifyingsufficientskimming,containment,andstorageassetstorespondtoaworst-casedischarge.16IntheTankerC-Plan,thescenariosassumethatopen-waterrecovery17willcontinuetobedeployedduringdarkness(RPG,2017).TheTankerC-Planalsoidentifiestheweatherandoceanographicconditionsthatwilllimittheresponsesystem.Table2identifiesthequantifiedrealisticmaximumresponseoperatinglimits(RMROL)formechanicalrecoveryasidentifiedintheTankerC-Plan.Otherconditionsthatmayaffectaresponseandareidentifiedbutnotquantifiedinclude:currents,precipitation,ice,anddarkness/fog.Table2.RMROLfromTankerC-PlanCondition RMROLper2017TankerC-PlanWindspeed 30-40knotsWaveheight 10feetVisibility 0.125nauticalmilesWindchill <15degreesFahrenheitairtemperature,windsof24-28

knotsResponseisconsideredtobeBATifitmeetstheRPS.18AsmeetingtheRPSisrequiredforADECapproval,responseequipmentisnotsubjecttotheBATanalysisrequiredforescortvesselsandothersystemelementsidentifiedintheregulations.However,thisprovisionreinforcestheimportanceofensuringthattheboom,skimmers,barges,storage,vessels,andotherresourcearesufficienttomeettheRPSrequirements.TheresponsesystemisdescribedintheTankerC-Plan,ValdezMarineTerminalOilDischargePreventionandContingencyPlan,andSERVSTechnicalManual.ResponseplanningscenariosrefertotacticsintheSERVSTechnicalManualwhichdescribehowequipmentandvesselswillbeconfiguredfordeploymentandpersonnelneedsforeach.RecommendationsareofferedinthisreportfordemonstratingtheeffectivedeploymentofresponsetacticswiththenewtugsandbargescomingintotheSound.2.1.2 AssumptionsRegardingBaselineVesselInspectionandClassificationThisreportassumesthatthenewvesselswillbeinspectedbytheU.S.CoastGuardandclassedbytheAmericanBureauofShipping(ABS),sowedonotdiscussrelatedevaluationcriteria.ECOhasindicatedthattheywilluseABSclassification.WhilethisistypicalforU.S.-builtvessels,wedonotethattherequirementsfor“escort”classificationwithABSarelessspecificandlessrigorousthanthoseundertakeninternationallybyDNVGLorLloyd’sRegister.More

1633CFR155.112017On-waterrecoveryisconductedinbothopen-water(usingthebargesdiscussedhere)andthenearshoreenvironment(primarilybyfishingandothervesselsbroughtintotheresponse).1818AAC75.445(k)(1)appliestoequipmentusedforcontainment,storage,transfer,andcleanup.

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informationmaybefoundin“IndustryandClassStandardsforEscortTugboats,”byLittleRiverMarineConsultants(2017).

3 DemonstrationofCapabilitiesforTransitionThissectionrecommendsanapproachtodemonstratingthatthenewassetsarecapableoffulfillingtheirnecessaryrolesinPrinceWilliamSound.Werecommenddoingsothroughacombinationofmodelingandsimulationswithon-watertrials.Indoingso,wedrawonfederalandstateregulatoryrequirementsaswellasprecedentsetinpreviousreviewsofnewequipmentinPrinceWilliamSound.3.1 PreventionFortheirspillpreventionrole,tugsmustmeetrequirementsforadualescortsysteminPrinceWilliamSound,establishedunderU.S.CoastGuardregulationsundertheOilPollutionActof1990.TheymustalsobetheBATfortheirrespectiverolesunderADECregulations.AfterdemonstratingthattugvesselsmeetABSandU.S.CoastGuardrequirements,wesuggestbothmodeling/simulationsandfielddemonstrations.Thesewouldbeusedintandem:

• Initialmodelingtoindicatethemaneuversthataremostlikelytobeeffective(andwhethertheywouldbeexpectedtostopatankerwithinthedistanceavailableindifferentpartsoftheSound)andinthefullrangeofwindandseaconditions,

• Full-scalefielddemonstrationswithtugsandtankerstovalidatethemodelresults,beginningincalmconditionsandworkinguptoatleast90thpercentileconditionsforbothwindandwavesbasedonSealRocksbuoydata,and

• On-goingexercisestosustainreadiness.(DiscussedinSection4.)Whilethereisprecedentforconductingfielddemonstrationsinclosureconditions(asdonewiththeOverseasOhioin2004),werecommendinthiscasethatfull-scalefielddemonstrationsshouldbedonefirstincalmconditions,thenrepeatedasneededinbuildingconditionsuntil90thpercentileconditionsforbothwindandwaves(basedonSealRocksbuoy)havebeendemonstrated.19(Thismayrequireseparateexercisestocoverbothwindconditionsandwave

19TheNationalDataBuoyCenter’sbuoy#46061nearSealRocksiswidelyacceptedasthemostconsistent,reliablesourceofobservationalmarinedataintheHinchinbrookEntrancearea.Itisusedtoestablishclosureconditionsforladentankers.Inusingthisdata,weacknowledgethattheNationalWeatherServicerecognizesthatmooredbuoystendtounder-reportsustainedwindspeedswhenlargeorsteepwavesarepresent.Sustainedwindspeedsarerecordedastheaveragewindovereightminutes.Theunder-reportingoccursfortworeasons:(1)inlargewaves,thebuoyisshieldedfromwindwheninthetrough,and(2)insteepwaves,thebuoywilltipsuchthattheanemometerisnolongerperpendiculartothesurfacewindandreportedwindspeedisreduced.Botheffectsareexacerbatedthehigherorsteeperthewavesbecome(Zingone,2004).BecauseoftheseeffectsaswellasthelocationofSealRocksbuoyinarelativelyshelteredlocation,itisestimatedthatwhenclosureconditionsof45-knotwindsor15-footseasarerecordedatSealRocksbuoy,actualconditionsintheadjacentGulfofAlaskacouldbe57-knotwindsor20-footsignificantwaveheight(RobertAllanLtd.,2016).

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conditions,whichwillnotnecessarilybeconcurrent.)Whilemodelingandcomputersimulationscaneasilyextendtoworst-caseconditions,fielddemonstrationsinroughconditionsraisesafetyconcerns,thoughalsoprovidevaluablecrewtrainingtoenhancesafety.20Althoughexercisingintheworstconditionsthatshipsareallowedtotransitwouldprovidethebestinformationandcontributetobuildingasafesystem,usingthe90thpercentileconditionsforHinchinbrookEntrancewillprovidethenecessaryinformationonforcesexertedandvesselperformancetovalidatethemodeling.AsTable3shows,the90thpercentileconditionsareactuallynotquitehalfwaybetweencalmandworstcaseconditions.Thisapproachmeansthataround10percentofthetimethroughouttheyear,conditionscanbeexpectedtobeworsethanthoseexercised.21Greaterthan90thpercentileconditionsareexceededapproximately20percentofthetimeinDecember,January,andFebruary(NDBC,2017).Tugswillstillbeexpectedtorespondaslongastankersareinthesystem.Basedon2013-2016datafromtheSealRocksbuoy,the90thpercentilewindspeedis21.58knotsandwaveheight12.2feet.22Whenrecommendinguseof90thpercentileconditionsthroughoutthisreport,weroundto22-knotwindsand12-footseas.Annualpercentilesfor2013-2016areshowninTable3.Table3.AnnualpercentilesforSealRocksbuoy(2013-2016data)

Percentile Averagewindspeed(knots)

Significantwaveheight(feet)

Min 0.00 0.0025th 5.83 3.6450th 10.30 5.5175th 15.75 8.5680th 17.30 9.4590th 21.58 12.295th 25.46 14.73Max 41.60 28.44

20Vesselcaptainsalwayshavethediscretiontostopanexerciseatanytimeduetosafetyconcerns.21Closureconditionsarereachedlessthan2percentofthetime,perthe2017TankerC-Plan.However,asclosureconditionsapplyonlytooutboundladentankerstransitingtheSound(Alyeska,2013),arescuemaybeneededinhigherconditionsforatankerinballasttransitingtheSound,orforatankerintheGulfofAlaskathatisnottransitingtheSoundwhetherladenorinballast.22ASmallCraftAdvisoryinAlaskaisdefinedas,“Sustainedwindsorfrequentgustsof23to33knots.Asmallcraftadvisoryforroughseasmaybeissuedforsea/waveconditionsdeemedlocallysignificant,basedonuserneeds,andshouldbenolowerthan8feet.”NWS,2014).TheEscortTugsandGeneralPurposeTugsarenotconsideredsmallcraft.

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3.1.1 DemonstratingminimumrequirementsfordualescortinPrinceWilliamSoundDualescortrequirement.TheU.S.CoastGuardrequiresadualescortforladentankersinPrinceWilliamSound.23Withninenewtugsandonenewutilityvessel,thenumberofSERVSvesselswillremainthesamewiththenewassets.Aslongasthecapabilityofeachvesseltypeisproven,theoverallnumberofvesselsindicatesthatthedualescortrequirementwillbemetandfurtherevaluationisunnecessary.Escortvesselperformancerequirements.U.S.CoastGuardregulationsspecifyminimumcapabilitiesforescortvessels.Thoserequirementsarethatthetwoescortscanachievethethreeperformancestandardsbelowworkingeitherseparatelyorintandem:24

1. Towingthetankerat4knotsincalmconditions,andholdingitinsteadypositionagainsta45-knotheadwind.

2. Holdingthetankeronasteadycourseagainsta35-degreelockedrudderataspeedof6

knots.

3. Turningthetanker90degrees,assumingafree-swingingrudderandaspeedof6knots,withinthesamedistance(advanceandtransfer)thatitcouldturnitselfwithahard-overrudder.

TheU.S.CoastGuardregulationsaresilentregardingexactlyhowthesecapabilitiesmustbeproven.Theyarealsosilentontheapplicableweatherconditions(exceptonereferencetowindspeed),geography(e.g.,ensuringthatatankercouldbetakenundercontrolwithinavailablesearoom),ortankersize.However,astheregulationsarepartoftherequirementforadualescortinPrinceWilliamSound,anyexercisetoqualifythetugunder33CFR168.50wouldbestbeexecutedinPrinceWilliamSound,utilizingthetankersthatthetugswillberesponsibleforescortingandtheconditionsinwhichtankerswillbeoperating.Theresultsoftheexercisesshouldbedocumented,andinformationusedtoinformtheactivitiesdescribedinthenextsection.Ifanexerciseisbeingconductedin45-knotwindstodemonstrateitem1,above,itcouldprovidehelpfulinformationtowardsvalidatingthemodelingsuggestedbelow.3.1.2 EnsuringtugescortsystemissufficientforPrinceWilliamSoundThenewvesselscomingtoPrinceWilliamSoundaredifferentdesignsthanthecurrentvessels.Theyareslightlymorepowerfulthanthecurrentvesselsandhaveupdatedfeaturesincludingrender-recoverwinches,loadmonitors,andintegratedforwardlookinginfrared

2333CFR168.40(a).Theregulationsdefine“escortvessel”as,“Escortvesselmeansanyvesselthatisassignedanddedicatedtoatankerduringtheescorttransit,andthatisfenderedandoutfittedwithtowinggearasappropriateforitsroleinanemergencyresponsetoadisabledtanker(33CFR168.05).Thiscouldincludeeitherthe“EscortTugs”(Damen4517)or“GeneralPurposeTugs”(Damen3212)vesselsbeingconstructedforPrinceWilliamSound.2433CFR168.50(b)(1-4).Thereisnorequirementat33CFR168(b)(2).

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(FLIR).However,itisjustasimportanttoverifytugandcrewcapabilitiesandidentifythemosteffectiverescuemaneuversashasbeendoneinthepast.InorderforthesystemtobesufficientforPrinceWilliamSound,itmustatminimummeetStateofAlaskarequirementsinadditiontotheU.S.CoastGuardrequirementsdiscussedabove. WhenthecurrenttugswereintroducedtoPrinceWilliamSoundin1999-2001,substantialprecedentwasestablishedthroughacollaborativeefforttodeterminethatthevesselswereBATatthattime(see“DevelopmentoftheCurrentPrinceWilliamSoundEscortSystem:Regulations,Analysis,andSystemEnhancements”byNukaResearchforadetaileddescriptionofthisprocess),ultimatelyresultinginanADECfindingthatthesystemwouldbeBATwiththe(then)newvessels.BecauseBATisexaminedduringeachcontingencyplanrenewal,ADEChasupheldthatfinding(ADEC,2017),thoughthismustberevisitedwhenanewTankerC-PlanissubmittedforrenewaldescribingthenewassetsoriftechnologychangeswarrantareconsiderationofBAT.ThepreviousapproachtoapprovingnewtugsasBATforPrinceWilliamSoundthereforeprovidesanapplicableprecedentfortheintroductionofnewtugsthistime.TheapproachfocusedonValdezNarrows25andHinchinbrookEntrance.BothareashavelimitedsearoomcomparedtootherpartsoftheSound.HinchinbrookEntranceisalsorecognizedforitspotentialhighwindsandseas.Werecommendasomewhatstreamlinedversionoftheapproachusedin1999-2001.Whereverpossible,informationgainedduringthe1999-2001processcanbeappliedtominimizetheeffortrequiredthistime.Forexample,worstcasetankertrajectorieshavealreadybeenestablished.Theapproachrecommendedinthisreportprovidesaconservative(withfielddemonstrationsinlessthanmaximumoperatingconditions)meansofassessingexpectedtugperformanceandcomparingthatperformancetothecurrentvessels(ETTandPRT).WhilethefirstBATcriteria–thattheescortvesselsbethebestinuseinsimilarsituations–clearlyintendsaconsiderationofescorttechnologiesglobally(andtheTankerC-PlandiscussessystemsinScotland;Newfoundland,Canada;andNorway)(RPG,2017),acomparisonoftheperformanceofproposednewvesselsprovidesaprudentminimumrequirementandmirrorstheprocessappliedinthepast.26TheanalysesrecommendedherearenotonlyrelevantverifyingthetugsasBAT,butwillalsoprovidecriticalinformationforthetankeroperatorsregardingthebestmaneuverstouseindifferentlocationsorsituations.Thesearedescribedinthe2013VERPforthecurrentsystem.Useestablishedworst-casetankertrajectoriesatHinchinbrookEntrancetoassesstugs.Worstcasetankertrajectorieshavealreadybeenestablished,includingwind,wave,andcurrentconditionsaswellasrudderfailure(seebelow).Asthescenarioparametersforworst-case25SpeedrestrictionsandtetheringwereputinplaceforValdezNarrowsfollowingthe1994DisabledTankerTowingStudyanalysis.(TheGlostenAssociates,Inc.,1993;1994)26WhenADECapprovedthecurrentETTsasBATin1999,theyofferedthereasoningthatthetugsrepresentedanimprovementoverthevesselsthathadbeeninplaceuntilthattime.Theyalsoindicatedthattheyhadconsideredtugtechnologymoreglobally,andwerenotawareofanythingbetteratthattime(ADEC,1999).

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trajectorieswerealreadydevelopedandagreedtobyAlyeska,ADEC,andPWSRCAC(underADEC’srequirements),andthetrajectoriesusedtodeterminethenecessaryrescueproceduresandcomparetheperformanceofdifferenttugsinachievingthoserescues,wedonotseeaneedtoconductadditionaltrajectoryanalysis.Thefollowingparameterswereusedforpreviousworstcasetrajectoryanalyses(RPG,2000):

• Tanker:211,000DWTladen(othersizesstudiedinpreviousanalyses)• Failurescenario:Rudderfails,followedbyshutdownofpropulsionat30seconds

(rudderfailuresbetween0–10degrees)• Tankerspeed:10knots• Winds:45and50knots;directionvariable(southeast,astern,headwind)• Waveheight:15feet;waveperiod13seconds(forHinchinbrookEntrance)and14.5

seconds(forGulfofAlaska)• Currents:Noneor2.5knots

Conductmodelingtoinformandestablishmaneuvers,includinginworstcasetrajectoryconditions.Modelingcanprovideaninitialindicationoftugperformancewithouttheexpenseorriskassociatedwithon-waterexercises.Establishingmaneuversbest-suitedtothetanker/tuginteractionsiscriticaltobothevaluatingsystemperformanceandtrainingoperators.Rapidsteeringassistancetoatankerrequiresthattheescorttugbetetheredtothesternofthetankertoapplysteeringand/orbrakingforcesintheeventofamechanicalfailure.Intheeventofafailure,thetugisutilizedtoreduceoff-tracktransferandtobegintomovethetankerawayfromahazard.Whenrapidassistisneeded,andexactlyhowitshouldbeexecutedisakeyaspectofdemonstratingthatcurrentproceduresestablishedforescortandrescueinPrinceWilliamSoundwillbeeffective(ordemonstratingothersifnewproceduresarewarrantedwiththenewtugs).Thereareseveraltypesofmodelingthathavebeenappliedpreviouslyandwillhavevalueinassessingthenewsystem:

• Computerhydrodynamicmodelsutilizemathematicalformulascreatedtomimicthereactionoftheshiptoexternalforcessuchastugsteeringandbrakingforces,wind,andseaconditions.Theoutputisaplotoftheship’sspeed,advanceandtransferduringtheexertionofexternalforces(Hensen,1997).Modelingconductedin2000establishedtheoff-trackdistanceswithinwhichatankercouldbebroughtundercontrolassumingbothrapidsteeringassist(within4minutes)aswellasa30-seconddelaybeforeanymitigationactionistaken(RPG,2000).Theseresultsallprovidemetricsthatcanbeusedwhenapplyingthenewtugstotheworst-casetrajectories.

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• Fullmissionbridgesimulationsincorporatevesseloperatorinputsthrougha"live"simulationusingactualvesselcontrols.Theinputsfromthecomputercombinedwiththecommandsgivenbythepersonhandlingthecontrolsprovidebothavisualrepresentationonasimulatedvesselbridgeandagraphicplotofthetrajectoryoftheshipduringtheexercise.

• Self-propelledscaledvesselmodelsinatesttankprovidereallifedataaboutthebehaviorandstabilityofthemodeledvesselinvariousmaneuveringscenarios.Tanktestscanbeusedtovalidateseakeepingpredictions,scaledforcesexertedonatankerduringindirectmaneuvers,andintactvesselstabilityduringtheoccurrenceofdeckedgeimmersion.

Table4indicatesrecommendationsforminimumtugmodelingfollowingthepriorapproach.

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Table4.Recommendationsforminimumtugmodelingandanalyses KeyAction Purpose1 Computer hydrodynamic modeling and full mission

bridge simulations of tanker control under both 45-knot winds and 15-foot seas as well as worst-case conditions based on the established worst-case trajectories established for Hinchinbrook Entrance. Should be conducted for any vessels serving escort roles at Hinchinbrook Entrance. (Escort Tug, General Purpose Tug, Ross Chouest)

Provide performance data on the capabilities of vessels to carry out the intended service through Hinchinbrook Entrance in both closure conditions (45-knot winds or 15-foot seas) and established worst-case wave period, wind direction, current speed, and direction using current TAPS tanker profiles.Establish the theoretical operating limitations for the tug to prevent a grounding until tanker is taken under tow.

2 Scale model testing of free running speed trials starting with calm water, then up to 20-foot sea state. Vessel should be in loaded condition (power vs. speed) at 10-16 knots. Use both bare hull and self-propelled model in ship model basin or towing tank. (Escort Tug, General Purpose Tug, Ross Chouest)

Determine response and escort speeds vs. sea state. Also to determine speed loss vs. power, acceleration, motion amplitude at critical working locations on board the tug, sea keeping, and deck wetness.

3 Computer hydrodynamic modeling and full mission bridge simulations of indirect steering and braking maneuvers in:

• Simulated calm water conditions • Worst-case conditions • Winds at intervals between calm and worst-

case, including different directions (ahead, astern abeam, on forward and aft quarters)

Vary vessel speeds: 6, 8, 10, and 12 knots. (Escort Tug, General Purpose Tug, Ross Chouest)

Establish approximate tow line forces, heel angle, deck wetness, and deck edge immersion parameters for safety of vessels and crews in addition to tanker advance and transfer distances. Identify any applicable limitations on safe operations in different conditions for the three vessels.

4 Self-propelled model testing of indirect steering and braking maneuvers in simulated varying sea states up to 10 feet and speeds of 6, 8, 10 knots. (Escort Tug, General Purpose Tug, Ross Chouest)

Establish approximate tow line forces, heel angle, deck wetness, and deck edge immersion parameters for safety of vessels and crews. This is a step towards validating the results of computer modeling.

5 Develop tug maneuvers (using rapid steering assist when warranted) based on model results. (Escort Tug, General Purpose Tug, Ross Chouest, according to how they would be used)

Determine best possible procedures for new vessels in all operating areas, including which roles each is suited for and any limitations (e.g., whether for small tankers only). Procedures may be the same as current procedures, but this needs to be demonstrated or any necessary changes identified.

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Conductfielddemonstrationstodemonstratetugrolesandcollectdatatovalidatemodeling.Bynecessity,modelingrequiresasimplificationofcomplexprocessesintomathematicalalgorithms.AsdocumentedintheDisabledTankerTowingStudy(Part2)(TheGlostenAssociates,Inc.,1994),computermodelingtendstoover-estimatetheactualperformanceofescorttugsbecauseitcannotpossiblyaccountforallvariables(e.g.,operatorability,difficultykeepingthevesselattheoptimumangleofattacktoproducemaximumtowlineforces,andvariableenvironmentalconditionsduringtheliveexercise).Fielddemonstrationsareanimportantwaytovalidatemodelresults,whilealsogivingcrewmembersavaluabletrainingopportunity.Notallfielddemonstrationsneedtoincludetankers:justdemonstratingthetug(orutility)vessel’sbehaviorinhighwindsandwavescanprovideusefuldataandunderstandingofavessel’scapabilitiesorpossiblelimitations.Theabilitytooperatesafelyinroughconditionsshouldbeconsideredaprerequisitetoassumingavesselandcrewcouldoperatesafelywhenmaneuveringaroundandattemptingtocontrolatankerinthosesameconditions.Thisinformationcanbeusedtovalidateanymodeledseakeepinganalyses.Full-scaletugfielddemonstrations–withatanker–shouldbeconductedinvarioussea,wind,andoperationalconditionsasdescribedineachoftheitemslistedinTable5.Thepurposeofallexerciseslistedistoverifyvesselsuitabilityandcrewskillincarryingoutappropriatesteeringandbrakingforcecapabilitymaneuversthatwouldbeusedthroughoutthetankertransitroute(bothtetheredandun-tetheredescorts).Theexercisescanalsoverifysteeringandbrakingforcepredictionsandwinchperformanceagainsttheforcesgenerated.DatashouldberecordedfromtheexercisetodemonstratetheproposedtugsasBAT(seenextstep)andtoreviseanymodelinputsifadditionalanalysesweretobedeemednecessary,thoughfurthermodelingshouldnotbeneededunlessthefielddemonstrationsindicateasignificantdeviationfromexpectedperformance.

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Table5.Recommendationsforminimumfielddemonstrationstovalidatemodelresultsanddemonstratetugcapability KeyAction Purpose1 Seakeeping exercises without a tanker in both 45-knot winds and

15-foot seas). (Escort Tug, General Purpose Tug, Ross Chouest)

Validate seakeeping analysis and model results regarding heel angle, deck wetness, and deck edge immersion parameters for safety of vessels and crews.

2 Conduct full scale demonstrations ofindirect steering and braking maneuvers in up to 90th percentile conditions based on Seal Rocks buoy and speeds at 6, 8, and 10 knots. (Escort Tug, General Purpose Tug)

Validate maneuvers developed based on model results. Document and collect data.

3 Conduct full scale exercises of the escort vessel(s) approaching, making up to, and towing a disabled laden tanker at 6 knots for a period of 30 minutes executing a 90 degree turn during the exercise, from both bow and stern in the Gulf of Alaska. This area is different from areas within the Sound due to the southerly fetch of the wind, length of time taken in the tug reaching the tanker, and attitude of the tanker in the seas by the time the tug arrives. Demonstrate in calm conditions and up to 90th percentile wind/waves based on Seal Rocks buoy. (Escort Tug, General Purpose Tug, Ross Chouest)


4 Test assist/oppose the turn maneuvers with loaded tanker using tugs in anticipated escort roles at 6, 8, and 10 knots. Demonstrate in calm conditions and up to 90th percentile wind/waves based on Seal Rocks buoy.(Escort Tug, General Purpose Tug, Ross Chouest)

Establish turning radius, course stability (ahead/astern), and indirect performance in varying sea state conditions.

5 Where TETHERED escort would be used, demonstrate indirect braking and steering maneuvers on a loaded tanker from a tethered position to:

• Oppose the turn • Assist the turn

Use Escort Tugs and General Purpose Tugs in anticipated escort roles at 6, 8, and 10 knots. Demonstrate in calm conditions and up to 90th percentile wind/waves based on Seal Rocks buoy.


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KeyAction Purpose6 Where UNTETHERED escort is used only, demonstrate indirect

braking and steering maneuvers from a close escort position (1/4-nautical mile) to:

• Oppose the turn • Assist the turn

Use Escort Tugs and General Purpose Tugs in anticipated escort roles at 6, 8, and 10 knots. Demonstrate in calm conditions and up to 90th percentile wind/waves based on Seal Rocks buoy.


CompareresultsoffielddemonstrationsandmodelingforproposedvesselstothosegeneratedforETTandPRTtodemonstratethatnewtugsandpersonnelmaintainorimprovethecurrentlevelofpreventioninPrinceWilliamSound.Sincetheprimarypurposeoftheescortsystemistopreventavesselgrounding,thecomparisonshouldbebasedontankeradvance,transfer,set,anddrift.TheVERP(2013)statesthatcomputermodelingindicatesanETTandPRT(currenttugs)togethercancontrolaladentankerupto211,000DWTwithinthemaximumallowableoff-trackdistanceof900feetby“opposingtheturn.”InValdezArm,anescortshouldbeabletocontrolthetankerby“assistingtheturn”within3,000feet.TheVERPidentifiesthemodelingresultsfor211,000DWTand90,000DWTtankersin40-knotwindsand6-9-footseasbothopposingandassistingthetankerturn(at6,8,and10knotspeeds).Thesearebasedoncomputermodelsimulationsassumingahard-overrudderandnocurrent.ThisinformationwillneedtobeupdatedfortheVERPanyway,asitprovidescriticalguidanceregardingtheprocedureswhereatugwouldorwouldnotbeexpectedtoachieveanoff-trackdistancetokeepthetankerwithinthesafetyzone.Basedonthisdata,theVERPrecommendsthatwhilethecurrenttugscancontrolthelargesttankerswithinthemaximumallowableoff-trackdistanceinValdezNarrows(at6knots),whenthetankerspeedsupinValdezArm(8or10knots),thestandardmaneuvershouldbeto“assisttheturn”inordertocontrolthetankerintime,asthe“opposetheturn”methodisnotlikelytowork.(Alyeska,2013)3.2 ResponseOntheresponseside,nomodelingisrequired.However,itwillbenecessaryforreplacementresponsecrewstodemonstratethattheycandeployequipmenttomeettheRPS.Thisincludesdeployingequipmentaccordingtothetimelineandconfigurations(tactics)describedintheTankerC-Planscenarios.Deploymentshouldbedemonstratedwithon-waterexercisesinconditionsuptoRMROL,shouldincludeelementsthatwillbenecessarytosustainoperationsforthenecessaryamountoftime(e.g.,crewshiftchangesfrombargeswithCurrentBustersdeployedalongside)andresponseindarknesswherethatisaplanningassumption(e.g.,useoflighting,FLIR,etc.).Initsmostrecentfindingsdocumentattheconclusionofthe2016-2017TankerC-Planreview,ADECindicatedacommitmenttocontinuingtoworkwithplanholdersto

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ensureoperationsindarknessareafocusoffutureexercisesandtraining,andtoevaluateoperationsinvariousweatherconditions(ADEC,2017).Exercisesduringthetransitionprocessprovideanexcellentopportunitytoexamineboth.Exercisesshouldalsobeusedtoassessthenumberandrequiredcompetenciesofpersonnelinvolvedineachactivity,andwhetherthenumberidentifiedintheTankerC-Planissufficient.Personnelareanexplicitelementofthedeploymentstrategiesthatmustbeidentified[18AAC75.445(c)].Additionally,asnotedpreviously,responseequipmentmustbedemonstratedtomeettheRPSinordertobeconsideredBAT.TherecommendedexerciseobjectivesinTables6and7belowcanbecombinedinoneormoreon-waterresponseexercises.(Thepurposeofalloftheseitemsisthesame:todemonstratetheabilitytomeettheRPSbasedonplanningassumptions,tacticconfigurations,personnel,andotherplanningassumptionsasdescribedintheTankerC-Plan.)Whilepracticeexercisesarerecommended,ultimatelytheseelementsshouldalsobedemonstratedinconditionsuptoRMROL.Becausenewequipmentprimarilyaffectsopen-waterrecovery,whichislargelybasedontheresponsebarges,thefishingvesselprogramthatcomprisesthemajorityofthenearshorerecoverysystemwillremainunchanged.

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Table6.Responsesystemelementstobedemonstrated–Openwaterrecoverysystems KeyAction Purpose1 Test timing for deployment of open-water response

barges at hypothetical spill site. Drill should be: - Under accepted weather conditions for

planning purposes (17-knot winds and 6 foot seas)

- Conducted in central or southern Prince William Sound

- Unannounced with no advance notice for prep on barges

Verifying how long it takes to get barges under tow and reach spill location is critical to meeting RPS. Unannounced drill.

2 Demonstrate deployment of all relevant on-water recovery tactics based on open-water response barges, in all conditions up to RMROL.27 Document any cases where either on-site mobilization or operations are impacted by conditions and would necessitate seeking coverage in sheltered areas.

Response equipment must be suitable for the RMROL conditions described in the plan. If this is not demonstrated in an on-water exercise, then acquired data will need to be extrapolated to determine if the RMROL calculations used in the plan are sufficient. If barges must transit to a protected location to deploy equipment in adverse weather conditions, determine effects on meeting RPS based on recovery time calculations used in plan.

3 Demonstrate decontamination procedures and equipment are in place for open-water recovery operations. Demonstrate use of a written plan describing set up and use of decontamination method for each barge, determine how many people are required to set it up and support its use, and determine how long it takes crews away from other duties. Decontamination should be set up prior to beginning recovery.

Verify adequacy of classroom training. Should be conducted in conjunction with #1 to ensure personnel numbers are adequate.

4 Verify skimmer operations, including skimmer disk speed rotation; debris removal; efficiency; impact of wind/waves, oil conditions, or debris on skimming operations; and operator competency. Document any limitations to skimmer operation. Operators should be asked how they determine when debris needs to be removed and demonstrate debris removal. This should take into consideration the different tactic configurations in which the barges could be used.

Determine personnel and equipment needed for all elements of the response as per the plan. Conduct up to RMROL conditions; could be done in conjunction with #2, above.

27Duringinitialtestingoftheprototypeopen-waterbargethereweresomechallengesdeployingtheboomandsettingtheskimmersintothepocketinotherthancalmconditions.

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KeyAction Purpose5 Demonstrate open-water recovery operations in

darkness with each barge. This element of the response cannot be taught to crews solely under classroom conditions, and includes ensuring all barges are adequately equipped. They should start with the basic elements of the response and advance until all functions of the response are carried out in darkness. If safety is called into question, then measures should be developed to ensure safety can be achieved in the event of an actual response, and those measures incorporated into the Tanker C-Plan.

Assess personnel capabilities. In order to be able to successfully carryout all response functions in times of darkness, multiple drills must be done during different seasons.

6 Demonstrate oil tracking to keep open-water barges in the thickest concentrations of oil. Include:

- Tug crew operating forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system and applying the information to adjust barge position

- Management of task force to maximize skimming operations

In a tabletop exercise, show decision making process needed to stay in the thickest oil by reacting to screen shots from the FLIR which depict oil on the water in various thicknesses. Additionally, demonstrate communication with the Task Force Leader and Unified Command. (It is not intended that oil would be released for this demonstration.)

7 Demonstrate ability to conduct atmospheric testing prior to (and during) a response. Atmospheric testing must continue in order to ensure that crews remain safe and operations can be sustained as planned.

Verify classroom training adequacy and determine crewing needs. Ensure resources and personnel are in place to conduct testing before response begins. Could be conducted with #1, above.

8 Demonstrate ability to offload open-water recovery barges safely and that all necessary equipment if available.

Verify classroom training adequacy, equipment, and determine crewing needs. Focus is on decision-making process, coordination with captain of receiving vessel, etc. Does not require actual offloading.

9 Demonstrate ability to decant free water from open-water barges and Valdez Star, if it remains part of planning assumptions. Includes:

- Verifying that decanting plan is on board (both barges and Valdez Star)

- Identify who is designated to implement decanting

- Assess any impact to other activities on recovery platforms (due to tankage issues or crew needs)

Verify classroom training adequacy, equipment, and determine crewing needs.

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KeyAction Purpose10 Demonstrate deployment of the Valdez Star both with

and without the secondary storage barge alongside. Includes:

- Operation of the skimming systems - Maneuvering with engines and thruster - Continual offloading to the secondary barge on

a real-time basis - Decanting - Debris removal from the hopper.

Requires deployment of support vessel used to maneuver storage barge (when barge used).

11 Demonstrate deployment of mechanical recovery from the Escort Tugs includes: - Deployment of containment boom

- Operation of the skimming systems

Demonstration of understanding of equipment and ability to deploy equipment.

12 Demonstrate deployment of the dispersant application booms from the Escort Tugs

Demonstration of understanding of equipment and ability to deploy equipment.

13 Demonstrate overall personnel numbers are adequate for the response to continue without stoppages due to crew fatigue or shortages during rest periods. Will require long-term exercise, and should include crew transfers on-and-off barges.

As noted, personnel numbers are critical to deploying the necessary equipment to meet the RPS.

14 Ensure adequate system and training in place to locate and transport additional crew to deployment on barges, based on the times specified in the plan. As described in the plan, for a major response crews will need to be brought in to backfill for the initial crews within a specified timeframe.

Could be a tabletop exercise.

15 All aspects of recovery based on response barges should be conducted in long period waves consistent with realistic conditions in the Gulf of Alaska.

Based on Gulf of Alaska Agreement (BP Oil Shipping Company and Alyeska Pipeline Services Company, 1999).

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Table7.Responsesystemelementstobedemonstrated–NearshoreSupport,Lightering,andDispersantApplication KeyAction Purpose1 Drill lightering/secondary nearshore support barge to ensure:

- Crew trained for both lightering from tanker and nearshore support, including offloading nearshore storage devices and decontamination

- Personnel numbers as identified in plan are adequate - All necessary components are onboard and in working condition for

both lightering and all necessary aspects of nearshore support (including offloading out-of-region nearshore storage devices)

- Lighting for night operations is adequate

Demonstrate ability to conduct lightering operations as required at 18 AAC 75.027 (offloading volume of largest tanker cargo tank in 24 hours)

2 Drill Nearshore Support Barge on time to get barge underway and ability to maneuver and anchor barge on site. Compare results to calculations used in the plan.

(Critical to RPS.)

3 Drill tug dispersant application to demonstrate crew ability to determine application rates, track oil, and use the tugs propulsion system to enhance mixing action should be significant components of the drill objectives.

Demonstrate compliance with 18 AAC 75. 425 (G): “If dispersant capabilities are to be considered for use during a response, all components of the system must be drilled to ensure it is a viable option.”

4 SustainingReadinessthroughDrillsandExercisesSustainingreadinessrequiresongoingtraining,bothtokeepskillsfreshandtoensurenewpersonnelareadequatelytrained.4.1 Prevention

EnsuringcrewsmanningtheEscortTugs,GeneralPurposeTugs,andRossChouestwillhavesufficienttrainingandskillstoexecutethemaneuverstomeettherequirementsof18AAC75.027(e)28isakeypartofthePrinceWilliamSoundTankerOilDischargePreventionandContingencyPlan(Part2PreventionPlan).

28Anescortvesselisavesselthatisassignedanddedicatedtoatankvesselduringatransitandiscapableofprovidingtheintendedescortservice.Thefunctionofescortvesselsistobeimmediatelyavailabletowarnofimpendingdanger,toassisttankvesselsincaseofemergencyandtoassistininitialoilspillresponse.

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TheTankerC-Plandefinesbasicguidelinesforthetrainingandcertificationoftheescortvesseloperatorsandcrew.Section2.1.1oftheTankerC-Plan,GeneralPreventionTrainingPrograms,29establishesaframeworkforrequiredtraininganddocumentation.AlthoughtheC-Planhasnotbeenupdatedtoreflectnewoilspillpreventionandresponseequipment,theprinciplesofensuringcompetencyremainsthesame.Bridge-watchpersonnelonboardthetankvesselmustcomplywithU.S.CoastGuardlicensingrequirements,includingStandardsofTraining,CertificationandWatchkeepingforSeafarers(STCW).Theymustalsoreceiveinteractivebridgemanagementcoursesandsimulatortraining.EscortVesselMastersandlicensedPilotsattendsimilartraining.TugMastersshouldcontinuetobepromotedfromChiefMatesoperatingonthesametypeofvessel.BeforeaMateisgivencommandofanescortvessel,thestandingMastermustsignoffthattheMateisfullycompetentinthefollowingareas:

• “Escortvesselfamiliarization,• Lightescortvesseloperationsunderway,• Maneuveringintoandawayfrommooringbuoys,• Maneuveringintoandawayfromdocksandvessels,• Performinginboundandoutboundescorts,• Performingtetheringmake-upontankvesselstern,• Performinguntetheringoperations,• StandingtetherwatchinValdezArmtoBlighReefandValdezHarborandNarrows,• Completingatetherexercisewithtankvessel,and• Managingandoperatingescortvesselasresponsibleoperator.”(RPG,2017)

ThecurrentTankerC-Planspecifiesperiodicdrillsandinspectionstoinclude:

• Quarterlydrillsandinspectionsoftankvesseltowingequipmentandpackages,• Aminimumoffourtowingdrillsannually,• Emergencytetheringexercises“throughouttheyear.”30(RPG,2017)

Inkeepingwiththegeneralframeworkdescribedabove,Table8recommendssimulatorandon-waterexercisesconductedregularly.Inaddition,licensedpersonnelmustbetrainedinutilizingallnavigationalelectronicsincludingFLIRDigitalSignalProcessingRADAR,ElectronicChartDisplayandInformationSystem(ECDIS),andautomaticradarplottingaid(ARPA).

2918AAC75.007(d)and.02030The2013VERPspecifiesthattowingdrillswillbeconductedfourtimesperyear.Italsodescribestetheredtugexercises,butdoesnotspecifythefrequency.AccordingtotheVERP,“tetheredtugexercises”areconductedwithahard-overrudder,enginefailureat6knots,anda60-secondnotificationdelay.Throughtheexercise,thetugisusedtore-establishheadingandsteerthetankerforfiveminutes(Alyeska,2013).

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Table8.Preventiontrainingfortug/escortoperators KeyAction Purpose Participants

1 Annual full-bridge simulator practice (in Alaska or elsewhere). Should also be conducted following any significant collision, allision, or grounding incident with a tug.

• Reinforce bridge resource management principles and practices during escort operations

• Review Escort Operating Policies and Procedures, escort tug configurations and capabilities, escort techniques and emergency response and procedures, and escort tug maneuvering

• Test qualifications of tug operators

Tug operators, tanker masters, and pilots

2 Documented Escort Vessel and General Purpose Tug operator training and certification program.

• Provides assurance that vessel personnel can communicate properly and work as a team

• Ensures proficiency and consistency of tug operators

• Familiarize tug operators with local operations and failure scenarios

• Build trust between entities

Masters/crew for General Purpose Tugs and Escort Tugs

3 Weekly tether exercises conducted in the Port of Valdez and mid-Sound utilizing steering and braking forces in various wind and sea conditions. (Each tug operator and tanker captain should participate in at least one exercise annually.)

Practice and demonstrate ability to use tugs in anticipated roles at 6, 8, and 10 knots.


4 Bi-monthly towing drills with laden tanker conducted in mid Prince William Sound. (Each tug operator and tanker captain should participate in at least one drill annually.)31

Practice and demonstrate ability to: • Stop tanker headway and swing • Tow from the tanker stern, or pass a towline to

the bow of the tanker • Tow at 6 knots for 30 minutes with a simulated

35 degree locked rudder or turning the tanker 90 degrees, assuming a free-swinging rudder within the same distance (advance and transfer) that it could turn itself with a hard-over rudder

Masters/crew for Escort Tugs and Ross Chouest

5 Quarterly firefighting exercises simulating a tanker, terminal, or Port fire.

Utilize tug FFV (monitors, deluge system, and shore connections) to practice the methods and tactics of supporting firefighting needs for marine fires


31NotethatthisfrequencyisspecifiedonceallcaptainsarefullytrainedinPrinceWilliamSound.

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4.2 ResponseTables6and7identifyexercisesneededtovalidateresponsereadinessrelatedtothenewECOequipmententeringPrinceWilliamSound.On-goingtrainingshouldplaythissamerole,thoughforthefullrangeofresponsesystems(e.g.,includingthefishingvesselprogram,outsidethescopeofthisstudy).Theexerciseobjectivesidentifiedaboveshouldbeconductedatleastannually,ensuringthatallpersonnelgainthenecessaryexperienceintherangeofconditions(RMROL,daylight/darkness,etc.)identified.Itwillalsobeimportantforeachshippertoengageinopen-waterbargeoffloadingandtankerlighteringspecifically,andoverallresponsemanagementasthepotentialresponsibleparty.

5 ConclusionADECisresponsibleforensuringcompliancewithStateofAlaskastatutesandregulations.SincenewlegislationwaspassedafterExxonValdez,Alaska’sregulationshavebeenakeydriverbehindthedevelopmentoftheworld-classoilspillpreventionandresponsesystemintheSound.Duringtheestablishmentofthecurrentoilspillpreventionandresponsesystem,ADECdeterminedwhatinformationwasnecessarytoensurethethen-newlyproposedsystemcouldmeetregulatoryrequirements.Thatprocessprovedsuccessful,andshapedthesystemthathasbeeninplacefornearlytwodecades.Significantchangestothatsystemarenowbeingproposed,soADECwillagainneedcompleteandreliableinformationtoensureregulatorymandatesaremet.Therecommendationsinthisreportarebasedonthekeyelementsoftheapproachappliedinthepast.ADECwillneedthisinformationtoensureregulatorymandatesaremet,andthattheresourcesandpeopleofAlaskaareprotected.Safetymustalwaysbetakenintoconsiderationwhenestablishingandtestingasuccessfulandreliableoilspillpreventionandresponsesystem.ThePWSshippershavecommittedthroughtheirState-approvedTankerC-Planthattheywillrespondtoadisabledtankerandcarryoutaspillresponseinallconditionsinwhichtankerswillbeoperating.Conductingexercisesintheconditionslistedinthisreportwillallowsafetyhazardstobeidentifiedundercontrolledsituationsratherthanunderthepressuresofconductingoperationsduringareal-timeeventinwhatcouldbefar-worseconditions.Thiswillallowsolutionstobedevelopedandcrewscanthenbetrainedtoremainsafe.Waitingtoexperienceunexpectedsafetyissuesduringareal-timeeventiscontradictorytosafetygoals.

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6 ReferencesAlaskaDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation(ADEC).(1999).LettertoPatrickCarney,RPG.BATDeterminationforPreventionResponseTugs.Valdez,AK.May12.AlaskaDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation(ADEC).(2016).Oildischargepreventionandcontingencyplanapplicationpackagereviewguidancedocument(Revision1).December.AlaskaDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation.(2017).PlanapprovalletterfromGrahamWoodtoFredericLeJeune,PolarTankers.February1.AlyeskaPipelineServiceCompany(APSC).(2013).Vesselescort&responseplan(VERP).April.BPOilShippingCompanyandAlyeskaPipelineServicesCompany.(1999).AgreementforGulfofAlaskaoilspillresponsepersonnelandequipment.ContractTAPS/6678.HarveyConsulting.(2006).December15,2005PrinceWilliamSoundtugfleetworkshopsummary.PreparedforPrinceWilliamSoundRegionalCitizens’AdvisoryCouncil.ContractNo.801.06.01.December.Hensen,Hank.(1997).Tuguseinport.NauticalInstitute,pp122-133.LittleRiverMarineConsultants.(2017).Industryandclassstandardsforescorttugboats.DevelopedforPrinceWilliamSoundRegionalCitizens’AdvisoryCouncil.ResponsePlanningGroup.(2017).PrinceWilliamSoundtankeroildischargepreventionandcontingencyplan.February.ResponsePlanningGroup.(2000).PrinceWilliamSoundtankeroildischargepreventionandcontingencyplan:Condition8–Bestavailabletechnologyanalysis.September.NationalDataBuoyCenter.(2017).Station46076(LLNR25982)–CapeCleare-17NMsouthofMontagueIs,AK.Historicaldata.Retrievedfrom:http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_history.php?station=46076NationalWeatherService.(2014).NationalWeatherServiceinstruction10-303:Marineandcoastalservicesstandardsandguidelines.Retrievedfrom:http://www.nws.noaa.gov/directives/sym/pd01003003curr.pdfNukaResearchandPlanningGroup,LLC.(2017).DevelopmentofthecurrentPrinceWilliamSoundescortsystem:Regulations,analysis,andsystemenhancements.DevelopedforPrinceWilliamSoundRegionalCitizens’AdvisoryCouncil.June.

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