FWC encourages boaters to slow down in areas of oil cleanup efforts
News Release
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Media contact: Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585
Because of the large number of oil-containment
booms and cleanup equipment being deployed around the state in
response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Boating and Waterways
Section is asking boaters to slow down where oil cleanup is under
way.
The FWC encourages all boaters to operate at slow
speed within 300 feet of all authorized booms. Boaters operating
near any oil-containment booms or cleanup equipment should exercise
extreme caution and comply with all applicable navigational rules.
Oil-skimming equipment is large and cumbersome, and it is
restricted in its ability to maneuver. As a result, boaters should
be prepared to stay clear of these vessels when operating near
them.
Failure to operate at slow speed in these areas
could result in injury, damage to vessels and damage to the
containment booms. Additionally, the wake that results from a
vessel operating above slow speed in areas where a boom has been
deployed can reduce the effectiveness of the boom, resulting in
further environmental damage.
FWC officers and local marine units will be on the
water encouraging boaters to operate at slow speed in those areas
where cleanup efforts are under way.
For more information, go to MyFWC.com/Boating.
Persons with Disabilities