FAQ: Fishing vessels and response

Q: What is the SERVS Fishing Vessel Program?

A: The Fishing Vessel Program, also called the Vessel of Opportunity Program, is a unique program managed by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company through the Ship Escort/Response Vessel System (SERVS). Alyeska contracts with about 350 vessels around Southcentral Alaska to provide oil spill response support.

Q: Where are the boats from?
A: Vessels come from six home-base ports; Valdez, Cordova, Whittier, Kodiak, Seward, and Homer.

Q: How did the program start?
The program started in 1990 to employ local residents in oil spill response, especially those working in the fishing industry. The boats and their crews are an integral part of Alyeska’s response readiness.

Q: How are vessel crews trained?
A: Every year, participating vessels complete rigorous training that lasts several days. Crews spend time learning oil spill and emergency response basics. They complete on-water, hands-on training and learn to operate skimmers, deploy boom, recover spilled product, and protect sensitive shorelines. Many vessels participate in additional drills and exercises throughout the year to ensure they are prepared to respond in case of an incident.

Q: How would fishing vessels work in a response?
A: In a marine oil spill response, fishing vessels assist with open water recovery in the thickest oil, nearshore protection, and wildlife capture and hazing. Some may also provide safety and logistical support.

Q: What if there aren’t enough fishing vessels trained for an active response? A: If needed, SERVS has a plan to quickly recruit and train additional fishing vessels and crew to support an ongoing incident.

Learn more about SERVS, the Fishing Vessel Program and more at https://alyeska-pipe.com/servs-ship-escort-response-vessel-system/.