The strategies listed in Table 10.18 can best be implemented using specific tactics. These tactics are illustrated separately in Figs. 10.84–10.93 and summarized in Table 10.19. Each of these tactics has specific advantages and limitations [84].

The well-known tactic of using towed fire boom to collect and burn oil directly in the boom is shown in Fig. 10.84 [84]. As with all booms, this technique has a relative current limitation of 0.4 m/s (0.7 knots) before oil is lost under or over the boom. This can be overcome on the open ocean by towing at the relative velocity, despite the surface current. This means that if the actual current exceeds 0.4 m/s (0.7 knots), the boom tow could be slipping down current. Another limitation of this method is that the fire could propagate to the source of the oil or endanger the tow boats and their crew.

Collecting the oil separately, towing the boom away from a nonburning source, and then burning the oil is shown in Figs. 10.85 and 10.86. This approach prevents the fire from spreading to the oil source. Another advantage is that the oil can be collected using a conventional boom and then transferred to a fire-resistant boom for actual burning. Since fire-resistant boom is more expensive and harder to deploy than conventional boom, this option has some practical and economic benefits. The use of towed boom to protect amenities from a burning source of oil is shown in Fig. 10.87. Using anchored boom to burn oil is shown in Fig. 10.88. This tactic poses no risk to tow boats and their crew. The boom may not maintain correct alignment with the wind and current, however, and the relative velocity of the surface current and the boom are also considerations.

The use of anchored deflection boom to direct oil away from amenities or toward burn areas is shown in Fig. 10.89. The burning of oil against shoreline is shown in Fig. 10.90. This can only be done if there is no combustible material such as trees and buildings on the shoreline. In addition, highly adhesive oil residue may be left on the shoreline, which may be difficult to remove. Burning oil in ice is illustrated in Fig. 10.91. The natural containment of ice can serve to thicken oil sufficiently for ignition and burning to take place. This technique has often been used to burn oil spills in the Arctic.

Oil can be contained in shallow water using a temporary steel boom as shown in Figs. 10.92 and 10.63. The boom is constructed of corrugated steel sheets and metal stakes. As a portion of the corrugated steel is in the water, heat is dissipated and the sheet metal should remain intact long enough for the oil to be burned. It is important to stress that this method has not been extensively tested and backups should be in place in case of failure.

Finally, burning uncontained oil is shown in Fig. 10.93. While this method is simple and economical, the oil must be thick enough to support ignition and burning, which is rare for most uncontained spills of crude oil.