This practice is to be used as a guide to classify water bodies for spill control systems. These classifications may be used in formulating standards for design, performance, evaluation, contingency and response planning, contingency and response plan evaluation, and standard practice for spill control systems.

Relatively few parameters of broad range have been used in Table 1 in order to enable the user to readily identify general conditions under which spill control systems can be used.

Satisfactory operation of any specific spill control systems may not extend over the full range of conditions identified by Table 1. Detailed discussion with systems suppliers is recommended.

Effective operation of oil spill control equipment depends on many factors, of which the prevailing environmental conditions are just a few. Factors such as, but not limited to, deployment techniques, level of training, personnel performance, and mechanical reliability can also affect equipment performance.