This guide is to be used to assist in the selection of containment boom in accordance with water body classifications.

A small number of key parameters that generally affect boom performance have been used in Table 1, in order to enable the user to readily identify general criteria for boom selection.

Many factors, other than those listed in Table 1, may be important in selecting containment boom for a particular application. Such factors include: flotation element length, wave length, the effect of stronger than minimum required strength members, shock loads, abrasion resistance, stability in roll, resistance to bridging, interval between anchor points and hand holds, use of reflectors or lighting, compatibility with fresh or salt water, and resistance to sunlight exposure.

The values given in Table 1 are the recommended minimums for general purpose booms. As identified in 2.3, operational considerations may require trade-offs in boom properties. Special purpose booms, and general purpose booms used in special circumstances, may perform effectively with boom property values above or below those recommended in Table 1.

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.