How can small oil spills on deck be prevented from going overboard?

Plugging the scuppers is a well-established method to prevent small oil spills on deck from flowing overboard. Scuppers are drainage holes designed to remove excess water from the deck; however, if an oil spill occurs, these holes can inadvertently allow the spill to wash off the deck into the water. By temporarily plugging these scuppers, any oil that is spilled can be contained on the deck, allowing for further cleanup efforts to take place before it has a chance to enter the marine environment.

While absorbent pads are effective for cleaning up small spills, they do not prevent the oil from escaping initially. Containment booms are useful for preventing spills from spreading in the water once they have escaped but do not stop oil from going overboard at the source. Dispersants are chemicals that help break down oil in the water, but they are not a preventive measure and are typically applied after a spill has occurred. Therefore, plugging the scuppers provides a proactive approach to managing oil spills on deck securely.