This practice can be used by surveillance and tracking staff to report visual observations to the clients of visual observations. The data produced from such observations will provide the basis for preparing maps of the oil-slick location.

This practice provides a procedure for reporting the visual observation of oil on water in a systematic manner and in a common format that can be readily understood by both observers and users of visual oil-spill observation maps.

This practice deals with the possibility that materials other than oil might be confused with oil when using visual observation methods.

1.1 This practice covers methods of reporting and recording visual observations of oil on water and related activities and phenomena.

1.2 This practice applies only to visual observations of oil on water from an airplane or helicopter. While a similar set of codes could be used for classifying oil on beaches, this subject is not discussed in this practice. It does not cover the use use of remote-sensing equipment from aircraft, which is discussed in a separate standard.

1.3 This practice is applicable for all types of oil under a variety of environmental and geographical situations.

1.4 Visual observations of oil on water from the air involve a number of safety issues associated with the operation of airplanes or helicopters at low altitudes. These are not dealt with in this practice, but the observer should be aware of the hazards of such operations.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.