What was once an oil rig is transformed into a permanent artificial reef, attracting the organisms that provide food for dozens of different kinds of fish and marine life. Every effort is made to transport oil and its refined products in a way that protects the environment and the energy America needs. Shipping companies and their crews have an enhanced commitment to safety. Training has been increased and navigation improved by electronic charting systems API helped develop. In many areas, state regulations require tugboats to escort tankers to help the vessels maneuver in case of steering loss.
More inspections also ensure safety.
Every year, tanks on ships like those carrying crude oil from Alaska to Washington state and California are inspected for leaks. And every two years, these tankers go into dry dock. There, the whole ship is out of the water, the engine is taken apart, pipelines are replaced, and pumps are repaired and replaced. Marine Spill Response Corporation. The industry recognizes that despite all the precautions it takes, accidents still can happen.