The industry is also implementing new monitoring standards designed to detect leaks and corrosion. Although these spills occur rather infrequently, they comprise the bulk of oil spilled. To reduce pipeline leaks , the industry is now implementing new technology, like ultrasonic and electromagnetic devices, to detect thin spots in pipelines before a leak can form. They are also increasingly using temperature, flow, and pressure sensors along with remote transmitters to electronically analyze pipelines for leak detection. These new systems, which can detect leaks a small as 4 percent, allow the industry to quickly locate, and correct damaged pipeline, before large volumes of product are spilled.
Spills involving oil tankers and barges usually result from human error.
The industry is working to reduce these errors through tougher operating standards, procedures, and guidelines. They are especially focusing on remedying problems concerning crew fatigue, crew coordination, and inadequate training. The Industry is also upgrading it's existing tanker fleet with improved safety systems, including redundant electronic navigation and guidance systems, while replacing older tankers with new double-hull models equipped with redundant propulsion and steering systems. To be effective, the response to an oil spill must be fast enough to prevent the oil from weathering and reaching shore. To reduce their response times, the industry has designed special emergency response plans and formed several cooperatives that are designed to remedy spills by quickly dispatching an arsenal of boats, booms , skimmers , and other clean-up equipment to the accident site.