Wave-quelling Oil
Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2012 6:24 pm
Hi
To be honest I had never heard this until I was reading a book by Mark McShane called Neutral Shores, which I'm reviewing.
In the notes he states that "Wave-Quelling oil was used to dampen the effects of waves around lifeboats. A canvas bag filled with this oil was attached to the sea anchor. When in the water the oil would leak out through a hole in the bags cork top and float around the lifeboat. This would have the effect of reducing the wave height and the sea spray"
Now I understand the basic premise of how and why this would work. However beyond that I have no specific information, such as:-
i. Were all lifeboats both civilian and naval given this aid amongst there on board stores
ii. What was the physical size of this device and qty of oil therein
iii. What were its operating parameters, in that isn't going to dampen a big wave, but it may subdue some minor ones
iv.How long did it last for
v. Is it still used today
Regards
To be honest I had never heard this until I was reading a book by Mark McShane called Neutral Shores, which I'm reviewing.
In the notes he states that "Wave-Quelling oil was used to dampen the effects of waves around lifeboats. A canvas bag filled with this oil was attached to the sea anchor. When in the water the oil would leak out through a hole in the bags cork top and float around the lifeboat. This would have the effect of reducing the wave height and the sea spray"
Now I understand the basic premise of how and why this would work. However beyond that I have no specific information, such as:-
i. Were all lifeboats both civilian and naval given this aid amongst there on board stores
ii. What was the physical size of this device and qty of oil therein
iii. What were its operating parameters, in that isn't going to dampen a big wave, but it may subdue some minor ones
iv.How long did it last for
v. Is it still used today
Regards