The new generation of advanced coast protection vessels to deal with potential emergencies. Towing and pollution control ships are intended to prevent disasters such as the ERIKA and PRESTIGE pollution accidents happening again. They should have sufficient towing force to prevent a stricken vessel grounding or drifting ashore causing an oil spill, and a comprehensive oil recovery outfit. This includes oil booms and sweeping arms to direct floating oil to a variety of skimmer systems that can collect oil of different viscosities. They can have also other capabilities, including rescue, firefighting, salvage and support for divers.
See also Oil spill combatment vessel ARCA, Oil spill recovery ship, Pollution and accident control ship NEUWERK.