The US Coast Guard plans to form a working group to improve the Vessel of Opportunity Program in Florida.
The Vessel of Opportunity Program employs private boat owners and their crews to help in the oil gusher response across the Gulf.
To date, more than 2,700 vessels have been hired through the VoO program and are working to perform a variety of important tasks, including deploying and monitoring containment boom, transporting equipment and personnel and surface and subsurface surveillance.
The VoO program hires vessels of all sizes - with a priority placed on commercial vessels that make their living on the sea.
Compensation depends on the size of the vessel and ranges from $1,200-$3,000 per day.
Crew members are paid $200 per eight-hour shift.
The program has received much criticism from local commercial fishermen who say the program has not allowed all eligible fishermen to take part and also hires too many out of state boaters who do not have knowledge of local waterways.
US Coast Guard Commander Joe Boudrow heard those concerns at a community meeting with commercial fisherman and other community members in Apalachicola last week and afterwards announced the formation of a working group to deal with the issues.
The new working group will be composed of commercial fisherman, community leaders, along with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard and BP to ensure that local residents continue to participate in the VoO program and to streamline the hiring process.
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