In response to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, an executive order was issued
by the governor of Alaska mandating every laden tanker be escorted by two tugs
through Prince William Sound to Hinchinbrook Entrance. The order also called
for Alyeska to revise the oil spill contingency plan for Prince William Sound.
As the plan evolved, SERVS became the cornerstone of oil spill prevention and
response in the Sound. Every year since 1989, Alyeska has added materials,
equipment and personnel dedicated solely to oil spill prevention and response
in the Sound. More than 250 men and women are employed by SERVS at its base in
Valdez and the Marine Terminal.
The mission of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company's Ship Escort/Response Vessel
System (SERVS) is to prevent oil spills by assisting tankers in safe navigation
through Prince William Sound, and to protect the environment by providing
effective response services to the Valdez Marine Terminal and Alaska crude oil
shippers, in accordance with oil spill response agreements and plans.
SERVS is considered to be one of the best oil spill prevention and response
forces in the world. With input from the Regional Citizens Advisory Council
(RCAC), the State of Alaska and the U. S. Coast Guard, SERVS has grown steadily
over the last five years to meet the requirements of the Prince William Sound
Tanker Spill Prevention and Response Plan, which has been amended to
accommodate new state and congressional oil spill legislation.
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