Apparatus and method for separating and removal of floating pollutants from a water surface

A skimmer craft for removal of a layer of oil or other floating pollutants from the surface of a body of water including a pair of spaced-apart pontoons with a horizontal floor plate extending between the pontoons. A sump box is positioned at the rear of the skimmer plate or floor and defines a fixed water exit with the sump. The floor and sump are vertically adjustable as a unit. The sump box has a horizontally-extending weir through which oil may enter into the sump. The sump includes a comminutor unit which will reduce and break-up agglomerations in the oil. Propulsion units are positioned along the sides of the pontoons and at the bow and stern of the vessel at predetermined locations. The propulsion units may be selectively operated to establish a controlled flow pattern to direct water and the associated oil layer into the floatation pool where the oil layer is skimmed off and directed into the sump. The propulsion units are also operable to pilot the craft.