BP will host a vessel of opportunity training at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 7 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front, 12 Via de Luna Drive on Pensacola Beach.

Participants in the "Vessel of Opportunity" program assist the response by manning boats in a variety of activities, including transporting supplies, assisting with wildlife rescue, as well as towing and deploying absorbent booms.

The training covers such areas as oil spill response safety, boom towing and handling, and vessel coordination. In addition to the training, operators need to meet some key requirements including passing a dockside examination by the U.S. Coast Guard and meeting crewing requirements based on the size of the vessel provided to qualify for the program.

Eligible vessels will be compensated for their assistance.