A new method is available which purports to stop the spread of major oil spills in offshore areas. It involves a floating ring-like device called Protection Ring Offshore Environment (PROE) that encircles the drilling rig. It has a curtain suspended vertically from the ring bottom that is designed to retain the oil spill. PROE is self-propelled and is submersible, meaning it is able to ‘chase’ oil spills if necessary. When not in use it can be submerged 50-ft. below marine surface traffic. It may also be divided into several parts in case the spill accumulates in several areas.