Bermuda's ability to deal with an oil disaster at sea is being boosted by a $100,000 study of the tides.

The in-depth computerised research is being carried out by scientists at the Bermuda Biological Station.

And their efforts were recently helped by a $25,000 grant from the Exxon Corporation.

Local general manager of Esso Bermuda, Mr. Keith Hollis, presented the cheque to Bio Station director Dr. Tony Knap, on behalf of Exxon.

Dr. Knap is masterminding the two-phase study and is being helped by Mr.

Rodney Johnson, a graduate student scientist from Swansea in Wales.

The research, once complete, will give information about tidal flows, and wind patterns. All the data will be on a computer.

Part of the study involves placing two $14,000 current meters offshore.

Left out in the ocean for between two weeks and a month, these would record such things as the direction of currents, said Dr. Knap.

They would be deployed in places like Fort St. Catherine and the east end channels.

Dr. Knap said the Bio Station had already collected information about tides, but this would now have to be validated as part of the first phase of the study.

The second phase would probably involve incorporating the techniques of Florida State University on determining tide flows.

Mr. Hollis said the research would leave Bermuda much better prepared in coping with such disasters as an oil spillage.

He added Esso Bermuda, on behalf of Exxon, was very pleased to contribute to the study.

GOING WITH THE TIDE -- Bermuda Biological Station director Dr. Tony Knap (right) and local general manager of Esso Bermuda, Mr. Keith Hollis, pore over a map as they discuss the tidal study.