Oil industry experts have been offering training to individuals helping with the cleanup of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

According to the Evansville Courier Press, Illinois-based firm Elastec American Marine has been offering oil training to BP personnel, boat captains and others in the area to help respond to the crisis.

The company reports that seven of its employees have helped the cleanup operation after crews using its patented fire boom system burned off an estimated 160,000 barrels of crude before it reached the US shore.

Chief financial officers Jeff Bohleber told the newspaper that some of the burn operations have lasted for 12 hours, while one burned off 30,000 barrels of oil.

"Our crews are getting more and more experienced and we're now utilizing multiple vessels in the in-situ burning operations," Mr Bohleber said.

He added that Elastec is manufacturing more equipment in Florida and Illinois to help with the cleanup operation.

Reports suggest BP is now hoping to raise $50 billion to invest in the operation and in oil training for workers - double the amount previously revealed.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development