Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (20), a system and a method for collecting material from a water system, and the use of the apparatus (20) as an oil-combating device or rescue device. The apparatus (20) can be arranged to float and be moveable on the water surface (1). The apparatus comprises a cargo space (2) for storing the collected material, a collecting platform (12) connected to the cargo space, over which platform the water of the water system and/or material to be collected from it is arranged to pass before passing into the cargo space, water exhaustion means (5) for removing water from the cargo space, means (11) for adjusting the height of the collecting platform as desired in relation to the level of the water surface of the water system, at least one ballast tank (3) to control the draught of the cargo space as desired and/or means (7) for controlling the effect of the water exhaustion means.