Abstract: A skimmer is provided for removing oil spilled on the surface of a body of water. The skimmer has a hull which is submersible in the water and a coupler on the nose of the hull for coupling the skimmer to a towing vehicle. A surge tank is located within the hull for receiving oil and water skimmed from the surface. A funnel positioned on top of the skimmer and extending through the hull has an inlet end positionable in the spilled oil and an outlet end extending into the surge tank. In one embodiment the inlet end comprises a pivotable head that is held level with the surface of the liquid by an attached float. A conveyor within the funnel controls the flow of oil and water into the surge tank. A sensor at the funnel inlet controls a hydraulic jack located between the funnel and the hull to position the inlet in the oil on the water's surface. A conduit is provided between the surge tank and a conduit coupler on the rear of the hull for use in pumping oil out of the surge tank and into an outside conduit.