Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus to be used in open water for removing an oil layer by towing a generally V-shaped and floating catching means (1, 2, 3) through the water, one arm (3) consisting of a barge comprising a driven pump (13) for sucking the oil collected near the apex of the catching means (2, 3) and for discharging this oil/water mixture into the barge; the water collecting near the bottom of the barge (2) is removed until the barge is mainly filled with oil; hereafter the filled barge is substituted by an empty one and the sweeping action may be continued.