An experimental investigation was performed to determine the drift velocities of oil slicks and the pile up of oil layers against barriers in the presence of water waves. Other investigations of the drift response were made by substituting thin plastic sheets in place of the oil slicks. Parameters were developed which govern these movements. Discrepancies in the literature between drift of oil lenses and the "Stokes' drift" were solved. It was discovered that the boundary layer between the drifting oil slick and wave motion has turbulent character and is not laminar as was derived from theory and assumed to be the case.