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Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters

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PART 156—OIL AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TRANSFER OPERATIONS 

Section Contents

Subpart A—Oil and Hazardous Material Transfer Operations

§ 156.100 Applicability.

§ 156.105 Definitions.

§ 156.107 Alternatives.

§ 156.110 Exemptions.

§ 156.111 Incorporation by reference.

§ 156.112 Suspension order.

§ 156.113 Compliance with suspension order.

§ 156.115 Person in charge: Limitations.

§ 156.118 Advance notice of transfer.

§ 156.120 Requirements for transfer.

§ 156.125 Discharge cleanup.

§ 156.130 Connection.

§ 156.150 Declaration of inspection.

§ 156.160 Supervision by person in charge.

§ 156.170 Equipment tests and inspections.

Subpart B—Special Requirements for Lightering of Oil and Hazardous Material Cargoes

§ 156.200 Applicability.

§ 156.205 Definitions.

§ 156.210 General.

§ 156.215 Pre-arrival notices.

§ 156.220 Reporting of incidents.

§ 156.225 Designation of lightering zones.

§ 156.230 Factors considered in designating lightering zones.

Subpart C—Lightering Zones and Operational Requirements for the Gulf of Mexico

§ 156.300 Designated lightering zones.

§ 156.310 Prohibited areas.

§ 156.320 Maximum operating conditions.

§ 156.330 Operations.

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231, 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3703a, 3715; E.O. 11735, 3 CFR 1971–1975 

Comp., p. 793. Section 156.120(bb) is also issued under 46 U.S.C. 3703. 

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Subpart A—Oil and Hazardous Material Transfer Operations 

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§ 156.100 Applicability. 

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This subpart applies to the transfer of oil or hazardous material on the navigable waters or contiguous 

zone of the United States to, from, or within each vessel with a capacity of 250 barrels or more; except 

that, this subpart does not apply to transfer operations within a public vessel. 

[CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990] 

§ 156.105 Definitions. 

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Except as specifically stated in a section, the definitions in §154.105 of this chapter apply to this subpart. 

[CGD 90–071a, 59 FR 53291, Oct. 21, 1994] 

§ 156.107 Alternatives. 

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(a) The COTP may consider and approve alternative procedures, methods, or equipment standards to 

be used by a vessel or facility operator in lieu of any requirements in this part if: 

(1) Compliance with the requirement is economically or physically impractical; 

(2) The vessel or facility operator submits a written request for the alternative at least 30 days before 

operations under the alternative are proposed, unless the COTP authorizes a shorter time; and 

(3) The alternative provides an equivalent level of safety and protection from pollution by oil or 

hazardous material, which is documented in the request. 

(b) The COTP takes final approval or disapproval action on any alternative requested, in writing, within 

30 days of receipt of the request. 

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990] 

§ 156.110 Exemptions. 

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(a) The Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, acting for the 

Commandant, may grant an exemption or partial exemption from compliance with any requirement in 

this part, and the District Commander may grant an exemption or partial exemption from compliance 

with any operating condition or requirement in subpart C of this part, if: 

(1) The vessel or facility operator submits an application for exemption via the COTP at least 30 days 

before operations under the exemption are proposed, unless the COTP authorizes a shorter time; and 

(2) It is determined, from the application, that: 

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(i) Compliance with a specific requirement is economically or physically impractical; 

(ii) No alternative procedures, methods, or equipment standards exist that would provide an equivalent 

level of safety and protection from pollution by oil or hazardous material; and 

(iii) The likelihood of oil or hazardous material being discharged as a result of the exemption is minimal. 

(b) If requested, the applicant must submit any appropriate information, including an environmental and 

economic assessment of the effects of and reasons for the exemption and proposed procedures, 

methods or equipment standards. 

(c) The exemption may specify the procedures, methods, or equipment standards that will apply. 

(d) An exemption is granted or denied in writing. The decision of the Assistant Commandant for Marine 

Safety, Security and Environmental Protection is a final agency action. 

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 88–052, 53 FR 25122, July 1, 1988; 

CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990; CGD 93–081, 60 FR 45017, Aug. 29, 1995; CGD 96–026, 

61 FR 33666, June 28, 1996; CGD 93–056, 61 FR 41461, Aug. 8, 1996; CGD0 97–023, 62 FR 33364, 

June 19, 1997; USCG–2002–12471, 67 FR 41333, June 18, 2002] 

§ 156.111 Incorporation by reference. 

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(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the 

Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that 

specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of the change in the 

 Federal Register ; and the material must be available to the public. All approved material is available for 

inspection at the U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Compliance (CG–543), 2100 2nd St. SW., Stop 7581, 

Washington, DC 20593–7581 and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 

information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: 

http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. All approved 

material is available from the sources indicated in paragraph (b) of this section. 

(b) The material approved for incorporation by reference in this part and the sections affected are as 

follows: 

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)

15th Floor, 96 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5JW, England. 

Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Petroleum), Second Edition, 1988—156.330. 

International Chamber of Shipping

12 Carthusian Street, London EC1M 6EB, England. 

Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations, Third Edition, 1989—156.330. 

[CGD 93–081, 60 FR 45017, Aug. 29, 1995, as amended by CGD 96–026, 61 FR 33666, June 28, 

1996; 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004; USCG–2008–0179, 73 FR 35015, June 19, 2008; USCG–2010–0351, 

75 FR 36285, June 25, 2010] 

§ 156.112 Suspension order. 

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The COTP or OCMI may issue a suspension order to suspend transfer operations to the vessel or 

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facility operator when the COTP or OCMI finds there is a condition requiring action to prevent the 

discharge or threat of discharge of oil or hazardous material, or when the COTP or OCMI is unable to 

verify compliance with the regulations through an inspection. A suspension order: 

(a) May be effective immediately; 

(b) Is issued in writing unless it is effective immediately and then it may be issued orally and followed up 

in writing; 

(c) Includes a statement of each condition requiring correction to— 

(1) Prevent the discharge of oil or hazardous material; or 

(2) Comply with §154.735 of this chapter; and 

(d) Is withdrawn when the COTP, OCMI, or District Commander, as applicable, determines that the 

condition requiring action to prevent the discharge or threat of discharge of oil or hazardous material has 

been corrected or no longer exists. 

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990] 

§ 156.113 Compliance with suspension order. 

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(a) No vessel or facility operator to whom a suspension order has been issued may conduct transfer 

operations from the time the order is effective until that order is withdrawn by the applicable COTP, 

OCMI, or by the District Commander. 

(b) The vessel or facility operator may request reconsideration of the suspension order either orally or in 

writing to the COTP or OCMI who issued it. The request may contain supporting documentation and 

evidence that the vessel or facility operator wishes to have considered. 

(c) Any person not satisfied with a ruling made under the procedure contained in paragraph (b) of this 

section may appeal that ruling in writing, except as allowed under paragraph (e) of this section, to the 

Coast Guard District Commander of the district in which the suspension order was issued. The appeal 

may contain supporting documentation and evidence that the appellant wishes to have considered. The 

appeal does not stay the effect of the suspension order while the COTP or OCMI ruling is being 

reviewed. The District Commander issues a ruling after reviewing the appeal. 

(d) The ruling by the District Commander is final agency action. 

(e) If the delay in presenting a written appeal under paragraph (c) of this section would have a significant 

adverse impact on the appellant, the appeal may initially be presented orally. If an initial presentation of 

the appeal is made orally, the appellant must submit the appeal in writing within five days of the oral 

presentation to the District Commander to whom the oral appeal was made, containing, at a minimum 

the basis for the appeal and a summary of the material presented orally. 

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990] 

§ 156.115 Person in charge: Limitations. 

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(a) No person may serve as the person in charge of transfer operations on more than one vessel at a 

time during transfers between vessels or between two or more vessels and a facility unless authorized 

by the COTP. 

(b) No person may serve as the person in charge of both a vessel and a facility during transfer 

operations unless authorized by the COTP. 

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[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990] 

§ 156.118 Advance notice of transfer. 

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(a) The COTP may require a facility operator to notify the COTP of the time and place of each transfer 

operation at least 4 hours before it begins for facilities that: 

(1) Are mobile; 

(2) Are in a remote location; 

(3) Have a prior history of oil or hazardous material spills; or 

(4) Conduct infrequent transfer operations. 

(b) In the case of a vessel to vessel transfer, the COTP may require a vessel operator of a lightering or 

fueling vessel to notify the COTP of the time and place of each transfer operation, as specified by the 

COTP, at least 4 hours before it begins. 

(c) No person may conduct such transfer operations until advance notice has been given as specified by 

the COTP. 

Note: The notification may be accomplished by submitting a written schedule, periodically 

updated to be current.

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990] 

§ 156.120 Requirements for transfer. 

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A transfer is considered to begin when the person in charge on the transferring vessel or facility and the 

person in charge on the receiving facility or vessel first meet to begin completing the declaration of 

inspection, as required by §156.150 of this part. No person shall conduct an oil or hazardous material 

transfer operation unless: 

(a) The vessel's moorings are strong enough to hold during all expected conditions of surge, current, 

and weather and are long enough to allow adjustment for changes in draft, drift, and tide during the 

transfer operation; 

(b) Transfer hoses and loading arms are long enough to allow the vessel to move to the limits of its 

moorings without placing strain on the hose, loading arm, or transfer piping system; 

(c) Each hose is supported to prevent kinking or other damage to the hose and strain on its coupling. 

(d) Each part of the transfer system is aligned to allow the flow of oil or hazardous material; 

(e) Each part of the transfer system not necessary for the transfer operation is securely blanked or shut 

off; 

(f) The end of each hose and loading arm that is not connected for the transfer of oil or hazardous 

material is blanked off using the closure devices required by §§154.520 and 155.805 of this chapter; 

(g) The transfer system is attached to a fixed connection on the vessel and the facility except that when 

a vessel is receiving fuel, an automatic back pressure shutoff nozzle may be used; 

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(h) Each overboard discharge or sea suction valve that is connected to the vessel's transfer or cargo 

tank system is sealed or lashed in the closed position; except when used to receive or discharge ballast 

in compliance with 33 CFR Part 157; 

(i) Each transfer hose has no unrepaired loose covers, kinks, bulges, soft spots, or any other defect 

which would permit the discharge of oil or hazardous material through the hose material and no gouges, 

cuts, or slashes that penetrate the first layer of hose reinforcement (“reinforcement” means the strength 

members of the hose, consisting of fabric, cord and/or metal); 

(j) Each hose or loading arm in use meets §§154.500 and 154.510 of this chapter, respectively; 

(k) Each connection meets §156.130; 

(l) Any monitoring devices required by §154.525 of this chapter are installed and operating properly; 

(m) The discharge containment equipment required by §154.545 of this chapter is readily accessible or 

deployed as applicable; 

(n) The discharge containment required by §§154.530, 155.310, and 155.320 of this chapter, as 

applicable, is in place and periodically drained to provide the required capacity; 

(o) Each drain and scupper is closed by the mechanical means required by §155.310; 

(p) All connections in the transfer system are leak free except that a component in the transfer system, 

such as the packing glands of a pump, may leak at a rate that does not exceed the capacity of the 

discharge containment provided during the transfer operation; 

(q) The communications required by §§154.560 and 155.785 of this chapter are operable for the transfer 

operation; 

(r) The emergency means of shutdown required by §§154.550 and 155.780 of this chapter, as 

applicable, is in position and operable; 

(s) There is a person in charge on the transferring vessel or facility and the receiving vessel or facility 

except as otherwise authorized under §156.115; 

(t) Each person in charge required by paragraph (s) of this section: 

(1) Is at the site of the transfer operation and immediately available to the transfer personnel; 

(2) Has in his or her possession a copy of the facility operations manual or vessel transfer procedures, 

as appropriate; and 

(3) Conducts the transfer operation in accordance with the facility operations manual or vessel transfer 

procedures, as appropriate; 

(u) The personnel required, under the facility operations manual and the vessel transfer procedures, to 

conduct the transfer operation: 

(1) Are on duty; and 

(2) Conduct the transfer operation in accordance with the facility operations manual or vessel transfer 

procedures, as appropriate; 

(v) At least one person is at the site of the transfer operation who fluently speaks the language or 

languages spoken by both persons in charge; 

(w) The person in charge of the transfer on the transferring vessel or facility and the person in charge of 

it on the receiving vessel or facility have held a conference, to ensure that each person in charge 

understands— 

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(1) The identity of the product to be transferred; 

(2) The sequence of transfer operations; 

(3) The transfer rate; 

(4) The name or title and location of each person participating in the transfer operation; 

(5) Details of the transferring and receiving systems including procedures to ensure that the transfer 

pressure does not exceed the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) for each hose assembly, 

loading arm and/or transfer pipe system; 

(6) Critical stages of the transfer operation; 

(7) Federal, state, and local rules that apply to the transfer of oil or hazardous material; 

(8) Emergency procedures; 

(9) Discharge containment procedures; 

(10) Discharge reporting procedures; 

(11) Watch or shift arrangement; 

(12) Transfer shutdown procedures; and, 

(13) If the persons use radios, a predetermined frequency for communications during the transfer, 

agreed upon by both. 

(x) The person in charge of transfer operations on the transferring vessel or facility and the person in 

charge of transfer operations on the receiving vessel or facility agree to begin the transfer operation; 

(y) Between sunset and sunrise the lighting required by §§154.570 and 155.790 of this chapter is 

provided; and 

(z) For transfer operations between tank barges from sunset to sunrise, lighting is provided as described 

in §155.790 of this chapter. 

(aa) A transfer operation which includes collection of vapor emitted from a vessel's cargo tanks through 

a venting system not located on the vessel must have the following verified by the person in charge: 

(1) Each manual valve in the vapor collection system is correctly positioned to allow the collection of 

cargo vapor; 

(2) A vapor collection hose or arm is connected to the vessel's vapor connection; 

(3) The electrical insulating device required by §154.810(g) of this chapter or 46 CFR 39.40–3(c) is fitted 

between the facility vapor connection and the vessel vapor connection; 

(4) The initial loading rate and the maximum transfer rate are determined; 

(5) The maximum and minimum operating pressures at the facility vapor connection are determined; 

(6) The tank barge overfill control system, if installed, is connected to the facility, tested, and operating 

properly; 

(7) The following have been performed not more than 24 hours prior to the start of the transfer operation: 

(i) Each alarm and automatic shutdown system required by subpart E of part 154 of this chapter and 46 

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CFR part 39 has been tested and found to be operating properly, and 

(ii) Analyzers required by §154.820(a), §154.824 (d) and (e) of this chapter or 46 CFR 39.40–3(a) have 

been checked for calibration by use of a span gas; 

(8) Each vapor recovery hose has no unrepaired loose covers, kinks, bulges, soft spots, or any other 

defect which would permit the discharge of vapor through the hose material, and no external gouges, 

cuts, or slashes that penetrate the first layer of hose reinforcement; and 

(9) The oxygen content of the vessel's cargo tanks, if inerted, is at or below 8 percent by volume. 

(bb) If the transfer operation involves loading oil, as defined in §151.05 of this chapter, into a cargo tank, 

the overfill device required by §155.480 of this chapter is installed and operating properly. 

(cc) Smoking is not permitted in the facilities marine transfer area except in designated smoking areas. 

(dd) Welding, hot work operations and smoking are prohibited on vessels during the transfer of 

flammable or combustible materials, except that smoking may be permitted in accommodation areas 

designated by the master. 

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1625–0039) 

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 88–102, 55 FR 25445, June 21, 1990; 

CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990; CGD 90–071a, 59 FR 53291, Oct. 21, 1994; CGD 93–056, 

61 FR 41461, Aug. 8, 1996; CGD 79–116, 62 FR 25127, May 8, 1997; USCG–2001–9046, 67 FR 

58524, Sept. 17, 2002; USCG–2006–25150, 71 FR 39210, July 12, 2006; 73 FR 79316, Dec. 29, 2008] 

§ 156.125 Discharge cleanup. 

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(a) Each person conducting the transfer operation shall stop the transfer operation whenever oil or 

hazardous material from any source is discharged: 

(1) In the transfer operation work area; or 

(2) Into the water or upon the adjoining shoreline in the transfer area. 

(b) Except as permitted under paragraph (c) of this section, no person may resume the transfer 

operation after it has been stopped under paragraph (a) of this section, unless: 

(1) Oil or hazardous material discharged in the transfer operation work area is cleaned up; and 

(2) Oil or hazardous material discharged into the water or upon the adjoining shoreline is cleaned up, or 

is contained and being cleaned up. 

(c) The COTP may authorize resuming the transfer operation if it is deemed appropriate. 

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990] 

§ 156.130 Connection. 

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(a) Each person who makes a connection for transfer operations shall: 

(1) Use suitable material in joints and couplings to ensure a leak-free seal; 

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(2) Use a bolt in at least every other hole, and in no case less than four bolts, in each temporary bolted 

connection that uses a flange that meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard flange 

requirements under §154.500(d)(2) of this chapter; 

(3) Use a bolt in each hole in each temporary bolted connection that uses a flange other than one that 

meets ANSI standards; 

(4) Use a bolt in each hole of each permanently connected flange; 

(5) Use bolts of the correct size in each bolted connection; and 

(6) Tighten each bolt and nut uniformly to distribute the load and sufficiently to ensure a leak free seal. 

(b) A person who makes a connection for transfer operations must not use any bolt that shows signs of 

strain or is elongated or deteriorated. 

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, no person may use a connection for transfer 

operations unless it is: 

(1) A bolted or full threaded connection; or 

(2) A quick-connect coupling acceptable to the Commandant. 

(d) No person may transfer oil or hazardous material to a vessel that has a fill pipe for which 

containment cannot practically be provided unless an automatic back pressure shutoff nozzle is used. 

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36256, Sept. 4, 1990] 

§ 156.150 Declaration of inspection. 

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(a) No person may transfer oil or hazardous material to or from a vessel unless each person in charge, 

designated under §§154.710 and 155.700 of this chapter, has filled out and signed the declaration of 

inspection form described in paragraph (c) of this section. 

(b) No person in charge may sign the declaration of inspection unless he or she has determined by 

inspection, and indicated by initialling in the appropriate space on the declaration of inspection form, that 

the facility or vessel, as appropriate, meets §156.120. 

(c) The declaration of inspection may be in any form but must contain at least: 

(1) The name or other identification of the transferring vessel or facility and the receiving vessel or 

facility; 

(2) The address of the facility or location of the transfer operation if not at a facility; 

(3) The date and time the transfer operation is started; 

(4) A list of the requirements in §156.120 with spaces on the form following each requirement for the 

person in charge of the vessel or facility to indicate by initialling that the requirement is met for the 

transfer operation; and 

(5) A space for the date, time of signing, signature, and title of each person in charge during transfer 

operations on the transferring vessel or facility and a space for the date, time of signing, signature, and 

title of each person in charge during transfer operations on the receiving facility or vessel certifying that 

all tests and inspections have been completed and that they are both ready to begin transferring 

product; and 

(6) The date and time the transfer operation is completed. 

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(d) The form for the declaration of inspection may incorporate the declaration-of-inspection requirements 

under 46 CFR 35.35–30. 

(e) The vessel and facility persons in charge shall each have a signed copy of the declaration of 

inspection available for inspection by the COTP during the transfer operation. 

(f) The operators of each vessel and facility engaged in the transfer operation shall retain a signed copy 

of the declaration of inspection on board the vessel or at the facility for at least 1 month from the date of 

signature. 

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36256, Sept. 4, 1990; 

CGD 93–056, 61 FR 41461, Aug. 8, 1996] 

§ 156.160 Supervision by person in charge. 

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(a) No person may connect or disconnect a hose, top off a tank, or engage in any other critical 

procedures during the transfer operation unless the person in charge, required by §156.120(s), 

supervises that procedure. 

(b) No person may start the flow of oil or hazardous material to or from a vessel unless instructed to do 

so by either person in charge. 

(c) No person may transfer oil or hazardous material to or from a vessel unless each person in charge is 

in the immediate vicinity and immediately available to the transfer personnel. 

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36256, Sept. 4, 1990] 

§ 156.170 Equipment tests and inspections. 

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(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, no person may use any equipment listed in 

paragraph (c) of this section for transfer operations unless the vessel or facility operator, as appropriate, 

tests and inspects the equipment in accordance with paragraphs (b), (c) and (f) of this section and the 

equipment is in the condition specified in paragraph (c) of this section. 

(b) During any test or inspection required by this section, the entire external surface of the hose must be 

accessible. 

(c) For the purpose of paragraph (a) of this section: 

(1) Each nonmetallic transfer hose must: 

(i) Have no unrepaired loose covers, kinks, bulges, soft spots or any other defect which would permit the 

discharge of oil or hazardous material through the hose material, and no gouges, cuts or slashes that 

penetrate the first layer of hose reinforcement as defined in §156.120(i). 

(ii) Have no external deterioration and, to the extent internal inspection is possible with both ends of the 

hose open, no internal deterioration; 

(iii) Not burst, bulge, leak, or abnormally distort under static liquid pressure at least 11/2times the 

maximum allowable working pressure; and 

(iv) Hoses not meeting the requirements of paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section may be acceptable after a 

static liquid pressure test is successfully completed in the presence of the COTP. The test medium is not 

required to be water. 

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(2) Each transfer system relief valve must open at or below the pressure at which it is set to open; 

(3) Each pressure gauge must show pressure within 10 percent of the actual pressure; 

(4) Each loading arm and each transfer pipe system, including each metallic hose, must not leak under 

static liquid pressure at least 11/2times the maximum allowable working pressure; and 

(5) Each item of remote operating or indicating equipment, such as a remotely operated valve, tank level 

alarm, or emergency shutdown device, must perform its intended function. 

(d) No person may use any hose in underwater service for transfer operations unless the operator of the 

vessel or facility has tested and inspected it in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(4) of this section, 

as applicable. 

(e) The test fluid used for the testing required by this section is limited to liquids that are compatible with 

the hose tube as recommended by the hose manufacturer. 

(f) The frequency of the tests and inspections required by this section must be: 

(1) For facilities, annually or not less than 30 days prior to the first transfer conducted past one year from 

the date of the last tests and inspections; 

(2) For a facility in caretaker status, not less than 30 days prior to the first transfer after the facility is 

removed from caretaker status; and 

(3) For vessels, annually or as part of the biennial and mid-period inspections. 

(g) If a facility or vessel collects vapor emitted from a vessel cargo tank with a vapor control system, the 

system must not be used unless the following tests and inspections are satisfactorily completed: 

(1) Each vapor hose, vapor collection arm, pressure or vacuum relief valve, and pressure sensor is 

tested and inspected in accordance with paragraphs (b), (c), and (f) of this section; 

(2) Each remote operating or indicating device is tested for proper operation in accordance with 

paragraph (f) of this section; 

(3) Each detonation arrester required by §154.820, §154.826(a), and §154.828(a) of this chapter or 46 

CFR 39.40–3(d), and each flame arrester required by §154.826(a), §154.828 (a) and (c) of this chapter 

has been inspected internally within the last year, or sooner if operational experience has shown that 

frequent clogging or rapid deterioration is likely; and 

(4) Each hydrocarbon and oxygen analyzer required by §154.820(a) and §154.824 (d) and (e) of this 

chapter or 46 CFR 39.40–3(a) is calibrated: 

(i) Within the previous two weeks, or 

(ii) Within 24 hours prior to operation when the vapor control system is operated less frequently than 

once a week. 

(h) Upon the request of the owner or operator, the COTP may approve alternative methods of 

compliance to the testing requirements of paragraph (c) of this section if the COTP determines that the 

alternative methods provide an equal level of protection. 

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1625–0095) 

[CGD 75–124, 45 FR 7177, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 88–102, 55 FR 25445, June 21, 1990; 

CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36256, Sept. 4, 1990; CGD 93–056, 61 FR 41461, Aug. 8, 1996; USCG–2006–

25150, 71 FR 39210, July 12, 2006] 

Subpart B—Special Requirements for Lightering of Oil and Hazardous Material Cargoes 

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Source: CGD 78–180, 49 FR 11172, Mar. 26, 1984, unless otherwise noted. 

§ 156.200 Applicability. 

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This subpart applies to each vessel to be lightered and each service vessel engaged in a lightering 

operation in the marine environment beyond the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured 

when the oil or hazardous material lightered is destined for a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of 

the U.S. This subpart does not apply to lightering operations involving public vessels, or to the dedicated 

response vessels and vessels of opportunity in accordance with the National Contingency Plan (40 CFR 

parts 9 and 300) when conducting response activities. These rules are in addition to the rules of subpart 

A of this part, as well as the rules in the applicable sections of parts 151, 153, 155, 156, and 157 of this 

chapter. 

[CGD 93–081, 60 FR 45017, Aug. 29, 1995] 

§ 156.205 Definitions. 

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(a) In addition to the terms defined in this section, the definitions in §154.105 of this chapter apply to this 

subpart and to subpart C. 

(b) As used in this subpart and subpart C: 

Lightering or Lightering operation means the transfer of a cargo of oil or a hazardous material in bulk 

from one vessel to another, including all phases of the operation from the beginning of the mooring 

operation to the departure of the service vessel from the vessel to be lightered, except when that cargo 

is intended only for use as fuel or lubricant aboard the receiving vessel. 

Marine environment means— 

(1) The navigable waters of the United States; 

(2) The waters of an area over which the United States asserts exclusive fishery management authority; 

and 

(3) The waters superadjacent to the Outer Continental Shelf of the United States. 

Service vessel means the vessel which receives a cargo of oil or a hazardous material from another 

vessel in a lightering operation. 

Vessel to be lightered means the vessel which transports a cargo of oil or a hazardous material to a 

place within the marine environment for transfer of that cargo to another vessel for further transport to a 

port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term “vessel to be lightered” does not 

include drilling rigs, or offshore supply vessels transferring cargo intended for use as fuel or lubricant 

aboard the receiving vessel. 

Work includes any administrative duties associated with the vessel whether performed on board the 

vessel or onshore. 

[CGD 78–180, 49 FR 11172, Mar. 26, 1984, as amended by CGD 86–034, 55 FR 36256, Sept. 4, 1990; 

CGD 90–052, 58 FR 48436, Sept. 15, 1993; CGD 93–081, 60 FR 45017, Aug. 29, 1995] 

§ 156.210 General. 

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(a) No vessel may transfer oil or hazardous materials in a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the 

United States, if the cargo has been lightered from another vessel, unless: 

(1) The regulations in this subpart have been complied with; 

(2) Both the vessel to be lightered and service vessel have, on board, at the time of transfer, a valid 

Certificate of Inspection, Certificate of Compliance, or a Tank Vessel Examination Letter, as would have 

been required under 46 U.S.C. 3710 or 3711, had the transfer taken place in a port or place subject to 

the jurisdiction of the United States; 

(3) The delivering and receiving vessels have on board at the time of transfer, evidence that each vessel 

is operating in compliance with section 311(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321

(j)) and applicable regulations issued under the authority of section 311(j) in the form of a Declaration of 

Inspection as required by §156.150 and a vessel response plan if required under part 155 of this 

chapter; and 

Note: Under 46 U.S.C. 3715, the delivering and receiving vessels must have on board at the 

time of transfer, a Certificate of Financial Responsibility that would be required if the transfer 

had taken place in a location subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Regulations concerning 

Certificates of Financial Responsibility for vessels using the navigable waters of the U.S. are 

in part 130 of this chapter.

(4) The vessel to be lightered has on board, at the time of transfer, an International Oil Pollution 

Prevention (IOPP) Certificate or equivalent documentation of compliance with Annex I of the 

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 

1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78), as would be required by part 151 of this chapter for vessels in 

navigable waters of the United States. The IOPP Certificate or documentation of compliance shall be 

that prescribed by §§151.19 and 151.21 of this chapter, and shall be effective under the same timetable 

as specified in §151.19. 

(b) Lightering operations involving hazardous materials, other than oil, may be conducted only with the 

specific approval of the Commandant. A request to lighter hazardous materials, other than oil, must be 

submitted to Commandant (CG–5) prior to the planned beginning of lightering operations. The request 

must include the information described in §156.215(a) to the extent known, for the initial transfer, and 

the estimated frequency of subsequent lightering operations. After the entry into force of Annex II to 

MARPOL 73/78, vessels lightering hazardous materials shall carry an International Pollution Prevention 

Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk (1973), if required by Annex II to 

MARPOL 73/78, or equivalent documentation of compliance with the annex. 

(c) In an emergency, the COTP, upon request, may authorize a deviation from any rule in this part if the 

COTP determines that its application will endanger persons, property, or the environment. 

(d) On vessels conducting lightering operations in a designated lightering zone, an officer or seaman 

may not work, except in an emergency or a drill, more than 15 hours in any 24-hour period, or more than 

36 hours in any 72-hour period, including the 24-hour and 72-hour periods prior to commencing 

lightering operations. 

[CGD 78–180, 49 FR 11172, Mar. 29, 1984, as amended by CGD 88–052, 53 FR 25122, July 1, 1988; 

CGD 90–052, 58 FR 48436, Sept. 15, 1993; CGD 93–081, 60 FR 45017, Aug. 29, 1995; USCG–2002–

12471, 67 FR 41333, June 18, 2002; USCG–2006–24371, 74 FR 11212, Mar. 16, 2009; USCG–2010–

0351, 75 FR 36285, June 25, 2010] 

§ 156.215 Pre-arrival notices. 

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(a) The master, owner or agent of each vessel to be lightered must give at least 24 hours advance 

notice to the Captain of the Port nearest the lightering location or zone, prior to arrival in the lightering 

location or zone. This advance notice must include: 

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(1) The vessel's name, call sign or official number, and registry: 

(2) The cargo type (if oil) or shipping name (if hazardous material) and approximate amount on board; 

(3) The number of transfers expected and the amount of cargo expected to be transferred during each 

transfer; 

(4) The lightering location or zone to be used; 

(5) The estimated time of arrival in the lightering location or zone; 

(6) The estimated duration of transfer operations; and 

(7) The name and destination of service vessel(s). 

(b) In the event the estimated time of arrival in the lightering location or zone changes by more than six 

hours, the Master, owner or agent of each vessel to be lightered must advise the Captain of the Port of 

this change as soon as possible. 

(c) Where lightering is conducted as a result of collision, grounding, tank rupture or any similar 

emergency, immediate notice must be given to the Captain of the Port. 

(d) In addition to the other requirements in this section, the master, owner, or agent of a vessel that 

requires a Tank Vessel Examination (TVE) or other special Coast Guard inspection in order to lighter in 

a designated lightering zone must request the TVE or other inspection from the cognizant Captain of the 

Port at least 72 hours prior to commencement of lightering operations. 

[CGD 78–180, 49 FR 11172, Mar. 26, 1984, as amended by CGD 90–052, 58 FR 48437, Sept. 15, 

1993; CGD 93–081, 60 FR 45017, Aug. 29, 1995] 

§ 156.220 Reporting of incidents. 

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(a) An immediate report must be made to the nearest Captain of the Port, by the service vessel, if fire, 

explosion, collision, grounding or any similar emergency, which poses a threat to the vessels involved, 

occurs during lightering. 

(b) Any discharge of oil or hazardous material into the water shall be reported, by the service vessel, in 

accordance with the procedures specified in §151.15 of this chapter. 

§ 156.225 Designation of lightering zones. 

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The District Commander is delegated the authority to designate lightering zones and their operating 

requirements, where they are necessary for safety or environmental protection. When a lightering zone 

has been designated, lightering operations in a given geographic area may only be conducted within the 

designated lightering zone. 

§ 156.230 Factors considered in designating lightering zones. 

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The following factors are considered in designating a lightering zone: 

(a) The findings of the environmental analysis or, if prepared, the Environmental Impact Statement; 

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(b) The proximity of the zone to: 

(1) Shipping lanes; 

(2) Vessel traffic schemes or vessel separation systems; 

(3) Anchorages; 

(4) Fixed structures; 

(5) Designated marine sanctuaries; 

(6) Commercial and recreational fishing areas; 

(7) Environmentally sensitive areas; and 

(8) Designated units of the National Park System, National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, National 

Wilderness Preservation System, properties included on the National Register of Historic Places and 

National Registry of Natural Landmarks, and National Wildlife Refuge System. 

(c) The traditional use of areas for lightering operations; 

(d) The normal weather and sea conditions in the areas, and their effect on lightering operations, and 

the fate of possible cargo discharges; 

(e) The depth of water and underwater obstructions that may adversely impact anchorages and 

clearance of vessels; 

(f) Other relevant safety, environmental, or economic data. 

Subpart C—Lightering Zones and Operational Requirements for the Gulf of Mexico 

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Source: CGD 93–081, 60 FR 45017, Aug. 29, 1995, unless otherwise noted. 

§ 156.300 Designated lightering zones. 

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The following lightering zones are designated in the Gulf of Mexico and are more than 60 miles from the 

baseline from which the territorial sea is measured: 

(a) Southtex—lightering zone. This lightering zone and the geographic area for this zone are 

coterminous and consist of the waters bounded by a line connecting the following points beginning at: 

Latitude N. Longitude W.

27°40'00", 93°00'00", thence to

27°40'00", 94°35'00", thence to

28°06'30", 94°35'00", thence to

27°21'00", 96°00'00", thence to

26°30'00", 96°00'00", thence to

26°30'00", 93°00'00", and thence to the point of beginning.

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(NAD 83) 

(b) Gulfmex No. 2—lightering zone. This lightering zone and the geographic area for this zone are 

coterminous and consist of the waters bounded by a line connecting the following points beginning at: 

(NAD 83) 

(c) Offshore Pascagoula No. 2—lightering zone. This lightering zone and the geographic area for this 

zone are coterminous and consist of the waters bounded by a line connecting the following points 

beginning at: 

(NAD 83) 

(d) South Sabine Point—lightering zone. This lightering zone and the geographic area for this zone are 

coterminous and consist of the waters bounded by a line connecting the following points beginning at: 

(NAD 83) 

§ 156.310 Prohibited areas. 

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Lightering operations are prohibited within the following areas in the Gulf of Mexico: 

(a) Claypile—prohibited area. This prohibited area consists of the waters bounded by a line connecting 

the following points beginning at: 

Latitude N. Longitude W.

27°53'00", 89°00'00", thence to

27°53'00", 91°30'00", thence to

26°30'00", 91°30'00", thence to

26°30'00", 89°00'00", and thence to the point of beginning.

Latitude N. Longitude W.

29°20'00", 87°00'00", thence to

29°12'00", 87°45'00", thence to

28°39'00", 88°00'00", thence to

28°00'00", 88°00'00", thence to

28°00'00", 87°00'00", and thence to the point of beginning.

Latitude N. Longitude W.

28°30'00", 92°38'00", thence to

28°44'00", 93°24'00", thence to

28°33'00", 94°00'00", thence to

28°18'00", 94°00'00", thence to

28°18'00", 92°38'00", and thence to the point of beginning.

Latitude N. Longitude W.

28°15'00", 94°35'00", thence to

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(NAD 83) 

(b) Flower Garden—prohibited area. This prohibited area consists of the waters bounded by a line 

connecting the following points beginning at: 

(NAD 83) 

(c) Ewing—prohibited area. This prohibited area consists of the waters bounded by a line connecting the 

following points beginning at: 

(NAD 83) 

§ 156.320 Maximum operating conditions. 

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Unless otherwise specified, the maximum operating conditions in this section apply to tank vessels 

operating within the lightering zones designated in this subpart. 

(a) A tank vessel shall not attempt to moor alongside another vessel when either of the following 

conditions exist: 

(1) The wind velocity is 56 km/hr (30 knots) or more; or 

(2) The wave height is 3 meters (10 feet) or more. 

(b) Cargo transfer operations shall cease and transfer hoses shall be drained when— 

(1) The wind velocity exceeds 82 km/hr (44 knots); or 

(2) Wave heights exceed 5 meters (16 feet). 

27°40'00", 94°35'00", thence to

27°40'00", 94°00'00", thence to

28°33'00", 94°00'00", and thence to the point of beginning.

Latitude N. Longitude W.

27°40'00", 94°00'00", thence to

28°18'00", 94°00'00", thence to

28°18'00", 92°38'00", thence to

28°30'00", 92°38'00", thence to

28°15'00", 91°30'00", thence to

27°40'00", 91°30'00", and thence to the point of beginning.

Latitude N. Longitude W.

27°53'00", 91°30'00", thence to

28°15'00", 91°30'00", thence to

28°15'00", 90°10'00", thence to

27°53'00", 90°10'00", and thence to the point of beginning.

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§ 156.330 Operations. 

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(a) Unless otherwise specified in this subpart, or when otherwise authorized by the cognizant Captain of 

the Port (COTP) or District Commander, the master of a vessel lightering in a zone designated in this 

subpart shall ensure that all officers and appropriate members of the crew are familiar with the 

guidelines in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section and that the requirements of paragraphs (d) through 

(l) of this section are complied with. 

(b) Lightering operations should be conducted in accordance with the Oil Companies International 

Marine Forum Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Petroleum), Second Edition, 1988, to the maximum extent 

practicable. 

(c) Helicopter operations should be conducted in accordance with the International Chamber of Shipping 

Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations, Third Edition, 1989, to the maximum extent practicable. 

(d) The vessel to be lightered shall make a voice warning prior to the commencement of lightering 

activities via channel 13 VHF and 2182 Khz. The voice warning shall include: 

(1) The names of the vessels involved; 

(2) The vessels' geographical positions and general headings; 

(3) A description of the operations; 

(4) The expected time of commencement and duration of the operation; and 

(5) Request for wide berth. 

(e) In the event of a communications failure between the lightering vessels or the respective persons-incharge of the transfer, or an equipment failure affecting the vessel's cargo handling capability or ship's 

maneuverability, the affected vessel shall suspend lightering activities and shall sound at least five short, 

rapid blasts on the vessel's whistle. Lightering activities shall remain suspended until corrective action 

has been completed. 

(f) No vessel involved in a lightering operation may open its cargo system until the servicing vessel is 

securely moored alongside the vessel to be lightered. 

(g) If any vessel not involved in the lightering operation or support activities approaches within 100 

meters of vessels engaged in lightering, the vessel engaged in lightering shall warn the approaching 

vessel by sounding a loud hailer, ship's whistle, or any other appropriate means. 

(h) Only a lightering tender, a supply boat, or a crew boat, equipped with a spark arrestor on its exhaust, 

or a tank vessel providing bunkers, may moor alongside a vessel engaged in lightering operations. 

(i) Lightering operations shall not be conducted within 1 nautical mile of offshore structures or mobile 

offshore drilling units. 

(j) No vessel engaged in lightering activities may anchor over charted pipelines, artificial reefs, or 

historical resources. 

(k) All vessels engaged in lightering activities shall be able to immediately maneuver at all times while 

inside a designated lightering zone. The main propulsion system must not be disabled at any time. 

(l) In preparing to moor alongside the vessel to be lightered, a service vessel shall not approach the 

vessel to be lightered closer than 1000 meters unless the service vessel is positioned broad on the 

quarter of the vessel to be lightered. The service vessel must transition to a nearly parallel heading prior 

to closing to within 50 meters of the vessel to be lightered. 

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