Appendix G Lightering Zone Regulations
[These Regulations (excerpted from the Code of Federal Regulations) have been promulgated and are enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. They enact specific provisions of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA-90)]
Requirements from 33 CFR Part 156 Subpart C:
156.320 Maximum operating conditions.
Unless otherwise specified, the maximum operating conditions in this section apply to tank vessels operating within the lightering zones designated in this subpart.
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(a)
A tank vessel shall not attempt to moor alongside another vessel when either of the following conditions exist:
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(1)
The wind velocity is 56 km/hr (30 knots) or more; or
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(2)
The wave height is 3 meters (10 feet) or more.
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(b)
Cargo transfer operations shall cease and transfer hoses shall be drained when:
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(1)
The wind velocity exceeds 82 km/hr (44 knots); or
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(2)
The wave heights exceed 5 meters (16 feet).
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156.330 Operations.
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(a) |
Unless otherwise specified in the 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 the 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 (1) of this section are complied with.
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(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.
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(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.
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(d)
The vessel to be lightered shall make a voice warning prior to the commencement of lightering activities via 13 VHF and 2182 kHz. The voice warning shall include:
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(1)
The names of the vessels involved;
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(2)
The vessel's geographical positions and general headings;
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(3)
A description of the operations;
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(4)
The expected time of commencement and duration of the operations; and
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(5)
Request for wide berth
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(1)
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.
