DEEPWATER PORTS: OPERATIONS

• Citation: 33 CFR Part 150
• Sections: 120

§ 150.1 What does this part do?

This part provides requirements for the operation of deepwater ports.

§ 150.5 Definitions.

See § 148.5 of this chapter for the definition of certain terms used in this part.

§ 150.10 What are the general requirements for operations manuals?

(a) Each deepwater port must have an operations manual that addresses policies and procedures for normal and emergency operations conducted at the deepwater port. The operations manual must, at a minimum, include the requirements outlined in § 150.15 of this part.

(b) The operations manual is reviewed and approved by the Commandant (CG-5P), who may consult with the local Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority, as meeting the requirements of the Act and this subchapter. The original manual is approved as part of the application process in part 148 of this chapter.

(c) The Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority may approve subsequent changes to the operations manual, provided the Commandant (CG-5P) is notified and consulted regarding any significant modifications.

(d) The manual must be readily available on the deepwater port for use by personnel.

(e) The licensee must ensure that all personnel are trained and follow the procedures in the manual while at the deepwater port.

§ 150.15 What must the operations manual include?

The operations manual required by § 150.10 of this part must identify the deepwater port and include the information required in this section.

(a) General information. A description of the geographic location of the deepwater port.

(b) A physical description of the deepwater port.

(c) Engineering and construction information, including all defined codes and standards used for the deepwater port structure and systems. The operator must include schematics of all applicable systems. Schematics must show the location of valves, gauges, system working pressure, relief settings, monitoring systems, and other pertinent information.

(d) Communications system. A description of a comprehensive communications plan, including:

(1) Dedicated frequencies;

(2) Communication alerts and notices between the deepwater port and arriving and departing vessels; and

(3) Mandatory time intervals or communication schedules for maintaining a live radio watch, and monitoring frequencies for communication with vessels and aircraft.

(e) Facility plan. A layout plan for the mooring areas, navigation aids, cargo transfer locations, and control stations.

(f) The hours of operation.

(g) The size, type, number, and simultaneous operations of tankers that the deepwater port can handle.

(h) Calculations, with supporting data or other documentation, to show that the charted water depth at each proposed mooring location is sufficient to provide at least a net under keel clearance of 5 feet, at the mean low water condition.

(i) Tanker navigation procedures. The procedures for tanker navigation, including the information required in paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(9) of this section.

(1) The operating limits, maneuvering capability, draft, net under keel clearance, tonnage, length, and breadth of the tanker that will be accommodated at each designated mooring.

(2) The speed limits proposed for tankers in the safety zone and area to be avoided around the deepwater port.

(3) Any special navigation or communication equipment that may be required for operating in the safety zone and area to be avoided.

(4) The measures for routing vessels, including a description of the radar navigation system to be used in operation of the deepwater port:

(i) Type of radar;

(ii) Characteristics of the radar;

(iii) Antenna location;

(iv) Procedures for surveillance of vessels approaching, departing, navigating, and transiting the safety zone and area to be avoided;

(v) Advisories to each tanker underway in the safety zone regarding the vessel's position, deepwater port conditions, and status of adjacent vessel traffic;

(vi) Notices that must be made, as outlined in § 150.325 of this part, by the tanker master regarding the vessel's characteristics and status; and

(vii) Rules for navigating, mooring, and anchoring in a safety zone, area to be avoided, and anchorage area.

(5) Any mooring equipment needed to make up to the single point mooring (SPM).

(6) The procedures for clearing tankers, support vessels, and other vessels and aircraft during emergency and routine conditions.

(7) Weather limits for tankers, including a detailed description of how to forecast the wind, wave, and current conditions for:

(i) Shutdown of cargo transfer operations;

(ii) Departure of the tanker from the mooring;

(iii) Prohibition on mooring at the deepwater port or SPM; and

(iv) Shutdown of all deepwater port operations and evacuation of the deepwater port.

(8) Any special illumination requirements for vessel arrival, discharge, and departure operations.

(9) Any special watchstanding requirements for vessel transiting, mooring, or anchoring.

(j) Personnel. The duties, title, qualifications, and training of all deepwater port personnel responsible for managing and carrying out the following deepwater port activities and functions:

(1) Vessel traffic management;

(2) Cargo transfer operations;

(3) Safety and fire protection;

(4) Maintenance and repair operations;

(5) Emergency procedures; and

(6) Deepwater port security.

(k) The personnel assigned to supervisory positions must be designated, in writing, by the licensee and have the appropriate experience and training to satisfactorily perform their duties. The Commandant (CG-5P) will review and approve the qualifications for all proposed supervisory positions.

(l) Cargo transfer procedures. The procedures for cargo transfer must comply with the applicable requirements of parts 154 and 156 for oil, and subpart B (Operations) to part 127 for natural gas, respectively, of this chapter, including the requirements specified in paragraphs (l)(1) through (l)(10) of this section.

(1) The requirements for oil transfers in accordance with subpart A to part 156 of this chapter regarding:

(i) Pre-transfer conference;

(ii) Inspection of transfer site and equipment such as hoses, connectors, closure devices, monitoring devices, and containment;

(iii) Connecting and disconnecting transfer equipment, including a floating hose string for a single point mooring (SPM);

(iv) Preparation of the Declaration of Inspection; and

(v) Supervision by a person in charge.

(2) The requirements for natural gas transfers in accordance with subpart B to part 127 of this chapter regarding:

(i) Pre-transfer conference;

(ii) Inspection of transfer site and equipment such as hoses, connectors, closure devices, leak monitoring devices, and containment;

(iii) Connecting and disconnecting of transfer equipment, including to a floating hose string for a SPM;

(iv) Line purging to test for leaks and to prepare for cool-down or heat-up phases as appropriate;

(v) Preparation of the Declaration of Inspection; and

(vi) Supervision by a deepwater port person in charge.

(3) The shipping name of, and Material Safety Data Sheet on, any product transferred.

(4) The duties, title, qualifications, and training of personnel of the deepwater port designated as the person in charge and responsible for managing cargo transfers, including ballasting operations if applicable to the deepwater port, in accordance with subpart D of part 154 for oil, and subpart B (Operations) of part 127 for natural gas, respectively, of this chapter.

(5) Minimum requirements for watch personnel on board the vessel during transfer operations, such as personnel necessary for checking mooring gear, monitoring communications, and maintaining propulsion and steering on standby.

(6) The start up and completion of pumping.

(7) Emergency shutdown.

(8) The maximum relief valve settings, the maximum available working pressure, and hydraulic shock to the system without relief valves, or both.

(9) Equipment necessary to discharge cargo to the port complex without harm to the environment or to persons involved in the cargo transfer, including piping, adapters, bolted flanges, and quick-disconnect coupling.

(10) A description of the method used to water and de-water the single point mooring hoses when required.

(m) Unusual arrangements that may be applicable, including:

(1) A list and description of any extraordinary equipment or assistance available to vessels with inadequate pumping capacity, small cargoes, small diameter piping, or inadequate crane capacity; and

(2) A description of special storage or delivery arrangements for unusual cargoes; for example, cool-down requirements for transfer system components prior to transfer of liquefied natural gas.

(n) Maintenance procedures. A maintenance program to document service and repair of key equipment such as:

(1) Cargo transfer equipment;

(2) Firefighting and fire protection equipment;

(3) Facility support services, such as generators, evaporators, etc.;

(4) Safety equipment; and

(5) Cranes.

(o) A waste management plan comparable to § 151.57 of this chapter.

(p) Occupational health and safety training procedures. Policy and procedures to address occupational health and safety requirements outlined in §§ 150.600 to 150.632 of this part, including:

(1) Employee training in safety and hazard awareness, and proper use of personnel protective equipment;

(2) Physical safety measures in the workplace, such as housekeeping and illumination of walking and working areas;

(3) Fall arrest;

(4) Personnel transfer nets;

(5) Hazard communication (right-to-know);

(6) Permissible exposure limits;

(7) Machine guarding;

(8) Electrical safety;

(9) Lockout/tagout;

(10) Crane safety;

(11) Sling usage;

(12) Hearing conservation;

(13) Hot work;

(14) Warning signs;

(15) Confined space safety; and

(16) Initial and periodic training and certification to be documented for each deepwater port employee and for visitors, where appropriate; for example, safety orientation training.

(q) Emergency notification procedures. Emergency internal and external notification procedures:

(1) Names and numbers of key deepwater port personnel;

(2) Names and numbers of law enforcement and response agencies;

(3) Names and numbers of persons in charge of any Outer Continental Shelf facility that, due to close proximity, could be affected by an incident at the deepwater port.

(r) Quantity, type, location, and use of safety and fire protection equipment, including the fire plan.

(s) Aerial operations such as helicopter landing pad procedures.

(t) Deepwater port response procedures for:

(1) Fire;

(2) Reportable product spill;

(3) Personnel injury, including confined space rescue; and

(4) Terrorist activity, as described in the deepwater port security plan.

(u) Emergency evacuation procedures comparable to § 146.140(d) of this chapter.

(v) Designation of and assignment of deepwater port personnel to response teams for specific contingencies.

(w) Individual and team training for incident response, in accordance with 46 CFR 109.213, to cover:

(1) Care and use of equipment;

(2) Emergency drills and response, to include:

(i) Type;

(ii) Frequency, which must be at least annually; and

(iii) Documentation, including records, reports and dissemination of “lessons learned”.

(3) Documentation of the following minimum training requirements for response team members:

(i) Marine firefighting training;

(ii) First aid/CPR;

(iii) Water survival;

(iv) Spill response and clean up;

(v) Identification of at least one employee trained and certified at the basic level as an emergency medical technician; and

(vi) Identification of at least two employees trained and certified as offshore competent persons in prevention of inadvertent entry into hazardous confined spaces.

(x) Security procedures. Deepwater port operators must develop a deepwater port security plan comparable to those required by 33 CFR part 106. The plan must address at least:

(1) Access controls for goods and materials and access controls for personnel that require positive and verifiable identification;

(2) Monitoring and alerting of vessels that approach or enter the deepwater port's security zone;

(3) Risk identification and procedures for detecting and deterring terrorist or subversive activity, such as security lighting and remotely-alarmed restricted areas;

(4) Internal and external notification and response requirements in the event of a perceived threat or an attack on the deepwater port;

(5) Designation of the deepwater port security officer;

(6) Required security training and drills for all personnel; and

(7) The scalability of actions and procedures for the various levels of threat.

(y) Special operations procedures. Include procedures for any special operations, such as:

(1) Evacuation and re-manning;

(2) Refueling;

(3) Diving;

(4) Support vessel operations;

(5) Providing logistical services; and

(6) Contingency response for events that could affect nearby existing Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas facilities, such as explosions, fires, or product spills.

(z) Recordkeeping of maintenance procedures, tests, and emergency drills outlined elsewhere in the operations manual.

(aa) Environmental procedures. A program for maintaining compliance with license conditions and applicable environmental laws, by periodic monitoring of the environmental effects of the port and its operations, including:

(1) Air and water monitoring in accordance with applicable Federal and State law;

(2) A routine re-examination, not less than once every 5 years, of the physical, chemical, and biological factors contained in the deepwater port's environmental impact analysis and baseline study submitted with the license application; and

(3) A risk management plan, addressing the potential for an uncontrolled release; or provision for more detailed studies following any uncontrolled release or other unusual event that adversely affects the environment.

§ 150.20 How many copies of the operations manual must be given to the Coast Guard?

The draft operations manual must be included with the application, and the number of copies is governed by § 148.115 of this chapter. At least five copies of the final operations manual, and of any subsequent amendment, must be submitted to the Commandant (CG-5P). Additional copies may be required to meet the needs of other agencies.

§ 150.25 Amending the operations manual.

(a) Whenever the cognizant Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority finds that the operations manual does not meet the requirements of this part, the COTP notifies the licensee, in writing, of the inadequacies in the manual.

(b) Within 45 days after the notice under paragraph (a) of this section is sent, the licensee must submit written proposed amendments to eliminate the inadequacies.

(c) The cognizant Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority reviews the amendments and makes a determination as to the adequacy of the amendments and notifies the licensee of the determination.

(d) If the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority decides that an amendment is necessary, the amendment goes into effect 60 days after the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority notifies the licensee of the amendment.

(e) The licensee may petition the Commandant (CG-5P), via the appropriate district office, to review the decision of the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority. In this case, the effective date of the amendment is delayed pending the Commandant's decision. Petitions must be made in writing and presented to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority to forward to the Commandant (CG-5P).

(f) If the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority finds that a particular situation requires immediate action to prevent a spill or discharge, or to protect the safety of life and property, the he or she may issue an amendment effective on the date that the licensee receives it. The Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority must include a brief statement of the reasons for the immediate amendment. The licensee may petition the District Commander for review, but the petition does not delay the effective date of the amendment.

§ 150.30 Proposing an amendment to the operations manual.

(a) The licensee may propose an amendment to the operations manual:

(1) By submitting to the Sector Commander, or to the MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority, in writing, the amendment and reasons for the amendments not less than 30 days before the requested effective date of the amendment; or

(2) If the amendment is needed immediately, by submitting the amendment, and reasons why the amendment is needed immediately, to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority in writing.

(b) The Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority must respond to a proposed amendment by notifying the licensee, in writing, before the requested date of the amendment whether the request is approved. If the request is disapproved, the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority must include the reasons for disapproval in the notice. If the request is for an immediate amendment, the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority must respond as soon as possible.

§ 150.35 How may an Adjacent Coastal State request an amendment to the deepwater port operations manual?

(a) An Adjacent Coastal State connected by pipeline to the deepwater port may petition the cognizant Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority to amend the operations manual. The petition must include sufficient information to allow the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority to reach a decision concerning the proposed amendment.

(b) After the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority receives a petition, the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority requests comments from the licensee.

(c) After reviewing the petition and comments, and considering the costs and benefits involved, the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority may approve the petition if the proposed amendment will provide equivalent or improved protection and safety. The Adjacent Coastal State may petition the Commandant (CG-5P) to review the decision. Petitions must be made in writing and presented to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority for forwarding to the Commandant (CG-5P) via the District Commander.

§ 150.40 Deviating from the operations manual.

If, because of a particular situation, the licensee needs to deviate from the operations manual, the licensee must submit a written request to the Captain of the Port (COTP) explaining why the deviation is necessary and what alternative is proposed. If the COTP determines that the deviation would ensure equivalent or greater protection and safety, the COTP authorizes the deviation and notifies the licensee in writing.

§ 150.45 Emergency deviation from this subchapter or the operations manual.

In an emergency, any person may deviate from any requirement in this subchapter, or any procedure in the operations manual, to ensure the safety of life, property, or the environment. Each deviation must be reported to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority, at the earliest possible time.

§ 150.50 What are the requirements for a facility spill response plan?

(a) Each deepwater port which meets the applicability requirements of part 154 subpart F of this chapter must have a facility response plan that is approved by the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority.

(b) Each natural gas deepwater port must have a natural gas facility emergency plan that meets part 127, subpart B of this chapter.

(c) The response plan must be submitted to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority, in writing, not less than 60 days before the deepwater port begins operation.

§ 150.100 What are the requirements for inspecting deepwater ports?

Under the direction of the Sector Commander, or to the MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority, marine inspectors may inspect deepwater ports to determine whether the requirements of this subchapter are met. A marine inspector may conduct an inspection, with or without advance notice, at any time the Sector Commander or MSU Commander deems necessary.

§ 150.105 What are the requirements for annual self-inspection?

(a) The owner or operator of each manned deepwater port must ensure that the deepwater port is regularly inspected to determine whether the facility is in compliance with the requirements of this subchapter. The inspection must be at intervals of no more than 12 months. The inspection may be conducted up to 2 months after its due date, but will be valid for only the 12 months following that due date.

(b) The owner or operator must record and submit the results of the annual self-inspection to the Sector Commander, or to the MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority within 30 days of completing the inspection. The report must include a description of any failure, and the scope of repairs made to components or equipment, in accordance with the requirements in subpart I of this part, other than primary lifesaving, firefighting, or transfer equipment, which are inspected and repaired in accordance with subpart F.

(c) Prior to the initiation of a self-inspection plan, and before commencement of operations, the owner or operator must submit a proposal describing the self-inspection plan to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority for acceptance. The plan must address all applicable requirements outlined in parts 149 and 150 of this subchapter.

§ 150.110 What are the notification requirements upon receipt of classification society certifications?

The licensee must notify the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI duties, in writing, upon receipt of a classification society certification, interim class certificate, or single point mooring classification certificate.

§ 150.200 Who must ensure that deepwater port personnel are qualified?

The licensee must ensure that the individual filling a position meets the qualifications for that position as outlined in the operations manual.

§ 150.205 What are the language requirements for deepwater port personnel?

Only persons who read, write, and speak English may occupy the essential management positions outlined in the operations manual.

§ 150.210 What are the restrictions on serving in more than one position?

No person may serve in more than one of the essential management positions outlined in the operations manual at any one time.

§ 150.225 What training and instruction are required?

Personnel must receive training and instruction commensurate with the position they hold. Procedures for documenting employee training must be outlined in the operations manual.

§ 150.300 What does this subpart do?

This subpart supplements the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) described in subchapter D of this chapter, and prescribes requirements that:

(a) Apply to the navigation of all vessels at or near a deepwater port; and

(b) Apply to all vessels while in a safety zone, area to be avoided, or no anchoring area.

§ 150.305 How does this subpart apply to unmanned deepwater ports?

The master of any tanker calling at an unmanned deepwater port is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel to and from the deepwater port, and for the required notifications in § 150.325 of this part. Once the tanker is connected to the unmanned deepwater port, the master must maintain radar surveillance in compliance with the requirements of § 150.310 of this part.

§ 150.310 When is radar surveillance required?

A manned deepwater port's person in charge of vessel operations must maintain radar surveillance of the safety zone or area to be avoided when:

(a) A tanker is proceeding to the safety zone after submitting the report required in § 150.325 in this part;

(b) A tanker or support vessel is underway in the safety zone or area to be avoided;

(c) A vessel other than a tanker or support vessel is about to enter or is underway in the safety zone or area to be avoided; or

(d) As described in the deepwater port security plan.

§ 150.320 What advisories are given to tankers?

A manned deepwater port's person in charge of vessel operations must advise the master of each tanker underway in the safety zone or area to be avoided of the following:

(a) At intervals not exceeding 10 minutes, the vessel's position by range and bearing from the pumping platform complex; and

(b) The position and the estimated course and speed, if moving, of all other vessels that may interfere with the movement of the tanker within the safety zone or area to be avoided.

§ 150.325 What is the first notice required before a tanker enters the safety zone or area to be avoided?

(a) The owner, master, agent, or person in charge of a tanker bound for a manned deepwater port must comply with the notice of arrival requirements in subpart C of part 160 of this chapter.

(b) The owner, master, agent, or person in charge of a tanker bound for a manned deepwater port must report the pertinent information required in § 150.15(i)(4)(vi) of this part for the vessel, including:

(1) The name, gross tonnage, and draft of the tanker;

(2) The type and amount of cargo in the tanker;

(3) The location of the tanker at the time of the report;

(4) Any conditions on the tanker that may impair its navigation, such as fire, or malfunctioning propulsion, steering, navigational, or radiotelephone equipment. The testing requirements in § 164.25 of this chapter are applicable to vessels arriving at a deepwater port;

(5) Any leaks, structural damage, or machinery malfunctions that may impair cargo transfer operations or cause a product discharge; and

(6) The operational condition of the equipment listed under § 164.35 of this chapter on the tanker.

(c) If the estimated time of arrival changes by more than 6 hours from the last reported time, the National Vessel Movement Center (NVMC) and the port's person in charge of vessel operations must be notified of the correction as soon as the change is known.

(d) If the information reported in paragraphs (b)(4) or (b)(5) of this section changes at any time before the tanker enters the safety zone or area to be avoided at the deepwater port, or while the tanker is in the safety zone or area to be avoided, the master of the tanker must report the changes to the NVMC and port's person in charge of vessel operations as soon as possible.

§ 150.330 What is the second notice required before a tanker enters the safety zone or area to be avoided?

When a tanker bound for a manned deepwater port is 20 miles from entering the port's safety zone or area to be avoided, the master of the tanker must notify the port's person in charge of vessel operations of the tanker's name and location.

§ 150.340 What are the rules of navigation for tankers in the safety zone or area to be avoided?

(a) A tanker must enter or depart the port's safety zone or area to be avoided in accordance with the navigation procedures in the port's approved operations manual as described in § 150.15(i) of this part.

(b) A tanker must not anchor in the safety zone or area to be avoided, except in a designated anchorage area.

(c) A tanker may not enter a safety zone or area to be avoided in which another tanker is present, unless it has been cleared by the person in charge of the port and no other tankers are underway.

(d) A tanker must not operate, anchor, or moor in any area of the safety zone or area to be avoided in which the net under keel clearance would be less than 5 feet.

§ 150.345 How are support vessels cleared to move within the safety zone or area to be avoided?

All movements of support vessels within a manned deepwater port's safety zone or area to be avoided must be cleared in advance by the port's person in charge of vessel operations.

§ 150.350 What are the rules of navigation for support vessels in the safety zone or area to be avoided?

A support vessel must not anchor in the safety zone or area to be avoided, except:

(a) In an anchorage area; or

(b) For vessel maintenance, which, in the case of a manned deepwater port, must be cleared by the port's person in charge of vessel operations.

§ 150.355 How are other vessels cleared to move within the safety zone?

(a) Clearance by a manned deepwater port's person in charge of vessel operations is required before a vessel, other than a tanker or support vessel, enters the safety zone.

(b) The port's person in charge of vessel operations may clear a vessel under paragraph (a) of this section only if its entry into the safety zone would not:

(1) Interfere with the purpose of the deepwater port;

(2) Endanger the safety of life, property, or environment; or

(3) Be prohibited by regulation.

(c) At an unmanned deepwater port, such as a submerged turret landing (STL) system, paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section apply once a tanker connects to the STL buoy.

§ 150.380 Under what circumstances may vessels operate within the safety zone or area to be avoided?

(a) Table 150.380(a) of this section lists both the areas within a safety zone where a vessel may operate and the clearance needed for that location.

Table 150.380( a )—Regulated Activities of Vessels at Deepwater Ports

Regulated activities

Safety zone

Areas to be avoided around each deepwater port component 1

Anchorage areas

Other areas within and adjacent to the safety zone (e.g., no anchoring area)

Tankers calling at port

C

C

C

C

Support vessel movements

C

C

C

C

Transit by vessels other than tankers or support vessels

F

D

P

P

Mooring to surface components (for example an SPM) by vessels other than tankers or support vessels

N

N

N

N

Anchoring by vessels other than tankers or support vessels

N

F

C

F

Fishing, including bottom trawl (shrimping)

N

D

P

N

Mobile drilling operations or erection of structures. 2

N

R

N

N

Lightering/transshipment

N

N

N

N

1 Areas to be avoided are in subpart J of this part.

2 Not part of Port Installation.

Key to regulated activities for Table 150.380(a):

C—Movement of the vessel is permitted when cleared by the person in charge of vessel operations.

D—Movement is not restricted, but recommended transit speed not to exceed 10 knots. Communication with the person in charge of vessel operations.

F—Only in an emergency. Anchoring will be avoided in a no anchoring area except in the case of immediate danger to the ship or persons on board.

N—Not permitted.

P—Transit is permitted when the vessel is not in the immediate area of a tanker, and when cleared by the vessel traffic supervisor.

R—Permitted only if determined that operation does not create unacceptable risk to personnel safety and security and operation. For transiting foreign-flag vessels, the requirement for clearance to enter the area to be avoided and no anchoring area is advisory in nature, but mandatory for an anchorage area established within 12 nautical miles.

(b) If the activity is not listed in table 150.380(a) of this section, or otherwise provided for in this subpart, the Sector Commander's, or MSU Commander's, with COTP and OCMI authority permission is required before operating in the safety zone or regulated navigation area.

§ 150.385 What is required in an emergency?

In an emergency, for the protection of life or property, a vessel may deviate from a vessel movement requirement in this subpart without clearance from a manned deepwater port's person in charge of vessel operations if the master advises the port person in charge of the reasons for the deviation at the earliest possible moment.

§ 150.400 What does this subpart do?

This subpart prescribes rules that apply to the transfer of oil or natural gas at a deepwater port.

§ 150.405 How must a cargo transfer system be tested and inspected?

(a) No person may transfer oil or natural gas through a cargo transfer system (CTS) at a deepwater port unless it has been inspected and tested according to this section.

(b) The single point mooring (SPM)-CTS must be maintained as required by the design standards used to comply with § 149.650 of this chapter.

(c) If the manufacturer's maximum pressure rating for any cargo transfer hose in a SPM-CTS has been exceeded, unless it was exceeded for testing required by this section, the hose must be:

(1) Removed;

(2) Hydrostatically tested to 1.5 times its maximum working pressure for oil, or 1.1 times its maximum working pressure for natural gas; and

(3) Visually examined externally and internally for evidence of:

(i) Leakage;

(ii) Loose covers;

(iii) Kinks;

(iv) Bulges;

(v) Soft spots; and

(vi) Gouges, cuts, or slashes that penetrate the hose reinforcement.

(d) Each submarine hose used in cargo transfer operations in an SPM-CTS must have been removed from its coupling, surfaced, and examined as described in paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3) of this section, within the preceding 2 years for oil, or 15 months for natural gas; and

(e) Before resuming cargo transfer operations, each submarine hose in an SPM-CTS must be visually examined in place as described in paragraph (c)(3) of this section after cargo transfer operations are shut down due to sea conditions at the deepwater port.

§ 150.420 What actions must be taken when cargo transfer equipment is defective?

When any piece of equipment involved in oil or natural gas transfer equipment is defective:

(a) The piece of equipment must be replaced or repaired before making any further cargo transfers; and

(b) The repaired or replaced piece must meet or exceed its original specifications. Repairs must be conducted in accordance with the port's maintenance program outlined in the operations manual, and that program must provide for the repair of natural gas transfer hoses in accordance with § 127.405 of this chapter.

§ 150.425 What are the requirements for transferring cargo?

Cargo transfer procedures must be outlined in the deepwater port operations manual and must provide:

(a) Oil transfer procedures that accord with § 156.120 of this chapter; and

(b) Natural gas transfer procedures that accord with §§ 127.315, 127.317 and 127.319 of this chapter.

§ 150.430 What are the requirements for a declaration of inspection?

(a) No person may transfer cargo from a tanker to a manned deepwater port unless a declaration of inspection complying with § 156.150(c) for oil, or § 127.317 for natural gas, of this chapter has been filled out and signed by the vessel's officer in charge of cargo transfer and the person in charge (PIC) of cargo transfer for the deepwater port.

(b) Before signing a declaration of inspection, the vessel's officer in charge of cargo transfer must inspect the tanker, and the PIC of cargo transfer for the deepwater port must inspect the deepwater port. They must indicate, by initialing each item on the declaration of inspection form, that the tanker and deepwater port comply with § 156.150 for oil, or § 127.317 for natural gas, of this chapter.

§ 150.435 When are cargo transfers not allowed?

No person may transfer cargo at a deepwater port:

(a) When the person in charge (PIC) of cargo transfer is not on duty at the deepwater port;

(b) During an electrical storm in the deepwater port's vicinity;

(c) During a fire at the port, at the onshore receiving terminal, or aboard a vessel berthed at the port, unless the PIC of cargo transfer determines that a cargo transfer should be resumed as a safety measure;

(d) When a leak develops so that a sufficient quantity of product accumulates in the cargo containment underneath the manifold or piping;

(e) When there are not enough personnel nor equipment at the port dedicated to containand remove the discharge or perform the emergency response functions as required in the port's response plan under part 154 for oil, or emergency plan under part 127 for natural gas, of this chapter;

(f) Whenever the emergency shutdown system should have activated but failed to;

(g) By lighterage, except in bunkering operations, unless otherwise authorized by the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority ;

(h) When the weather at the port does not meet the minimum operating conditions for cargo transfers as defined in the port's operations manual; or

(i) When prescribed by the deepwater port security plan under heightened security conditions at the deepwater port or its adjacent areas, or on vessels calling on or serving the deepwater port.

§ 150.440 How may the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority order suspension of cargo transfers?

(a) In case of emergency, the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority may order the suspension of cargo transfers at a deepwater port to prevent the discharge, or threat of discharge, of oil or natural gas, or to protect the safety of life and property.

(b) An order of suspension may be made effective immediately.

(c) The order of suspension must state the reasons for the suspension.

(d) The licensee may petition the District Commander to reconsider the order of suspension. The petition must be in writing, unless the order of suspension takes effect immediately, in which case the petition may be made by any means, but the petition does not delay the effective date of the suspension. The decision of the District Commander is considered a final agency action.

§ 150.445 When is oil in a single point mooring-oil transfer system (SPM-OTS) displaced with water?

(a) The oil in an SPM-OTS must be displaced with water, and the valve at the pipeline end manifold must be closed whenever:

(1) A storm warning forecasts weather conditions that will exceed the design operating criteria listed in the operations manual for the SPM-OTS;

(2) A vessel is about to depart the SPM because of storm conditions; or

(3) The SPM is not scheduled for use in an oil transfer operation within the next 7 days.

(b) The requirement in paragraph (a) of this section is waived if port officials can demonstrate to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority that a satisfactory alternative means of safely securing all cargo transfer hoses can be implemented in the event of severe weather conditions.

§ 150.500 What does this subpart do?

This subpart concerns requirements for maintenance, repair, and operational testing of emergency and specialty equipment at a deepwater port.

§ 150.501 How must emergency equipment be maintained and repaired?

All lifesaving, firefighting, and other emergency equipment at a deepwater port, including additional equipment not required to be on board the deepwater port, must be maintained in good working order and repaired according to the deepwater port's planned maintenance program and the requirements outlined in this subpart.

§ 150.502 What are the maintenance and repair requirements for lifesaving equipment?

(a) Each deepwater port must have on board, or in the operator's principal office in the case of an unmanned port, the manufacturer's instructions for performing onboard maintenance and repair of the port's lifesaving equipment. The instructions must include the following for each item of equipment, as applicable:

(1) Instructions for maintenance and repair;

(2) A checklist for use when carrying out the monthly inspections required under § 150.513 of this part;

(3) A schedule of periodic maintenance;

(4) A diagram of lubrication points with the recommended lubricants;

(5) A list of replaceable parts;

(6) A list of spare parts sources; and

(7) A log for records of inspections and maintenance.

(b) In lieu of the manufacturer's instructions required under paragraph (a) of this section, the deepwater port may have its own onboard planned maintenance program for maintenance and repair that is equivalent to the procedures recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

(c) The deepwater port must designate a person in charge of ensuring that maintenance and repair is carried out in accordance with the instructions required in paragraph (a) of this section.

(d) If deficiencies in the maintenance or condition of lifesaving equipment are identified, the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority may review the instructions under paragraph (a) of this section and require appropriate changes to the instructions or operations to provide for adequate maintenance and readiness of the equipment.

(e) When lifeboats, rescue boats, and liferafts are not fully operational because of ongoing maintenance or repairs, there must be a sufficient number of fully operational lifeboats and liferafts available for use to accommodate all persons on the deepwater port.

(f) Except in an emergency, repairs or alterations affecting the performance of lifesaving equipment must not be made without notifying the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority in advance. The person in charge must report emergency repairs or alterations to lifesaving equipment to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority, as soon as practicable.

(g) The person in charge must ensure that spare parts and repair equipment are provided for each lifesaving appliance and component subject to excessive wear or consumption.

§ 150.503 What are the time interval requirements for maintenance on survival craft falls?

(a) Each fall used in a launching device for survival craft or rescue boats must be turned end-for-end at intervals of not more than 30 months.

(b) Each fall must be replaced by a new fall when deteriorated, or at intervals of not more than 5 years, whichever is earlier.

(c) A fall that cannot be turned end-for-end under paragraph (a) of this section must be carefully inspected between 24 and 30 months after its installation. If the inspection shows that the fall is faultless, the fall may be continued in service up to 4 years after its installation. It must be replaced by a new fall 4 years after installation.

§ 150.504 When must the operator service and examine lifeboat and rescue boat launching appliances?

(a) The operator must service launching appliances for lifeboats and rescue boats at intervals recommended in the manufacturer's instructions under § 150.502(a), or according to the deepwater port's planned maintenance program under § 150.502(b).

(b) The operator must thoroughly examine launching appliances for lifeboats and rescue boats at intervals of not more than 5 years. Upon completion of the examination, the operator must subject the winch brakes of the launching appliance to a dynamic test.

§ 150.505 When must the operator service and examine lifeboat and rescue boat release gear?

(a) The operator must service lifeboat and rescue boat release gear at intervals recommended in the manufacturer's instructions under § 150.502(a), or according to the deepwater port's planned maintenance program under § 150.502(b).

(b) The operator must subject lifeboat and rescue boat release gear to a thorough examination at each annual self-certification inspection by personnel trained in examining the gear.

§ 150.506 When must the operator service inflatable lifesaving appliances and marine evacuation systems?

(a) The operator must service each inflatable lifejacket, hybrid inflatable lifejacket, and marine evacuation system at 1-year intervals after its initial packing. The operator may delay the servicing for up to 5 months to meet the next scheduled inspection of the deepwater port.

(b) The operator must service each inflatable liferaft no later than the month and year on its servicing sticker under 46 CFR 160.151-57(m)(3)(ii), except that the operator may delay servicing by up to 5 months to meet the next scheduled inspection of the deepwater port. The operator must also service each inflatable liferaft:

(1) Whenever the container of the raft is damaged; or

(2) Whenever the container straps or seals are broken.

§ 150.507 How must the operator service inflatable lifesaving appliances?

(a) The operator must service each inflatable liferaft according to 46 CFR subpart 160.151.

(b) The operator must service each inflatable lifejacket according to 46 CFR subpart 160.176.

(c) The operator must service each hybrid inflatable lifejacket according to the owner's manual and the procedures in 46 CFR subpart 160.077.

§ 150.508 What are the maintenance and repair requirements for inflatable rescue boats?

The operator must perform the maintenance and repair of inflatable rescue boats according to the manufacturer's instructions.

§ 150.509 How must emergency equipment be tested and inspected?

All lifesaving, firefighting, and other emergency equipment at a deepwater port must be tested and inspected under this subpart.

§ 150.510 How must tested emergency equipment be operated?

The equipment must be operated under the operating instructions of the equipment's manufacturer when tests or inspections include operational testing of emergency equipment.

§ 150.511 What are the operational testing requirements for lifeboat and rescue boat release gear?

(a) Lifeboat and rescue boat release gear must be operationally tested under a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the lifeboat or rescue boat when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment.

(b) The test must be conducted whenever the lifeboat, rescue boat, or its release gear is overhauled, or at least once every 5 years.

(c) The Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority may consider alternate operational test procedures to those under paragraph (a) of this section.