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National
United States Regulations
33 CFR PART 127—WATERFRONT FACILITIES HANDLING LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS AND LIQUEFIED HAZARDOUS GAS







Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters

PART 127—WATERFRONT FACILITIES HANDLING LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS AND LIQUEFIED HAZARDOUS GAS




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Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

Source: CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General
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§ 127.001 Applicability.
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(a) Subparts A and B of this part apply to the marine transfer area for LNG of each new waterfront facility handling LNG and to new construction in the marine transfer area for LNG of each existing waterfront facility handling LNG.

(b) Subpart A of this part and §§127.301 through 127.617 apply to the marine transfer area for LNG of each active existing waterfront facility handling LNG.

(c) Sections 127.007 (c), (d), and (e); 127.019(b); and 127.701 of subparts A and B of this part apply to the marine transfer area for LNG of each inactive existing facility.

(d) Subparts A and C of this part apply to the marine transfer area for LHG of each active waterfront facility handling LHG.

(e) Sections 127.007 (c), (d), and (e); 127.019(b); and 127.1325(c) of subparts A

and C of this part apply to the marine transfer area for LHG of each inactive facility.

[CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39794, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.003 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 in accordance with 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 change in the Federal Register and make the material available to the public. All approved material is available for inspection at the U.S. Coast Guard, (G-MOC), Room 1108, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593–0001, 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:





The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
1430 Broadway,
New York, NY
10018:
ANSI B16.5, 127.1102
Pipe Flanges
and Flanged
Fittings
1988,
including
1992 Addenda
and Errata..
ANSI S12.13, 127.1203
Part I,
Performance
Requirements
,
Combustible
Gas
Detectors,
1986........
American Petroleum Institute (API)
1220 L Street
NW., Washington,
DC 20005:
API RP 2003, 127.1101
Protection
Against
Ignitions
Arising Out
of Static,
Lightning
and Stray
Currents,
1991........
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Three Park
Avenue, New
York, NY 10016-
5990:
ASME B31.3, 127.1101
Chemical
Plant and
Petroleum
Refinery
Piping, 1993
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
100 Barr Harbor
Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA
19428-2959.
ASTM F 1121- 127.611; 127.1511
87 (1993),
Standard
Specificatio
n for
Internationa
l Shore
Connections
for Marine
Fire
Applications
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA
02269:
NFPA 10, 127.603;
Portland 127.1503
Fire
Extinguisher
s, 1994.....
NFPA 30, 127.313;
Flammable 127.1313
and
Combustible
Liquids
Code, 1993..
NFPA 51B, 127.405;
Fire 127.1405
Prevention
in Use of
Cutting and
Welding
Processes,
1994........
NFPA 59A, 127.101;
Production, 127.201;
Storage, and 127.405;
Handling of 127.603
Liquefied
Natural Gas
(LNG), 1994.
NFPA 70, 127.107;
National 127.201;
Electrical 127.1107
Code, 1993..
NFPA 251, 127.005
Fire Tests
of Building
Construction
and
Materials,
1990........



[CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39794, Aug. 3, 1995; 60 FR 49509, Sept. 26, 1995, as amended by CGD 96–026, 61 FR 33665, June 28, 1996; 61 FR 36629, July 12, 1996; USCG–1999–5832, 64 FR 34714, June 29, 1999; USCG–1999–5151, 64 FR 67175, Dec. 1, 1999; 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004; USCG–2004–18057, 69 FR 34926, June 23, 2004]

§ 127.005 Definitions.
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As used in this part:

Active means accomplishing the transfer of LHG or LNG, or scheduling one to occur, within 12 months of the current date.

Captain of the Port (COTP) means the Coast Guard officer designated by the Commandant to command a Captain of the Port Zone as described in Part 3 of this chapter, or an authorized representative.

Commandant means the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard or an authorized representative.

Control room means a space within the LNG waterfront facility from which facility operations are controlled.

District Commander means the Coast Guard officer designated by the Commandant to command a Coast Guard District as described in Part 3 of this chapter, or an authorized representative.

Environmentally sensitive areas include public parks and recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, fishing grounds, wetlands, other areas deemed to be of high value to fish and wildlife resources, historic sites, and other protected areas.

Existing as applied to a waterfront facility means a facility handling LNG constructed or being constructed under a contract awarded before June 2, 1988, or a facility handling LHG constructed or being constructed under a contract awarded before January 30, 1996.

Facility means either a waterfront facility handling LHG or a waterfront facility handling LNG.

Fire endurance rating means the duration for which an assembly or structural unit will contain a fire or retain structural integrity when exposed to the temperatures specified in the standard time-temperature curve in NFPA 251.

Flammable product means a product indicated by the letter “F” or by the letters “F+T” in Table 127.005.

Inactive means not active.

Impounding space means a space formed by dikes and floors that confines a spill of LHG or LNG.

LHG means liquefied hazardous gas.

LHG vessel means a vessel constructed or converted to carry LHG, in bulk.

Liquefied hazardous gas (LHG) means a liquid containing one or more of the products listed in Table 127.005.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) means a liquid or semisolid consisting mostly of methane and small quantities of ethane, propane, nitrogen, or other natural gases.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) means a liquid consisting mostly of propane or butane or both.

LNG means liquefied natural gas.

LNG vessel means a vessel constructed or converted to carry LNG, in bulk.

Loading flange means the connection or group of connections in the cargo transfer pipeline on the facility that connects the facility pipeline to the vessel pipeline.

Marine transfer area for LHG means that part of a waterfront facility handling LHG between the vessel, or where the vessel moors, and the first shutoff valve on the pipeline immediately inland of the terminal manifold or loading arm, including the entire part of a pier or wharf used to serve LHG vessels.

Marine transfer area for LNG means that part of a waterfront facility handling LNG between the vessel, or where the vessel moors, and the last manifold or valve immediately before the receiving tanks.

Mating flange means that flange in the product-transfer pipeline on a waterfront facility handling LHG or a waterfront facility handling LNG that connects this pipeline to the pipeline or transfer hose of the vessel.

MAWP means maximum allowable working pressure.

Maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) means the maximum gauge pressure permissible at the top of equipment, containers, or pressure vessels while operating at design temperature.

New as applied to a waterfront facility means a facility handling LNG constructed or being constructed under a contract awarded on or after June 2, 1988, or a facility handling LHG constructed or being constructed under a contract awarded on or after January 30, 1996.

Person in charge of transfer operations on the vessel is the person designated the person in charge of cargo transfer under 46 CFR 154.1831.

Release means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment, except a minor release of LHG or its vapor, that may occur during the routine handling of LHG. No release is minor if it creates an atmosphere that exceeds the Lower Flammable Limit (LFL) for a flammable product or any Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) listed in 29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z–1 or Z–2, for a toxic product.

Substructure means the deck of a pier or wharf and the structural components below that deck.

Toxic product means a product indicated by the letter “T” or by the letters “F+T” in Table 127.005.

Waterfront facility handling LHG means any structure on, in, or under the navigable waters of the United States, or any structure on land or any area on shore immediately adjacent to such waters, used or capable of being used to transfer liquefied hazardous gas, in bulk, to or from a vessel.

Waterfront facility handling LNG means any structure on, in, or under the navigable waters of the United States, or any structure on land or any area on shore immediately adjacent to such waters, used or capable of being used to transfer liquefied natural gas, in bulk, to or from a vessel.


Table 127.005_List of Products and Hazards
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product Hazard
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acetaldehyde............................... F+T
Ammonia, anhydrous......................... T
Butadiene.................................. F
Butanes.................................... F
Butane and propane (mixtures).............. F
Butylenes.................................. F
Chlorine................................... T
Dimethylamine.............................. F+T
Ethane..................................... F
Ethyl chloride............................. F+T
Ethylene................................... F
Ethylene oxide............................. F+T
Methyl-acetylene and propadiene (mixtures). F
Methyl bromide............................. F+T
Methyl chloride............................ F+T
Propane.................................... F
Propylene.................................. F
Sulphur dioxide............................ T
Vinyl chloride............................. F+T
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: ``F'' indicates a flammable product. ``T'' indicates a toxic
product. ``F+T'' indicates a product both flammable and toxic.


[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39795, Aug. 3, 1995; CGD 97–023, 62 FR 33363, June 19, 1997]

§ 127.007 Letter of intent.
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(a) An owner who intends to build a new facility or the owner or operator who plans new construction on an existing facility, must submit a letter of intent that meets paragraph (d) of this section to the COTP of the zone in which the facility is or will be located, at least 60 days before construction begins.

(b) The owner or operator of an active existing facility shall submit a letter of intent that meets paragraph (d) of this section to the COTP of the zone in which the facility is located.

(c) An owner or operator of an inactive existing facility shall submit a letter of intent that meets paragraph (d) of this section to the COTP of the zone in which the facility is located, at least 60 days before transferring LHG or LNG.

(d) Each letter of intent must contain—

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the owner and operator;

(2) The name, address, and telephone number of the facility;

(3) The physical location of the facility;

(4) A description of the facility;

(5) The LHG or LNG vessels' characteristics and the frequency of LHG or LNG shipments to or from the facility; and

(6) Charts showing waterway channels and identifying commercial, industrial, environmentally sensitive, and residential areas in and adjacent to the waterway used by the LHG or LNG vessels en route to the facility, within 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of the facility.

(e) The owner or operator who submits a letter of intent under paragraph (a), (b), or (c), shall notify the COTP in writing within 15 days if—

(1) There is any change in the information submitted under paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(5) of this section; or

(2) No LHG or LNG transfer operations are scheduled within the next 12 months.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39795, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.009 Letter of recommendation.
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After the COTP receives the letter of intent under §127.007 (a) or (c), the COTP issues a letter of recommendation to the owner or operator of the facility and to the state and local government agencies having jurisdiction, as to the suitability of the waterway for LHG or LNG marine traffic, based on the—

(a) Information submitted under §§127.007 (d)(3) through (d)(6);

(b) Density and character of marine traffic in the waterway;

(c) Locks, bridges, or other man-made obstructions in the waterway; and

(d) Following factors adjacent to the facility:

(1) Depths of the water.

(2) Tidal range.

(3) Protection from high seas.

(4) Natural hazards, including reefs, rocks, and sandbars.

(5) Underwater pipelines and cables.

(6) Distance of berthed vessel from the channel and the width of the channel.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39795, Aug. 3, 1995]

Note: The Coast Guard is authorized by law to establish water or waterfront safety zones, or other measures for limited, controlled, or conditional access and activity, when necessary for the protection of any vessel, structure, waters, or shore area.

§ 127.011 Inspections of waterfront facilities.
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The operator shall ensure that the COTP or his representative is allowed to make reasonable examinations and inspections to determine whether the facility meets this part.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39795, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.013 Suspension of transfer operations.
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(a) The COTP may issue an order to the operator to suspend LHG or LNG transfer operations if the COTP finds any condition requiring immediate action to—

(1) Prevent damage to, or the destruction of, any bridge or other structure on or in the navigable waters of the United States, or any land structure or shore area immediately adjacent to such waters; and

(2) Protect the navigable waters and the resources therein from harm resulting from vessel or structure damage, destruction, or loss.

(b) Each order to suspend transfer operations issued under paragraph (a) of this section—

(1) Is effective immediately;

(2) Contains a statement of each condition requiring immediate action; and

(3) Is withdrawn by the COTP whenever each condition is corrected or no longer exists.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39795, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.015 Appeals.
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(a) Any person directly affected by an action taken under this part may request reconsideration by the Coast Guard officer responsible for that action.

(b) Except as provided under paragraph (e) of this section, any person not satisfied with a ruling made under the procedure contained in paragraph (a) of this section may—

(1) Appeal that ruling in writing to the District Commander of the district in which the action was taken; and

(2) Supply supporting documentation and evidence that the appellant wishes to have considered.

(c) The District Commander issues a ruling after reviewing the appeal submitted under paragraph (b) of this section. Except as provided under paragraph (e) of this section, any person not satisfied with this ruling may—

(1) Appeal that ruling in writing to the Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001; and

(2) Supply supporting documentation and evidence that the appellant wishes to have considered.

(d) The Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection issues a ruling after reviewing the appeal submitted under paragraph (c) of this section, which is final agency action.

(e) If the delay in presenting a written appeal has an adverse impact on the operations of the appellant, the appeal under paragraph (b) or (c) of this section—

(1) May be presented orally; and

(2) Must be submitted in writing within five days after the oral presentation—

(i) With the basis for the appeal and a summary of the material presented orally; and

(ii) To the same Coast Guard official who heard the oral presentation.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 96–026, 61 FR 33665, June 28, 1996; CGD 97–023, 62 FR 33363, June 19, 1997; USCG–2002–12471, 67 FR 41332, June 18, 2002]

§ 127.017 Alternatives.
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(a) The COTP may allow alternative procedures, methods, or equipment standards to be used by an operator instead of any requirements in this part if—

(1) The operator submits a written request for the alternative at least 30 days before facility operations under the alternative would begin, unless the COTP authorizes a shorter time; and

(2) The alternative provides at least the same degree of safety provided by the regulations in this part.

(b) The COTP approves or disapproves any alternative requested under paragraph (a) of this section—

(1) In writing; or

(2) Orally, with subsequent written confirmation.

§ 127.019 Operations Manual and Emergency Manual: Procedures for examination.
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(a) The owner or operator of an active existing facility shall submit two copies of the Operations Manual and of the Emergency Manual to the Captain of the Port of the zone in which the facility is located.

(b) At least 30 days before transferring LHG or LNG, the owner or operator of a new or an inactive existing facility shall submit two copies of the Operations Manual and of the Emergency Manual to the Captain of the Port of the zone in which the facility is located, unless the manuals have been examined and there have been no changes since that examination.

(c) If the COTP finds that the Operations Manual meets §127.305 or §127.1305 and that the Emergency Manual meets §127.307 or §127.1307, the Captain of the Port returns a copy to the owner or operator marked “Examined by the Coast Guard”.

(d) If the COTP finds that the Operations Manual or the Emergency Manual does not meet this part, the Captain of the Port returns the manual with an explanation of why it does not meet this part.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39795, Aug. 3, 1995]

Subpart B—Waterfront Facilities Handling Liquefied Natural Gas
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§ 127.101 Design and construction: General.
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The marine transfer area for LNG must meet the following criteria in NFPA 59A:

(a) Chapter 2, Sections 2–1.2 and 2–3.

(b) Chapter 4, Section 4–1.3.

(c) Chapter 6.

(d) Chapter 7, Sections 7–6 and 7–7.

(e) Chapter 8, except Sections 8–3, 8–5 and 8–7.2.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39795, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.103 Piers and wharves.
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(a) If the waterfront facility handling LNG is in a region subject to earthquakes, the piers and wharves must be designed to resist earthquake forces.

(b) Substructures, except moorings and breasting dolphins, that support or are within 5 meters (16.4 feet) of any pipe or equipment containing LNG, or are within 15 meters (49.2 feet) of a loading flange, must—

(1) Be made of concrete or steel; and

(2) Have a fire endurance rating of not less than two hours.

(c) LNG or LPG storage tanks must have the minimum volume necessary for—

(1) Surge protection;

(2) Pump suction supply; or

(3) Other process needs.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended at CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.105 Layout and spacing of marine transfer area for LNG.
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(a) LNG impounding spaces must be located so that the heat flux from a fire over the impounding spaces does not cause structural damage to an LNG vessel moored or berthed at the waterfront facility handling LNG.

(b) Each LNG loading flange must be located at least 300 meters (984.3 feet) from the following which are primarily intended for the use of the general public or railways:

(1) Each bridge crossing a navigable waterway.

(2) Each entrance to any tunnel under a navigable waterway.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.107 Electrical power systems.
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(a) The electrical power system must have a power source and a separate emergency power source, so that failure of one source does not affect the capability of the other source. The system must meet the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

(b) The emergency power source must provide enough power for the operation of the—

(1) Emergency shutdown system;

(2) Communications equipment;

(3) Firefighting equipment; and

(4) Emergency lighting.

(c) If an auxiliary generator is used as an emergency power source, it must meet Section 700–12 of NFPA 70.

§ 127.109 Lighting systems.
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(a) The marine transfer area for LNG must have a lighting system and separate emergency lighting.

(b) All outdoor lighting must be located or shielded so that it is not confused with any aids to navigation and does not interfere with navigation on the adjacent waterways.

(c) The lighting system must provide an average illumination on a horizontal plane one meter (3.3 feet) above the deck that is—

(1) 54 lux (five foot-candles) at any loading flange; and

(2) 11 lux (one foot-candle) at each work area.

(d) The emergency lighting must provide lighting for the operation of the—

(1) Emergency shutdown system;

(2) Communications equipment; and

(3) Firefighting equipment.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39795, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.111 Communications systems.
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(a) The marine transfer area for LNG must have a ship-to-shore communication system and a separate emergency ship-to-shore communication system.

(b) Each ship-to-shore communication system must be a dedicated system that allows voice communication between the person in charge of transfer operations on the vessel, the person in charge of shoreside transfer operations, and personnel in the control room.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39795, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.113 Warning signs.
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(a) The marine transfer area for LNG must have warning signs that—

(1) Meet paragraph (b) of this section;

(2) Can be seen from the shore and the water; and

(3) Have the following text:


Warning

Dangerous Cargo

No Visitors

No Smoking

No Open Lights


(b) Each letter in the words on the sign must be—

(1) Block style;

(2) Black on a white background; and

(3) 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) high.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

Equipment
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§ 127.201 Sensing and alarm systems.
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(a) Fixed sensors must have audio and visual alarms in the control room and audio alarms nearby.

(b) Fixed sensors that continuously monitor for LNG vapors must—

(1) Be in each enclosed area where vapor or gas may accumulate; and

(2) Meet Section 9–4 of NFPA 59A.

(c) Fixed sensors that continuously monitor for flame, heat, or products of combustion must—

(1) Be in each enclosed or covered Class I, Division 1, hazardous location defined in Section 500–5(a) of NFPA 70 and each area in which flammable or combustible material is stored; and

(2) Meet Section 9–4 of NFPA 59A.

§ 127.203 Portable gas detectors.
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The marine transfer area for LNG must have at least two portable gas detectors capable of measuring 0–100% of the lower flammable limit of methane.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.205 Emergency shutdown.
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Each transfer system must have an emergency shutdown system that—

(a) Can be activated manually; and

(b) Is activated automatically when the fixed sensors under §127.201(b) measure LNG concentrations exceeding 40% of the lower flammable limit.

§ 127.207 Warning alarms.
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(a) The marine transfer area for LNG must have a rotating or flashing amber light with a minimum effective flash intensity, in the horizontal plane, of 5000 candelas. At least 50% of the required effective flash intensity must be maintained in all directions from 1.0 degree above to 1.0 degree below the horizontal plane.

(b) The marine transfer area for LNG must have a siren with a minimum 1/3-octave band sound pressure level at l meter of 125 decibels referenced to 0.0002 microbars. The siren must be located so that the sound signal produced is audible over 360 degrees in a horizontal plane.

(c) Each light and siren must be located so that the warning alarm is not obstructed for a distance of 1.6 km (1 mile) in all directions.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

Operations
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§ 127.301 Persons in charge of shoreside transfer operations: Qualifications and certification.
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(a) No person may serve, and the operator of the waterfront facility handling LNG may not use the services of any person, as a person in charge of shoreside transfer operations, unless that person—

(1) Has at least 48 hours of LNG transfer experience;

(2) Knows the hazards of LNG;

(3) Knows the rules of this subpart; and

(4) Knows the procedures in the examined Operations Manual and the examined Emergency Manual.

(b) Before a person in charge of shoreside transfer operations supervises a transfer, the operator shall certify in writing that the criteria in paragraph (a) of this section are met. The operator shall maintain a copy of each current certification available for inspection at the waterfront facility handling LNG.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.303 Compliance with suspension order.
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If an order to suspend is given to the operator or owner of the waterfront facility handling LNG, no LNG transfer operations may be conducted at the facility until the order is withdrawn by the COTP.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.305 Operations Manual.
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Each Operations Manual must contain—

(a) A description of the transfer system including mooring areas, transfer connections, control rooms, and diagrams of the piping and electrical systems;

(b) The duties of each person assigned for transfer operations;

(c) The maximum relief valve setting or maximum allowable working pressure of the transfer system;

(d) The facility telephone numbers of facility supervisors, persons in charge of shoreside transfer operations, personnel on watch in the marine transfer area for LNG, and security personnel;

(e) A description of the security systems for the marine transfer area for LNG;

(f) The procedures for—

(1) Transfer operations including gauging, cool down, pumping, venting, and shutdown;

(2) Transfer operations start-up and shutdown;

(3) Security violations; and

(4) The communications systems; and

(g) A description of the training programs established under §127.503.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.307 Emergency Manual.
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Each Emergency Manual must contain—

(a) LNG release response procedures, including contacting local response organizations;

(b) Emergency shutdown procedures;

(c) A description of the fire equipment and systems and their operating procedures;

(d) A description of the emergency lighting and emergency power systems;

(e) The telephone numbers of local Coast Guard units, hospitals, fire departments, police departments, and other emergency response organizations;

(f) If the waterfront facility handling LNG has personnel shelters, the location of and provisions in each shelter;

(g) First aid procedures and if there are first aid stations, the locations of each station; and

(h) Emergency procedures for mooring and unmooring a vessel.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.309 Operations Manual and Emergency Manual: Use.
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The operator shall ensure that—

(a) LNG transfer operations are not conducted unless the waterfront facility handling LNG has an examined Operations Manual and examined Emergency Manual;

(b) Each transfer operation is conducted in accordance with the examined Operations Manual; and

(c) Each emergency response is in accordance with the examined Emergency Manual.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.311 Motor vehicles.
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(a) The operator shall designate and mark parking spaces that—

(1) Do not block fire lanes;

(2) Do not impede any exits;

(3) Are not located in any impounding space; and

(4) Are not within 15 meters (49.2 feet) of any storage tank or loading flange.

(b) During transfer operations, no person may—

(1) Stop or park a motor vehicle in a space that is not designated a parking space; or

(2) Refuel any motor vehicle.

§ 127.313 Bulk storage.
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(a) The operator shall ensure that only the following flammable materials are stored in the marine transfer area for LNG:

(1) LNG.

(2) LPG.

(3) Vessel fuel.

(4) Oily waste from vessels.

(5) Solvents, lubricants, paints, and other fuels in the amount used for one day's operations and maintenance.

(b) Flammable liquids must be stored in accordance with Chapter 4 of NFPA 30.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.315 Preliminary transfer inspection.
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Before transferring LNG, the person in charge of shoreside transfer operations shall—

(a) Inspect the transfer piping and equipment to be used during the transfer and replace any worn or inoperable parts;

(b) For each of the vessel's cargo tanks from which cargo will be transferred, note the pressure, temperature, and volume to ensure they are safe for transfer;

(c) Review and agree with the person in charge of cargo transfer on the vessel to—

(1) The sequence of transfer operations;

(2) The transfer rate;

(3) The duties, location, and watches of each person assigned for transfer operations; and

(4) Emergency procedures from the examined Emergency Manual;

(d) Ensure that transfer connections allow the vessel to move to the limits of its moorings without placing strain on the loading arm or transfer piping system;

(e) Ensure that each part of the transfer system is aligned to allow the flow of LNG to the desired location;

(f) Ensure that warning signs that warn that LNG is being transferred, are displayed;

(g) Eliminate all ignition sources in the marine transfer area for LNG;

(h) Ensure that personnel are on duty in accordance with the examined Operations Manual; and

(i) Test the following to determine that they are operable:

(1) The sensing and alarm systems.

(2) The emergency shutdown system.

(3) The communication systems.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.317 Declaration of inspection.
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(a) After the preliminary transfer inspection under §127.315 has been satisfactorily completed, the person in charge of shoreside transfer operations shall ensure that no person transfers LNG until a Declaration of Inspection that meets paragraph (c) of this section is executed and signed in duplicate.

(b) The person in charge of shoreside transfer operations shall give one signed copy of the Declaration of Inspection to the person in charge of transfer operations on the vessel, and shall retain one signed copy at the waterfront facility handling LNG for 30 days after completion of the transfer.

(c) Each Declaration of Inspection must contain—

(1) The name of the vessel and the waterfront facility handling LNG;

(2) The date and time that transfer operations begin;

(3) A list of the requirements in §127.315 with the initials of the person in charge of shoreside transfer operations after each requirement, indicating that the requirement is met;

(4) The signature of the person in charge of shoreside transfer operations and the date and time of signing, indicating that he or she is ready to begin transfer operations; and

(5) The signature of each relief person in charge and the date and time of each relief.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.319 LNG transfer.
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During LNG transfer operations, the following must be met:

(a) The operator of the waterfront facility handling LNG shall ensure that—

(1) The marine transfer area for LNG is under the supervision of a person in charge, who has no other assigned duties during the transfer operation;

(2) Personnel transferring fuel or oily waste are not involved in LNG transfer; and

(3) No vessels are moored outboard of any LNG vessel without the permission of the COTP.

(b) The person in charge of shoreside transfer operations shall—

(1) Be in continuous communication with the person in charge of transfer operations on the vessel;

(2) Ensure that an inspection of the transfer piping and equipment for leaks, frost, defects, and other symptoms of safety and operational problems is conducted at least once every transfer;

(3) Ensure that transfer operations are discontinued—

(i) Before electrical storms or uncontrolled fires are adjacent to the marine transfer area for LNG; and

(ii) As soon as a fire is detected; and

(4) Ensure that the lighting systems are turned on between sunset and sunrise.

Note: Vessel transfer requirements are published in 46 CFR Part 154.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.321 Release of LNG.
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(a) The operator of the waterfront facility handling LNG shall ensure that—

(1) No person releases LNG into the navigable waters of the United States; and

(2) If there is a release of LNG, vessels near the facility are notified of the release by the activation of the warning alarm.

(b) If there is a release of LNG, the person in charge of shoreside transfer operations shall—

(1) Immediately notify the person in charge of cargo transfer on the vessel of the intent to shutdown;

(2) Shutdown transfer operations;

(3) Notify the COTP of the release; and

(4) Not resume transfer operations until authorized by the COTP.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

Maintenance
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§ 127.401 Maintenance: General.
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The operator of the waterfront facility handling LNG shall ensure that the equipment required under this part is maintained in a safe condition so that it does not cause a release or ignition of LNG.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.403 Inspections.
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The operator shall conduct a visual inspection for defects of each pressure-relief device not capable of being tested, at least once each calendar year, with intervals between inspections not exceeding 15 months, and make all repairs in accordance with §127.405.

§ 127.405 Repairs.
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The operator shall ensure that—

(a) Equipment repairs are made so that—

(1) The equipment continues to meet the applicable requirements in this subpart and in NFPA 59A; and

(2) Safety is not compromised; and

(b) Welding is done in accordance with NFPA 51B and NFPA 59A, Chapter 6, Section 6–3.4.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.407 Testing.
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(a) The operator shall pressure test under paragraph (b) of this section the transfer system, including piping, hoses, and loading arms, and verify the set pressure of the safety and relief valves—

(1) After the system or the valves are altered;

(2) After the system or the valves are repaired;

(3) After any increase in the MAWP; or

(4) For those components that are not continuously kept at cryogenic temperature, at least once each calendar year, with intervals between testing not exceeding 15 months.

(b) The pressure for the transfer system test under paragraph (a) of this section must be at 1.1 times the MAWP and be held for a minimum of 30 minutes.

§ 127.409 Records.
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(a) The operator shall keep on file the following information:

(1) A description of the components tested under §127.407.

(2) The date and results of the test under §127.407.

(3) A description of any corrective action taken after the test.

(b) The information required by this section must be retained for 24 months.

Personnel Training
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§ 127.501 Applicability.
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The training required by this subpart must be completed before LNG is transferred.

§ 127.503 Training: General.
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The operator shall ensure that each of the following is met:

(a) All full-time employees have training in the following subjects:

(1) Basic LNG firefighting procedures.

(2) LNG properties and hazards.

(b) In addition to the training under paragraph (a) of this section, each person assigned for transfer operations has training in the following subjects:

(1) The examined Operations Manual and examined Emergency Manual.

(2) Advanced LNG firefighting procedures.

(3) Security violations.

(4) LNG vessel design and cargo transfer operations.

(5) LNG release response procedures.

(6) First aid procedures for—

(i) Frostbite;

(ii) Burns;

(iii) Cardio-pulminary resuscitation; and

(iv) Transporting injured personnel.

(c) The personnel who received training under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section receive refresher training in the same subjects at least once every five years.

Firefighting
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§ 127.601 Fire equipment: General.
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(a) Fire equipment and systems provided in addition to the requirements in this subpart must meet the requirements of this subpart.

(b) The following must be red or some other conspicuous color and be in locations that are readily accessible:

(1) Hydrants and standpipes.

(2) Hose stations.

(3) Portable fire extinguishers.

(4) Fire monitors.

(c) Fire equipment, if applicable, must bear the approval of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., the Factory Mutual Research Corp., or the Coast Guard.

§ 127.603 Portable fire extinguishers.
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Each marine transfer area for LNG must have—

(a) Portable fire extinguishers that meet 9–6.1 of NFPA 59A and Chapter 3 of NFPA 10; and

(b) At least one portable fire extinguisher in each designated parking area.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.605 Emergency outfits.
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(a) There must be an emergency outfit for each person whose duties include fighting fires, but there must be at least two emergency outfits. Each emergency outfit must include—

(1) One explosion-proof flashlight;

(2) Boots and gloves of rubber or other electrically nonconducting material;

(3) A rigid helmet that protects the head against impact;

(4) Water resistant clothing that also protects the body against fire; and

(5) U.S. Bureau of Mines approved self-contained breathing apparatus.

(b) Emergency outfits under paragraph (a) of this section must be in locations that are readily accessible and marked for easy recognition.

§ 127.607 Fire main systems.
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(a) Each marine transfer area for LNG must have a fire main system that provides at least two water streams to each part of the LNG transfer piping and connections, one of which must be from a single length of hose or from a fire monitor.

(b) The fire main must have at least one isolation valve at each branch connection and at least one isolation valve downstream of each branch connection to isolate damaged sections.

(c) The fire main system must have the capacity to supply—

(1) Simultaneously all fire hydrants, standpipes, and fire monitors in the system; and

(2) At a Pitot tube pressure of 618 kilonewtons per square meter (75 p.s.i.), the two outlets having the greatest pressure drop between the source of water and the hose or monitor nozzle, when only those two outlets are open.

(d) If the source of water for the fire main system is capable of supplying a pressure greater than the system's design working pressure, the system must have at least one pressure relief device.

(e) Each fire hydrant or standpipe must have at least one length of hose of sufficient length to meet paragraph (a) of this section.

(f) Each length of hose must—

(1) Be 1 1/2 inches or more in diameter and 30.5 meters (100 feet) or less in length;

(2) Be on a hose rack or reel;

(3) Be connected to the hydrant or standpipe at all times; and

(4) Have a Coast Guard approved combination solid stream and water spray fire hose nozzle.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended at CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.609 Dry chemical systems.
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(a) Each marine transfer area for LNG must have a dry chemical system that provides at least two dry chemical discharges to the area surrounding the loading arms, one of which must be—

(1) From a monitor; and

(2) Actuated and, except for pre-aimed monitors, controlled from a location other than the monitor location.

(b) The dry chemical system must have the capacity to supply simultaneously or sequentially each hose or monitor in the system for 45 seconds.

(c) Each dry chemical hose station must have at least one length of hose that—

(1) Is on a hose rack or reel; and

(2) Has a nozzle with a valve that starts and stops the flow of dry chemical.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended at CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.611 International shore connection.
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The marine transfer area for LNG must have an international shore connection that is in accordance with ASTM F 1121 (incorporated by reference, see §127.003), a 2 1/2 inch fire hydrant, and 2 1/2 inch fire hose of sufficient length to connect the fire hydrant to the international shore connection on the vessel.

[CGD 88–032, 56 FR 35819, July 29, 1991, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995; USCG–2000–7223, 65 FR 40057, June 29, 2000]

§ 127.613 Smoking.
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In the marine transfer area for LNG, the operator shall ensure that no person smokes when there is LNG present.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended at CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.615 Fires.
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In the marine transfer area for LNG, the operator shall ensure that there are no fires when there is LNG present.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended at CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.617 Hotwork.
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The operator shall ensure that no person conducts welding, torch cutting, or other hotwork unless that person has a permit from the COTP.

Security
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§ 127.701 Security on existing facilities.
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The operator shall ensure that any security procedure and arrangement on existing facilities, that were in use when LNG transfer operations were last conducted, be continued and maintained, or upgraded, whenever LNG transfer operations are conducted.

§ 127.703 Access to the marine transfer area for LNG.
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The operator shall ensure that—

(a) Access to the marine transfer area for LNG from the shoreside and the waterside is limited to—

(1) Personnel who work at the waterfront facility handling LNG including persons assigned for transfer operations, vessel personnel, and delivery and service personnel in the course of their business;

(2) Coast Guard personnel; and

(3) Other persons authorized by the operator; and

(b) No person is allowed into the marine transfer area for LNG unless that person is identified by a waterfront facility handling LNG-issued identification card or other identification card displaying his or her photograph, or is an escorted visitor displaying an identifying badge.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.705 Security systems.
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The operator shall ensure that security patrols of the marine transfer area for LNG are conducted once every hour, or that a manned television monitoring system is used, to detect—

(a) Unauthorized personnel;

(b) Fires; and

(c) LNG releases.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

§ 127.707 Security personnel.
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The operator shall ensure that no person is assigned security patrol duty unless that person has been instructed on security violation procedures.

§ 127.709 Protective enclosures.
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The following must be within a fence or wall that prevents trespassing:

(a) Impounding spaces.

(b) Control rooms and stations.

(c) Electrical power sources.

§ 127.711 Communications.
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The marine transfer area for LNG must have a means of direct communications between the security patrol and other operating or security personnel on duty on the waterfront facility handling LNG.

[CGD 78–038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995]

Subpart C—Waterfront Facilities Handling Liquefied Hazardous Gas
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Source: CGD 88–049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995, unless otherwise noted.

Design and Construction
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§ 127.1101 Piping systems.
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Each piping system within the marine transfer area for LHG used for the transfer of LHG must meet the following criteria:

(a) Each system must be designed and constructed in accordance with ASME B31.3.

(b) Each pipeline on a pier or wharf must be located so that it is not exposed to physical damage from vehicular traffic or cargo-handling equipment. Each pipeline under navigable waters must be covered or protected to meet 49 CFR 195.248.

(c) The transfer manifold of each liquid transfer line and of each vapor return line must have an isolation valve with a bleed connection, such that transfer hoses and loading arms can be blocked off, drained or pumped out, and depressurized before disconnecting. Bleeds or vents must discharge to a safe area such as a tank or flare.

(d) In addition to the isolation valve at the transfer manifold, each liquid-transfer line and each vapor return line must have a readily accessible isolation valve located near the edge of the marine transfer area for LHG.

(e) Each power-operated isolation valve must be timed to close so that it will not produce a hydraulic shock capable of causing failure of the line or equipment. Unless the layout of the piping allows the isolation valve at the transfer manifold to close within 30 seconds without creating excessive stresses on the system, the layout must be reconfigured to reduce the stresses to a safe level.

(f) Each waterfront facility handling LHG that transfers to or from a vessel requiring vapor return during transfer must be equipped with a vapor return line designed to attach to the vessel's vapor connection.

(g) Where two or more LHGs are loaded or unloaded at the same facility, each manifold must be identified or marked to indicate each LHG it handles.

(h) Each pipeline used to transfer flammable liquids or vapors must be provided with precautions against static, lightning, and stray current in accordance with API RP 2003.

§ 127.1102 Transfer hoses and loading arms.
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(a) Each hose within the marine transfer area for LHG used for the transfer of LHG or its vapors to or from a vessel must—

(1) Be made of materials resistant to each LHG transferred, in both the liquid and vapor state (if wire braid is used for reinforcement, the wire must be of corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel);

(2) Be constructed to withstand the temperature and pressure foreseeable during transfer, with a MAWP not less than the maximum pressure to which it may be subjected and at least 1030 kPa gauge (149.4 psig);

(3) Be designed for a minimum bursting pressure of a least five times the MAWP;

(4) Have—

(i) Full-threaded connections;

(ii) Flanges that meet ANSI B16.5; or

(iii) Quick connect couplings that are acceptable to the Commandant;

(5) Be adequately supported against the weight of its constituent parts, the LHG, and any ice formed on it;

(6) Have no kinks, bulges, soft spots, or other defects that will let it leak or burst under normal working pressure; and

(7) Have a permanently attached nameplate that indicates, or otherwise be permanently marked to indicate—

(i) Each LHG for which it is suitable;

(ii) Its MAWP at the corresponding service temperature;and (continued)