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National
United States Regulations
33 CFR PART 150—DEEPWATER PORTS: OPERATIONS






Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters

PART 150—DEEPWATER PORTS: OPERATIONS


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Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231, 1321(j)(1)(C), (j)(5), (j)(6), (m)(2); 33 U.S.C. 1509(a); E.O. 12777, sec. 2; E.O. 13286, sec. 34, 68 FR 10619; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1(70), (73), (75), (80).

Source: USCG–1998–3884, 69 FR 748, Jan. 6, 2004, unless otherwise noted.

Effective Date Note: By USCG–1998–3884, 69 FR 746, Jan. 6, 2004, subchapter NN, consisting of parts 148, 149, and 150, was revised, effective Jan. 6, 2004 until Oct. 1, 2006.

Subpart A—General
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§ 150.1 What does this part do?
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This part provides requirements for the operation of deepwater ports.

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

(b) The operations manual is reviewed and approved by the Commandant (G-M), who may consult with the local OCMI, 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 OCMI may approve subsequent changes to the operations manual, provided Commandant (G-M) 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?
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The operations manual required by §150.10 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 port.

(c) Engineering and construction information, including all defined codes and standards used for the port structure and systems. The operator must also 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/notices between deepwater port and arriving and departing vessels; and

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

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

(f) The hours of operation.

(g) The size, type, number, and simultaneous operations of tankers that the 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 the navigation of tankers, 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 and dimensions (i.e., length, width and breadth) of the tanker to be accommodated at each designated mooring.

(2) The speed limits proposed for tankers in the safety zone and navigation area to be avoided around the 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, and transiting the safety zone and navigation area to be avoided;

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

(vi) Notices that must be made, as outlined in §150.325, 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 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 the manner of forecasting 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 DWP or SPM; and

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

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

(9) Any special watch standing requirements for vessel transiting, mooring, or while at anchor.

(j) Personnel. The duties, title, qualifications, and training of all port personnel responsible for managing and carrying out the following 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) 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. Commandant (G-M) will review and approve the qualifications for all proposed supervisory positions.

(l) Cargo transfer procedures. The procedures for transferring cargo must comply with the applicable requirements of parts 154 and 156 for oil and subpart B 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 (i.e., hoses, connectors, closure devices, monitoring devices, and containment);

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

(iv) Preparation of the Declaration of Inspection (DOI); and

(v) Supervision by a Person in Charge (PIC).

(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 (i.e., 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) Purging of line to test for leaks and in preparation for cool down or heat up phases as appropriate;

(v) Preparation of the Declaration of Inspection (DOI); and

(vi) Supervision by a port PIC.

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

(4) The duties, title, qualifications, and training of personnel of the port designated as the PIC and responsible for managing cargo transfers (including ballasting operations if applicable to the 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 onboard the vessel during transfer operations (i.e., personnel necessary for checking mooring gear, monitoring communications and having propulsion/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) Describing the method to be used to water and de-water the SPM 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 (i.e., cool down requirements for transfer system components prior to transfer of LNG).

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

(1) Cargo transfer equipment;

(2) Firefighting and Fire protection equipment;

(3) Safety equipment; and

(4) Cranes.

(o) 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 subpart, including:

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

(2) Physical safety measures in the workplace (i.e., 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 (PEL);

(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 will be documented for each port employee and for visitors where appropriate (e.g., safety orientation training).

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

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

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

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

(r) Aerial operations (helicopter landing pad procedures).

(s) Port response procedures for:

(1) Fire;

(2) Reportable product spill;

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

(4) Terrorist activity (see Port Security Plan).

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

(u) Individual and team training for incident response (in accordance with 46 CFR 109.213) as specified in paragraphs (u)(1) through (u)(3) of this section.

(1) Care and use of equipment.

(2) Emergency drills and response:

(i) Types;

(ii) Frequency (at least annually); and

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

(3) Documentation of 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 level of an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic; and

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

(v) Deepwater port security procedures. A deepwater port security plan that addresses security issues, including, but not limited to:

(1) Controlling access of personnel and the introduction of goods and material into the port;

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

(3) Identifying risks and procedures for increasing the probability of detecting and deterring terrorist or subversive activity (such as using security lighting and designating restricted areas within the port and remotely alarming them, as appropriate);

(4) Notification requirements (both internally and externally) and response requirements in the event of a perceived threat or an attack on the port;

(5) Designating the Port Security Officer, providing positive and verifiable identification of personnel with access to the port;

(6) The training (including drills) required for all personnel regarding security issues; and

(7) The scalability of actions and procedures for the various levels of threat. Deepwater port operators should ensure that security plans address or are comparable to the key security plan elements provided in 33 CFR part 106.

(w) Procedures for any special operations, including:

(1) Evacuation and re-manning procedures;

(2) Refueling operations;

(3) Diving operations;

(4) Support vessel operations; and

(5) Providing logistical services.

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

(y) Environmental monitoring procedures. A program for monitoring the environmental effects of the port and its operations in order to maintain compliance with the environmental conditions in the license and applicable environmental laws.

(1) Routine periodic re-examination of the physical, chemical, and biological factors contained in the port's environmental impact analysis and baseline study submitted with the license application. The examination process must include water and air monitoring in accordance with appropriate Federal and State statutes.

(2) A more detailed study may be required in the wake of an event such as an inadvertent release.

§ 150.20 How many copies of the operations manual must be given to the Coast Guard?
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The draft operations manual will be included as part of the application submission. After a license has been issued and approval of the final operations manual is granted, the licensee must give the Commandant (G-M) at least five copies and five copies of each subsequent amendment to the manual.

§ 150.25 Amending the operations manual.
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(a) Whenever the cognizant COTP 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 COTP reviews the amendments and makes a determination as to the adequacy of the amendments and notifies the licensee of the determination.

(d) If the COTP decides that an amendment is necessary, the amendment goes into effect 60 days after the COTP notifies the licensee of the amendment.

(e) The licensee may petition the Commandant (G-M), via the appropriate district office, to review the decision of the COTP. 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 COTP for forwarding to the Commandant (G-M).

(f) If the COTP finds that a particular situation requires immediate action to prevent a spill or discharge, or to protect the safety of life and property, the COTP may issue an amendment effective on the date that the licensee receives it. The COTP 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.
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(a) The licensee may propose an amendment to the operations manual:

(1) By submitting (in writing) the amendment and reasons for the amendments to the COTP 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 COTP in writing.

(b) The COTP responds 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 COTP includes the reasons for disapproval in the notice. If the request is for an immediate amendment, the COTP responds as soon as possible.

§ 150.35 How may an adjacent coastal State request an amendment to the operations manual?
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(a) An adjacent coastal State connected by pipeline to the deepwater port may petition the cognizant COTP to amend the operations manual. The petition must include sufficient information to allow the COTP to reach a decision concerning the proposed amendment.

(b) After the COTP receives a petition, the COTP requests comments from the licensee.

(c) After reviewing the petition and comments, and considering the costs and benefits involved, the COTP may approve the petition if the proposed amendment will provide equivalent or improved protection and safety. The adjacent coastal State may petition the Commandant (G-M) to review the decision of the COTP. Petitions must be made in writing and presented to the COTP for forwarding to the Commandant (G-M) via the District Commander.

§ 150.40 Deviating from the operations manual.
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If, because of a particular situation, the licensee needs to deviate from the operations manual, the licensee must submit a written request to the 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.
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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 COTP at the earliest possible time.

§ 150.50 What are the requirements for a facility spill response plan?
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(a) Each deepwater port, which meets the applicability requirements of part 154, subpart F, of this chapter must have a Facility Response Plan and be approved by the COTP.

(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 COTP, in writing, not less than 60 days before the deepwater port begins operation.

Subpart B—Inspections
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§ 150.100 What are the requirements for inspecting deepwater ports?
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Under the direction of the OCMI, 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 COTP deems necessary, and may coincide with receipt of the annual self-inspection report from the operator to ensure stated conditions are accurate.

§ 150.105 What are the requirements for annual self-inspection?
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(a) The owner or operator of each manned deepwater port must ensure that the port is inspected, at intervals of no more than 12 months, to determine whether the facility is in compliance with the requirements of this subchapter. The inspection may be conducted within 2 months after the date the inspection is due. However, the inspection is credited as of 12 months after the previous due date.

(b) The owner or operator must record and submit the results of the annual self-inspection to the COTP within 30 days after completion of the inspection. The report must include a description of any failure and scope of repairs made to components or equipment, in accordance with the requirements in Subpart I to this part, other than the primary lifesaving or firefighting or transfer equipment.

§ 150.110 What are the notification requirements upon receipt of classification society certifications?
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The licensee must notify the COTP, in writing, upon receipt of a classification society certification, interim class certificate, or SPM classification certificate.

Subpart C—Personnel
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§ 150.200 Who must ensure that port personnel are qualified?
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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 port personnel?
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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?
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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?
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Personnel must receive training and instruction commensurate with the position they hold. Procedures for documenting employee training must be outlined in the operations manual.

Subpart D—Vessel Navigation
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§ 150.300 What does this subpart do?
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This subpart supplements the international navigation rules 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?
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The master of any tanker calling at an unmanned deepwater port is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel to and from the port and for the required notifications in §150.325. Once the tanker is connected to the unmanned deepwater port, the master must maintain radar surveillance in compliance with the requirements of §150.310.

§ 150.310 When is radar surveillance required?
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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;

(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 port security plan.

§ 150.320 What advisories are given to tankers?
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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?
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(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 (NOA) requirements in subpart C of part 160 of this chapter. The NOA will be submitted to the National Vessel Movement Center (NVMC) that was established in October 2001 to track arrival information from vessels entering U.S. waters.

(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) 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 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?
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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?
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(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).

(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?
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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?
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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?
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(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 or property or the 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 would 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?
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(a) Table 150.380(a) of this section lists the areas within a safety zone and area to be avoided where a vessel may operate and the clearance needed for that location.



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(b) If the activity is not listed in table 150.380(a) of this section, or is not otherwise provided for in this subpart, the COTP's permission is required first.

§ 150.385 What is required in an emergency?
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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 PIC of the reasons for the deviation at the earliest possible moment.

Subpart E—Cargo Transfer Operations
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§ 150.400 What does this subpart do?
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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 (CTS) be tested and inspected?
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(a) No person may transfer oil or natural gas through a CTS at a deepwater port unless it has been inspected and tested according to this section.

(b) The 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 a 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 a 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?
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When any piece of equipment involved in cargo transfer operations (oil or natural gas) 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-specific 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?
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Cargo transfer procedures must be outlined in the 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?
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(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 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; the person in charge 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?
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No person may transfer cargo at a deepwater port:

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

(b) During an electrical storm in the 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 person in charge of cargo transfer determines that a cargo transfer should be resumed as a safety measure;

(d) When a leak develops of a sufficient quantity for product to accumulate in the cargo containment underneath the manifold or piping;

(e) When there are not enough personnel and equipment at the port dedicated to contain and remove the discharges 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 do;

(g) By lighterage, except in bunkering operations, unless otherwise authorized by the COTP;

(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 Port Security Plan under heightened security conditions at the port or its adjacent areas, or on vessels calling on or serving the port.

§ 150.440 How may the COTP order suspension of cargo transfers?
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(a) In case of emergency, the COTP may order the suspension of cargo transfers at a 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, in writing, or by any means if the suspension is effective immediately, to reconsider the order of suspension. The decision of the District Commander is considered final agency action.

§ 150.445 When is oil in an SPM-OTS displaced with water?
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(a) The Port Superintendent must ensure that the oil in an SPM-OTS is displaced with water and that the valve at the pipeline end manifold is closed whenever:

(1) A storm warning is received forecasting 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 Port Engineer will not be required to perform this requirement, provided it can be demonstrated to the OCMI, that a satisfactory alternative means of safely securing all cargo transfer hoses can be implemented in the event of severe weather conditions.

Subpart F—Emergency and Specialty Equipment
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§ 150.500 What does this subpart do?
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This subpart concerns requirements for maintenance, repair, and operational testing of emergency and specialty equipment at a deepwater port.

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

Lifesaving Equipment (General)
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§ 150.502 What are the maintenance and repair requirements for lifesaving equipment?
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(a) Each deepwater port must have onboard, 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;

(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 sources of spare parts; 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 have designated 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 OCMI 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 OCMI in advance. The person in charge must report emergency repairs or alterations to lifesaving equipment to the OCMI, 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.

Launching Appliances
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§ 150.503 What are the time interval requirements for maintenance on survival craft falls?
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(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?
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(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 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 not to exceed 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?
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(a) The operator must service lifeboat and rescue boat release gear at intervals recommended in the manufacturer's instructions under §150.502(a), or 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 inspection for certification by personnel trained in examining the gear.

Inflatable Lifesaving Appliances
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§ 150.506 When must the operator service inflatable lifesaving appliances and marine evacuation systems?
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(a) The operator must service each inflatable lifejacket, hybrid inflatable lifejacket, and marine evacuation system at intervals of 1-year after its initial packing. The operator may delay the servicing 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 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?
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(a) The operator must service each inflatable life raft according to 46 CFR part 160, subpart 160.151.

(b) The operator must service each inflatable lifejacket according to 46 CFR part 160, subpart 160.176.

(c) The operator must service each hybrid inflatable lifejacket according to the owner's manual and the procedures in 46 CFR part 160, subpart 160.077.

§ 150.508 What are the maintenance and repair requirements for inflatable rescue boats?
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The operator must perform the maintenance and repair of inflatable rescue boats according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Operational Tests and Inspections (General)
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§ 150.509 How must emergency equipment be tested and inspected?
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All lifesaving, firefighting, and other emergency equipment at a deepwater port must be tested and inspected per this subpart.

§ 150.510 How must emergency equipment being tested be operated?
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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?
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(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 their release gear is overhauled or at least once every 5 years.

(c) The OCMI may consider alternate operational test procedures to those under paragraph (a) of this section.

Frequency of Tests and Inspections
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§ 150.512 What are the weekly tests and inspections?
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The required weekly tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment are as follows:

(a) The operator must visually inspect each survival craft, rescue boat, and launching device to ensure its readiness for use;

(b) The operator must test the general alarm system; and

(c) The operator must test for readiness of the engine, starting device, and communications equipment of each lifeboat and rescue boat according to the manufacturer's instructions.

§ 150.513 What are the monthly tests and inspections?
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(a) The operator must inspect monthly each item of lifesaving equipment under §150.502(b) to this subpart, to ensure that the equipment is complete and in good order. The operator must keep on the deepwater port (or in the operator's principal office, in the case of an unmanned deepwater port) a report of the inspection that includes a statement as to the condition of the equipment, and make the report available for review by the Coast Guard.

(b) The operator must test monthly each Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and each Search and Rescue Transponder (SART), other than an EPIRB or SART in an inflatable liferaft. The operator must test the EPIRB using the integrated test circuit and output indicator to determine whether the EPIRB is operational.

§ 150.514 What are the annual tests and inspections?
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At least annually the operator must:

(a) Strip, clean, thoroughly inspect, and, if needed, repair each lifeboat, rescue boat, and liferaft. At that time, the operator must empty, clean, and refill with fresh fuel each fuel tank;

(b) Thoroughly inspect and, if needed, repair each davit, winch, fall, and other launching device;

(c) Check each item of lifesaving equipment and replace any item that is marked with an expiration date that has passed;

(d) Check each battery used in an item of lifesaving equipment and replace any battery that is marked with an expiration date that has passed; and

(e) Replace any battery that is not marked with an expiration date if that battery is used in an item of lifesaving equipment, except for a storage battery used in a lifeboat or rescue boat.

(f) The requirements in this section do not relieve the person in charge of the requirement to keep the equipment ready for immediate use.

Weight-Testing
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§ 150.515 What are the requirements for weight-testing of newly installed or relocated craft?
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(a) The operator must perform installation weight-testing according to 46 CFR 199.45(a)(1) on each new lifeboat, rescue boat, and davit-launched liferaft system.

(b) The operator must conduct installation weight-tests, according to paragraph (a) of this section, when survival crafts are relocated to another deepwater port.

§ 150.516 What are the periodic requirements for weight-testing?
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The operator must weight-test, according to 46 CFR 199.45(a)(1), each lifeboat, davit-launched liferaft, and rescue boat every time a fall is replaced or turned end-for-end.

§ 150.517 How are weight tests supervised?
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(a) The installation and periodic tests required by 150.515 and 150.516 of this subpart must be supervised by a person familiar with lifeboats, davit-launched liferafts, rescue boats, and with the test procedures under those sections.

(b) The person supervising the tests must attest, in writing, that the tests have been performed according to Coast Guard regulations. The operator must keep a copy of the supervisor's attesting statement onboard the deepwater port (or in the operator's principal office, in the case of an unmanned deepwater port) and make it available to the OCMI.

Personal Safety Gear
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§ 150.518 What are the inspection requirements for work vests and immersion suits?
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(a) All work vests and immersion suits must be inspected by the owner or operator pursuant to §150.105 of this part, to determine whether they are in serviceable condition.

(b) If a work vest or immersion suit is inspected and is in serviceable condition, then it may be continued in service. If not, then it must be removed from the deepwater port.

Emergency Lighting and Power Systems
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§ 150.519 What are the requirements for emergency lighting and power systems?
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(a) The operator must test and inspect the emergency lighting and power systems at least once each week to determine if they are in proper operating condition. If they are not in proper operating condition, then the operator must repair or replace their defective parts.

(b) The operator must test under load each emergency generator driven by an internal combustion engine that is used for an emergency lighting and power system at least once in each month for a minimum of 2 hours.

(c) The operator must test each storage battery for the emergency lighting and power systems, at least once in each 6 months, to demonstrate the ability of the batteries to supply the emergency loads for an 8-hour period. The operator must follow the manufacturer's instructions in performing the battery test to ensure the batteries are not damaged during testing.

Fire Extinguishing Equipment
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§ 150.520 When must fire extinguishing equipment be tested and inspected?
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The operations manual must specify how and when the operator will test and inspect each hand-portable fire extinguisher, semi-portable fire extinguisher, and fixed fire-extinguishing system. These specifications must accord with 46 CFR 31.10–18.

§ 150.521 What records are required?
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(a) The operator must maintain a record of each test and inspection under §150.520 on the deepwater port (or in the operator's principal office, in the case of an unmanned deepwater port) for at least 2 years.

(b) The record must show:

(1) The date of each test and inspection;

(2) The number or other identification of each fire extinguisher or system tested or inspected; and

(3) The name of the person who conducted the test or inspection and the name of the company that person represents.

Miscellaneous Operations
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§ 150.530 What may the fire-main system be used for?
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The fire-main system may be used only for firefighting and for deck washing, unless it is capable of being isolated and can provide the applicable minimum pressures required outlined in §149.416 of this chapter.

§ 150.531 How many fire pumps must be kept ready for use at all times?
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At least one of the fire pumps required by this subchapter must be kept ready for use at all times.

§ 150.532 What are the requirements for connection and stowage of fire hoses?
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(a) At least one length of fire-hose, with a combination nozzle, must be connected to each fire hydrant at all times. If in a location exposed to the weather, the fire-hose may be removed from the hydrant during freezing weather.

(b) When not in use, fire-hose connected to a fire hydrant must be stowed on a hose rack.

(c) The hydrant nearest the edge of a deck must have enough lengths of fire-hose connected to it to allow 10 feet of hose, when pressurized, to curve over the edge.

§ 150.540 What are the restrictions on fueling aircraft?
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If the deepwater port is not equipped with a permanent fueling facility, the COTP's approval is necessary before aircraft may be fueled at the port.

§ 150.550What are the requirements for the muster list? (continued)