Overview of 46 CFR Subchapter O

• Subchapter O of 46 CFR pertains to certain bulk dangerous cargoes.

• Regulations apply specifically to tank barges operating in U.S. waters.

• Two main parts: 150 and 151, which address the regulations for carrying listed bulk hazardous cargoes.

• Cargoes are specified in Table 151 Decimal 5.

Definitions and Key Concepts

• Hazardous Material: Defined as flammable or combustible liquids per 46 CFR Subchapter D, or materials listed in Tables 151 Decimal 0 5, 15 3, 154, and liquefied/compressed gases in 49 CFR 172.1 1.

• Incompatible Materials: Hazardous materials identified as incompatible based on the compatibility chart and intersection of cargo group and reactive group marked with an 'X'.

Part 150: Requirements for Identification

• Part 150 of Subchapter O: Establishes rules for identifying incompatible hazardous materials.

• Compatibility chart lists hazardous materials, their group numbers, footnotes, CRIS codes, and related codes.

• Examples of Incompatibility:

  • Epichlorohydrin (Cargo Group 17) is incompatible with Reactive Groups 1-8 (indicated by 'X').

  • Aromatic Hydrocarbon (Cargo Group 17) is incompatible with Reactive Group 3 (Nitric Acid, indicated by 'X').

Part 151: Important Regulations for Tankermen

• Contents of Part 151:

  • General information and regulatory equivalence.

  • Key definitions, inspection, and certification procedures.

  • Minimum requirements for compliance.

  • Required bulge hole construction and cargo segregation guidelines.

  • Procedures for cargo transfers and environmental control measures.

  • Fire extinguisher requirements, temperature or pressure control installations, and special operational requirements.

Table 151 Summary of Minimum Requirements

• Table 151 provides summary requirements for barge cargo transportation:

  • Left margin: Cargo names under Subchapter O.

  • Top margin includes:

    • Cargo classification

    • Hold type

    • Cargo segregation tank

    • Cargo transfer requirements

    • Environmental control needs

    • Fire protection standards

    • Electrical hazard class and group

    • Temperature control requirements

    • Tank internal inspection protocols

Example: Acrylonitrile from Table 151

• Cargo Identification:

  • Importance of matching customer cargo names with regulatory descriptions.

  • Necessary to verify cargo name using cargo orders, SDS, and officer on watch.

• Specifics for Acrylonitrile:

  • Cargo must be at atmospheric pressure in the tank and at ambient temperature during transit.

  • Requires a hull type 2 tank barge with integral gravity type tanks.

  • Pressure vacuum valves for venting and restrictive gauging must be employed.

  • Fire protection measures essential on tank barges carrying this material.

  • Special requirements detailed in 46 CFR 151.55-1(e) and 46 CFR 151.50-70(e).