Accessing United States Coast Guard Regulations

• Importance: Understanding regulations is crucial for personnel in the bulk liquid cargo industry.

• Key Source: Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs).

• Structure: CFRs are organized systematically for easy lookup by title and alphanumeric notation.

Overview of CFRs

• Total Titles: 50

• Relevant Titles for Dangerous Liquids:

  • Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters

  • Title 46: Shipping

• Critical Chapters:

  • 46 CFR, Chapter I: US Coast Guard Regulations.

  • Focus areas for dangerous liquids training course:

    • Subchapter D: Tank Vessels

    • Subchapter O: Certain Bulk Dangerous Cargoes

Understanding CFR Parts

• CFR Parts for Tankerman:

  • Parts 30-40: General rules for tank barge operations.

  • Parts 150-151: Bulk cargo compatibility and certain bulk dangerous liquid regulations.

• Part Organization:

  • Each part contains subparts.

  • Example: 46 CFR Subchapter I, Subchapter D, Part 30, Subpart 30.10 has definitions in Section 30.10-1.

• Alphanumeric References: Regulations can be referred to by their alphanumeric designations (e.g., 46 CFR 30.10-1).

Pollution Prevention Regulations

• Regulations Overview: Encompasses multiple federal laws addressing pollution.

• Key Acts:

  • Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948: First major law for addressing water pollution.

  • Clean Water Act: Prohibits discharge of pollutants into navigable waters.

  • Oil Pollution Act of 1990: Requires planning for response to large discharges.

  • International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): Aims to minimize oceanic pollution.

Specific CFR Parts Breakdown (33 CFR Subchapter O)

• Parts 151-157: Apply to tank vessels and certain vessels carrying flammable and combustible liquids.

• Part 151: Deals with vessels carrying oil, noxious substances, and garbage.

• Part 153: Controls pollution by oil and hazardous substances.

• Part 154: Covers oil and hazardous material transfer operations.

• Part 155: Outlines pollution prevention protocols for vessels.

• Part 156: Focuses on oil and hazardous material transfer operations.

Detailed Examination of 33 CFR Part 156

• Importance: Contains critical information for oil and hazardous material transfer procedures.

• Key Sections:

  • Part 156.120: Requirements for transfer operations.

  • Relevant Subsections:

    • Each transfer hose must not have unrepaired defects (i, j).

    • Compliance with specified standards (154.500 and 154.510).

• Part 157: Addresses environmental protections regarding tank vessels transporting oil in bulk.

• Focus Areas: Design, equipment, operations including crude oil washing systems, and clean ballast tanks.

Conclusion

• Understanding these regulations and procedures is vital for tankermans to ensure compliance and promote safety in the transport of bulk liquid cargoes.