Collapse to view only § 157.03 - Definitions.
- § 157.01 - Applicability.
- § 157.02 - Incorporation by reference: Where can I get a copy of the publications mentioned in this part?
- § 157.03 - Definitions.
- § 157.04 - Authorization of classification societies.
- § 157.05 - Performing calculations for this part.
- § 157.06 - Appeals.
- § 157.07 - Equivalents.
§ 157.01 - Applicability.
(a) Unless otherwise indicated, this part applies to each vessel that carries oil in bulk as cargo and that is:
(1) Documented under the laws of the United States (a U.S. vessel); or
(2) Any other vessel that enters or operates in the navigable waters of the United States, or that operates, conducts ligtering under 46 U.S.C. 3715, or receives cargo from or transfers cargo to a deepwater port under 33 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone, as defined in 33 U.S.C. 2701(8).
(b) This part does not apply to a vessel exempted under 46 U.S.C. 2109 or 46 U.S.C. 3702.
§ 157.02 - Incorporation by reference: Where can I get a copy of the publications mentioned in this part?
(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of change in the
(b) International Maritime Organization (IMO)—4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom.
(1) IMCO Assembly Resolution A.393(X), adopted on 14 November 1977, Recommendation on International Performance and Test Specifications For Oily Water Separating Equipment and Oil Content Meters (“A.393(x)”), incorporation by reference approved for § 157.12.
(2) IMO Assembly Resolution A.496(XII), Adopted on 19 November 1981, Agenda Item 11, Guidelines and Specifications for Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems for Oil Tankers (“A.496(XII)”), incorporation by reference approved for § 157.12.
(3) IMO Assembly Resolution A.586(14), Adopted on 20 November 1985, Agenda item 12, Revised Guidelines and Specifications for Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems for Oil Tankers (“A.586(14)”), incorporation by reference approved for § 157.12.
(4) IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee Resolution MEPC.13 (19), adopted on 9 December 1983, Guidelines for Plan Approval and Installation Survey of Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems for Oil Tankers and Environmental Testing of Control Sections Thereof (“MEPC.13(19)”), incorporation by reference approved for § 157.12.
(5) IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee Resolution MEPC.108(49), Adopted on 18 July 2003, Revised Guidelines and Specifications for Oil Discharge Monitoring and Control Systems for Oil Tankers (“MEPC.108(49)”), incorporation by reference approved for § 157.12.
(6) IMO Assembly Resolution A.601(15), Provision and Display of Manoeuvring Information on Board Ships, Annex sections 1.1, 2.3, 3.1, and 3.2 with appendices, adopted on 19 November 1987 (“A.601(15)”), incorporation by reference approved for § 157.450.
(7) IMO Assembly Resolution A.744(18), Guidelines on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections During Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, Annex B sections 1.1.3-1.1.4, 1.2-1.3, 2.1, 2.3-2.6, 3-8, and Annexes 1-10 with appendices, adopted 4 November 1993 (“A.744(18)”), incorporation by reference approved for § 157.430.
(8) IMO Assembly Resolution A.751(18), Interim Standards for Ship Manoeuvrability, Annex sections 1.2, 2.3-2.4, 3-4.2, and 5, adopted 4 November 1993 with Explanatory Notes in MSC/Circ. 644 dated 6 June 1994 (“A.751(18)”), incorporation by reference approved for § 157.445.
(9) MARPOL Consolidated Edition 2011, Annex I, Regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil, Chapter 4—Requirements for the cargo area of oil tankers, Part A—Construction, Regulation 22, “Pump-room bottom protection,” (Annex I, Regulation 22) incorporation by reference approved for § 157.14.
(10) MARPOL Consolidated Edition 2011, Annex I, Regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil, Chapter 4—Requirements for the cargo area of oil tankers, Part A—Construction, Regulation 23, “Accidental oil outflow performance,” (Annex I, Regulation 23) incorporation by reference approved for § 157.20.
(c) Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) 27 Queen Anne's Gate, London, SW1H 9BU, England].
(1) International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals, Fourth Edition, Chapters 6, 7, and 10, 1996, incorporation by reference approved for § 157.435.
(2) [Reserved]
§ 157.03 - Definitions.
Except as otherwise stated in a subpart:
Amidships means the middle of the length.
Animal fat means a non-petroleum oil, fat, or grease derived from animals and not specifically identified elsewhere in this part.
Ballast voyage means the voyage that a tank vessel engages in after it leaves the port of final cargo discharge.
Breadth or B means the maximum molded breadth of a vessel in meters.
Cargo tank length means the length from the forward bulkhead of the forwardmost cargo tanks, to the after bulkhead of the aftermost cargo tanks.
Center tank means any tank inboard of a longitudinal bulkhead.
Clean ballast means ballast which:
(1) If discharged from a vessel that is stationary into clean, calm water on a clear day, would not—
(i) Produce visible traces of oil on the surface of the water or on adjoining shore lines; or
(ii) Cause a sludge or emulsion to be deposited beneath the surface of the water or upon adjoining shore lines; or
(2) If verified by an approved oil discharge monitoring and control system, has an oil content that does not exceed 15 p.m.
Combination carrier means a vessel designed to carry oil or solid cargoes in bulk.
Crude oil means any liquid hydrocarbon mixture occurring naturally in the earth, whether or not treated to render it suitable for transportation, and includes crude oil from which certain distillate fractions may have been removed, and crude oil to which certain distillate fractions may have been added.
Deadweight or DWT means the difference in metric tons between the lightweight displacement and the total displacement of a vessel measured in water of specific gravity 1.025 at the load waterline corresponding to the assigned summer freeboard.
Dedicated clean ballast tank means a cargo tank that is allocated solely for the carriage of clean ballast.
Domestic trade means trade between ports or places within the United States, its territories and possessions, either directly or via a foreign port including trade on the navigable rivers, lakes, and inland waters.
Double bottom means watertight protective spaces that do not carry any oil and which separate the bottom of tanks that hold any oil within the cargo tank length from the outer skin of the vessel.
Double hull means watertight protective spaces that do not carry any oil and which separate the sides, bottom, forward end, and aft end of tanks that hold any oil within the cargo tank length from the outer skin of the vessel as prescribed in § 157.10d.
Doubles sides means watertight protective spaces that do not carry any oil and which separate the sides of tanks that hold any oil within the cargo tank length from the outer skin of the vessel.
Existing vessel means any vessel that is not a new vessel.
Fleeting or assist towing vessel means any commercial vessel engaged in towing astern, alongside, or pushing ahead, used solely within a limited geographic area, such as a particular barge fleeting area or commercial facility, and used solely for restricted service, such as making up or breaking up larger tows.
Foreign trade means any trade that is not domestic trade.
From the nearest land means from the baseline from which the territorial sea of the United States is established in accordance with international law.
Fuel oil means any oil used as fuel for machinery in the vessel in which it is carried.
Inland vessel means a vessel that is not oceangoing and that does not operate on the Great Lakes.
Instantaneous rate of discharge of oil content means the rate of discharge of oil in liters per hour at any instant, divided by the speed of the vessel in knots at the same instant.
Integrated tug barge means a tug and a tank barge with a mechanical system that allows the connection of the propulsion unit (the tug) to the stern of the cargo carrying unit (the tank barge) so that the two vessels function as a single self-propelled vessel.
Large primary structural member includes any of the following:
(1) Web frames.
(2) Girders.
(3) Webs.
(4) Main brackets.
(5) Transverses.
(6) Stringers.
(7) Struts in transverse web frames when there are 3 or more struts and the depth of each is more than 1/15 of the total depth of the tank.
Length or L means the distance in meters from the fore side of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock on a waterline at 85 percent of the least molded depth measured from the molded baseline, or 96 percent of the total length on that waterline, whichever is greater. In vessels designed with drag, the waterline is measured parallel to the designed waterline.
Lightweight means the displacement of a vessel in metric tons without cargo, fuel oil, lubricating oil, ballast water, fresh water, and feedwater in tanks, consumable stores, and any persons and their effects.
Major conversion means a conversion of an existing vessel that:
(1) Substantially alters the dimensions or carrying capacity of the vessel, except a conversion that includes only the installation of segregated ballast tanks, dedicated clean ballast tanks, a crude oil washing system, double sides, a double bottom, or a double hull;
(2) Changes the type of vessel;
(3) Substantially prolongs the vessel's service life; or
(4) Otherwise so changes the vessel that it is essentially a new vessel, as determined by the Commandant (CG-CVC).
MARPOL 73/78 means the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating to that Convention. A copy of MARPOL 73/78 is available from the International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London, SE1
New vessel means:
(1) A U.S. vessel in domestic trade that:
(i) Is constructed under a contract awarded after December 31, 1974;
(ii) In the absence of a building contract, has the keel laid or is at a similar stage of construction after June 30, 1975;
(iii) Is delivered after December 31, 1977; or
(iv) Has undergone a major conversion for which:
(A) The contract is awarded after December 31, 1974;
(B) In the absence of a contract, conversion is begun after June 30, 1975; or
(C) Conversion is completed after December 31, 1977; and
(2) A foreign vessel or a U.S. vessel in foreign trade that:
(i) Is constructed under a contract awarded after December 31, 1975;
(ii) In the absence of a building contract, has the keel laid or is at a similar stage of construction after June 30, 1976;
(iii) Is delivered after December 31, 1979; or
(iv) Has undergone a major conversion for which:
(A) The contract is awarded after December 31, 1975;
(B) In the absence of a contract, conversion is begun after June 30, 1976; or
(C) Conversion is completed after December 31, 1979.
Non-petroleum oil means oil of any kind that is not petroleum-based. It includes, but is not limited to, animal fat and vegetable oil.
Oceangoing has the same meaning as defined in § 151.05 of this chapter.
Officer in charge of a navigational watch means any officer employed or engaged to be responsible for navigating or maneuvering the vessel and for maintaining a continuous vigilant watch during his or her periods of duty and following guidance set out by the master, international or national regulations, and company policies.
Oil means oil of any kind or in any form including, but not limited to, petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil. This includes liquid hydrocarbons as well as animal and vegetable oils.
Oil cargo residue means any residue of oil cargo whether in solid, semi-solid, emulsified, or liquid form from cargo tanks and cargo pump room bilges, including but not limited to, drainages, leakages, exhausted oil, muck, clingage, sludge, bottoms, paraffin (wax), and any constituent component of oil. The term “oil cargo residue” is also known as “cargo oil residue.”
Oil residue means—
(1) Oil cargo residue; and
(2) Other residue of oil whether in solid, semi-solid, emulsified, or liquid form, resulting from drainages, leakages, exhausted oil, and other similar occurrences from machinery spaces.
Oil spill response vessel means a vessel that is exclusively dedicated to operations to prevent or mitigate environmental damage due to an actual or impending accidental oil spill. This includes a vessel that performs routine service as an escort for a tank vessel, but excludes a vessel that engages in any other commercial activity, such as the carriage of any type of cargo.
Oil tanker means a vessel that is constructed or adapted primarily to carry crude oil or products in bulk as cargo. This includes a tank barge, a tankship, and a combination carrier, as well as a vessel that is constructed or adapted primarily to carry noxious liquid substances in bulk as cargo and which also carries crude oil or products in bulk as cargo.
Oily mixture means a mixture, in any form, with any oil content. “Oily mixture” includes, but is not limited to—
(1) Slops from bilges;
(2) Slops from oil cargoes (such as cargo tank washings, oily waste, and oily refuse);
(3) Oil residue; and
(4) Oily ballast water from cargo or fuel oil tanks, including any oil cargo residue.
Oily mixture means a mixture with any oil content.
Other non-petroleum oil means an oil of any kind that is not petroleum oil, an animal fat, or a vegetable oil.
Permeability of a space means the ratio of the volume within a space that is assumed to be occupied by water to the total volume of that space.
Petroleum oil means petroleum in any form, including but not limited to, crude oil, fuel oil, sludge, oil residue, and refined products.
Primary towing vessel means any vessel engaged in towing astern, alongside, or pushing ahead and includes the tug in an integrated tug barge. It does not include fleeting or assist towing vessels.
Product means any liquid hydrocarbon mixture in any form, except crude oil, petrochemicals, and liquefied gases.
Segregated ballast means the ballast water introduced into a tank that is completely separated from the cargo oil and fuel oil system and that is permanently allocated to the carriage of ballast.
Slop tank means a tank specifically designated for the collection of cargo drainings, washings, and other oily mixtures.
Tank means an enclosed space that is formed by the permanent structure of a vessel, and designed for the carriage of liquid in bulk.
Tank barge means a tank vessel not equipped with a means of self-propulsion.
Tank vessel means a vessel that is constructed or adapted primarily to carry, or that carries, oil or hazardous material in bulk as cargo or cargo residue, and that—
(1) Is a vessel of the United States;
(2) Operates on the navigable waters of the United States; or
(3) Transfers oil or hazardous material in a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. This does not include an offshore supply vessel, or a fishing vessel or fish tender vessel of not more than 750 gross tons when engaged only in the fishing industry.
Tankship means a tank vessel propelled by mechanical power or sail.
Vegetable oil means a non-petroleum oil or fat not specifically identified elsewhere in this part that is derived from plant seeds, nuts, kernels, or fruits.
Wing tank means a tank that is located adjacent to the side shell plating.
§ 157.04 - Authorization of classification societies.
(a) The Coast Guard may authorize any classification society (CS) to perform certain plan reviews, certifications, and inspections required by this part on vessels classed by that CS, except that only U.S. classification societies may be authorized to perform those plan reviews, inspections, and certifications for U.S. vessels.
(b) If a CS desires authorization to perform the plan reviews, certifications, and inspections required under this part, it must submit to the Commandant (CG-CVC), Attn: Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7501, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7501, evidence from the governments concerned showing that they have authorized the CS to inspect and certify vessels on their behalf under the MARPOL 73/78.
(c) The Coast Guard notifies the CS in writing whether or not it is accepted as an authorized CS. If authorization is refused, reasons for the refusal are included.
(d) Acceptance as an authorized CS terminates unless the following are met:
(1) The authorized CS must have each Coast Guard regulation that is applicable to foreign vessels on the navigable waters of the United States.
(2) Each issue concerning equivalents to the regulations in this part must be referred to the Coast Guard for determination.
(3) Copies of any plans, calculations, records of inspections, or other documents relating to any plan review, inspection, or certification performed to meet this part must be made available to the Coast Guard.
(4) Each document certified under §§ 157.116(a)(2), 157.118(b)(1)(ii), and 157.216(b)(1)(ii) must be marked with the name or seal of the authorized CS.
(5) A copy of the final documentation that is issued to each vessel that is certified under this part must be referred to the Commandant (CG-CVC), Attn: Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7501, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7501.
§ 157.05 - Performing calculations for this part.
In this part, unless the context requires otherwise:
(a) Formulas are in the International System of Units (SI);
(b) Values used in those formulas must be in the International System of Units; and
(c) Forward and after perpendiculars are located at the forward end and at the after end of the length. The forward perpendicular coincides with the foreside of the stem on the waterline on which the length of the vessel is measured.
§ 157.06 - Appeals.
(a) Any person directly affected by an action taken under this part may request reconsideration by the Coast Guard official who is responsible for that action.
(b) Any person not satisfied with a ruling made under the procedure contained in paragraph (a) of this section may appeal that ruling in writing, except as allowed under paragraph (e) of this section, to the Coast Guard District Commander of the district in which the action was taken. The appeal may contain supporting documentation and evidence that the appellant wishes to have considered. If requested, the District Commander may stay the effect of the action being appealed while the ruling is being reviewed. The District Commander issues a ruling after reviewing the appeal submitted under this paragraph.
(c) Any person not satisfied with a ruling made under the procedure contained in paragraph (b) of this section may appeal that ruling in writing, except as allowed under paragraph (e) of this section, to the Commandant (CG-5P), Attn: Assistant Commandant for Prevention, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7501, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7501. The appeal may contain supporting documentation and evidence that the appellant wishes to have considered. If requested, the Deputy for Operations Policy and Capabilities (CG-DCO-D) may stay the effect of the action being appealed while the ruling is being reviewed. The Chief, Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection issues a ruling after reviewing the appeal submitted under this paragraph.
(d) Any decision made by the Assistant Commandant for Prevention (CG-5P) under the procedure contained in paragraph (c) of this section is final agency action.
(e) If the delay in presenting a written appeal would have a significant adverse impact on the appellant, the appeal under paragraph (b) or (c) of this section may initially be presented orally. If an initial presentation of the appeal is made orally, the appellant must submit the appeal in writing within five days of the oral presentation to the Coast Guard official to whom the oral presentation was made. The written appeal must contain, at a minimum the basis for the appeal and a summary of the material presented orally.
§ 157.07 - Equivalents.
The Coast Guard may accept an equivalent, in accordance with the procedure in 46 CFR 30.15-1, of a design or an equipment to fulfill a requirement in this part, except an operational method may not be substituted for a design or equipment requirement that is also required under the MARPOL 73/78.