[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 203 (Thursday, October 21, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65152-65195]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-25384]



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Part III





Department of Homeland Security





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Coast Guard



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33 CFR Parts 154, 155, and 156

46 CFR Parts 35 and 39



Marine Vapor Control Systems; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 75 , No. 203 / Thursday, October 21, 2010 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Parts 154, 155, and 156

46 CFR Parts 35 and 39

[USCG-1999-5150]
RIN 1625-AB37


Marine Vapor Control Systems

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to increase maritime domain safety by 
revising existing safety regulations for facility and vessel vapor 
control systems (VCSs). The proposed changes would make VCS 
requirements more compatible with new Federal and State environmental 
requirements, reflect industry advancements in VCS technology, and 
codify the standards for the design and operation of a VCS at tank 
barge cleaning facilities. These changes would increase the safety of 
operations by regulating the design, installation, and use of VCSs, but 
would not require anyone to install or use VCSs.

DATES: Comments and related material must either be submitted to our 
online docket via http://www.regulations.gov on or before April 21, 
2011 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date. Comments 
sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on collection of 
information must reach OMB on or before April 21, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
1999-5150 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is 202-366-9329.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments.
    Collection of Information Comments: If you have comments on the 
collection of information discussed in section VI.D. of this notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM), you must also send comments to the Office 
of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and 
Budget. To ensure that your comments to OIRA are received on time, the 
preferred methods are by e-mail to [email protected] 
(include the docket number and ``Attention: Desk Officer for Coast 
Guard, DHS'' in the subject line of the e-mail) or fax at 202-395-6566. 
An alternate, though slower, method is by U.S. mail to the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 
725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, ATTN: Desk Officer, U.S. 
Coast Guard.
    Viewing Incorporation by Reference Material: You may inspect the 
material proposed for incorporation by reference at room 1214, U.S. 
Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20593-0001 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-372-1422. Copies of the 
material are available as indicated in the ``Incorporation by 
Reference'' section of this preamble.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed 
rule, call or e-mail Ms. Sara Ju, Office of Operating and Environmental 
Standards, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 202-372-1422, e-mail 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting 
material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents for Preamble

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
    A. Submitting Comments
    B. Viewing Comments and Documents
    C. Privacy Act
    D. Public Meeting
II. Abbreviations
III. Basis and Purpose
IV. Discussion of Proposed Rule
V. Incorporation by Reference
VI. Regulatory Analyses
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review
    B. Small Entities
    C. Assistance for Small Entities
    D. Collection of Information
    E. Federalism
    H. Civil Justice Reform
    I. Protection of Children
    J. Indian Tribal Governments
    L. Technical Standards
    M. Environment

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted 
without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided.

A. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking (USCG-1999-5150), indicate the specific section of this 
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each 
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material 
online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of 
these means. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing 
address, an e-mail address, or a phone number in the body of your 
document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your 
submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``submit a comment'' box, which will then become 
highlighted in blue. In the ``Document Type'' drop down menu select 
``Proposed Rule'' and insert ``USCG-1999-5150'' in the ``Keyword'' box. 
Click ``Search'' then click on the balloon shape in the ``Actions'' 
column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit 
them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\; by 11 inches, 
suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by 
mail and would like to know that they have reached the Facility, please 
enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope.
    We will consider all comments and material received during the 
comment period and may change this proposed rule based on your 
comments.

B. Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``read comments'' box, which will then become highlighted 
in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box insert ``USCG-1999-5150'' and click 
``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column. 
If you do not have access to the Internet, you may view the docket 
online by visiting the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on 
the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington,

[[Page 65153]]

DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of 
Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility.

C. Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any 
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice 
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008 issue of the 
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

D. Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a 
request for one to the docket using one of the methods specified under 
ADDRESSES. In your request, explain why you believe a public meeting 
would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this 
rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a later 
notice in the Federal Register.

II. Abbreviations

ANSI American National Standards Institute
API American Petroleum Institute
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
CAA 90 U.S. Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
CTAC Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee
DHS Department of Homeland Security
DOT Department of Transportation
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
HAP Hazardous air pollutant
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
IMO International Maritime Organization
ISA International Standards Association
ISGOTT International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals
MAWP Maximum allowable working pressure
MESG Maximum experimental safe gap
MISL Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement
MOCC Minimum oxygen concentration for combustion
MSC Coast Guard Marine Safety Center
NAICS North American Industry Classification System
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
NTTAA The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
NVIC Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular
OCIMF Oil Companies International Marine Forum
OMB Office of Management and Budget
P&IDs Piping and instrumentation diagrams
PIC Person-in-charge
PPM Parts per million
psi Pounds per square inch
psia Pounds per square inch absolute
psig Pounds per square inch gauge
QDC Quick disconnect couplings
SIC Standard Industrial Classification
UFL Upper flammable limit
USCG U.S. Coast Guard
VCS Vapor control system
VOC Volatile organic compound

III. Basis and Purpose

    This NPRM proposes amendments to 1990 Coast Guard regulations 
(final rule, 55 FR 25396; June 21, 1990) relating to facility and 
vessel vapor control systems (VCSs), and generally appearing in 33 CFR 
part 154, subpart E and in 46 CFR part 39. These regulations do not 
require any facility or vessel to control vapor or be equipped with a 
VCS, nor do they require a vessel to take away vapor from facilities. 
Instead, these regulations would apply to facilities and vessels that 
voluntarily engage in vapor control activities or that do so in 
compliance with other regulatory requirements imposed by the Federal 
Government or by the States. Our regulatory authority is delegated to 
the Coast Guard by the Secretary of Homeland Security, and derives from 
42 U.S.C. 7511b(f)(2), 33 U.S.C. 1231, and 46 U.S.C. 3703. Section 
7511b(f)(2) of Title 42 U.S.C. was enacted by the Clean Air Act 
Amendments of 1990 (CAA 90), and directs the Secretary to issue 
regulations ensuring the safety of equipment and operations used to 
control vapor emissions. Section 1231 of Title 33 U.S.C. gives the 
Secretary authority to issue regulations to implement port and 
waterways safety statutes. One of those statutes is 33 U.S.C. 1225, 
which requires the Secretary to act as necessary to prevent damage to 
land and structures on or along U.S. navigable waters and to protect 
these navigable waters and their resources. Section 3703 of Title 46 
U.S.C. requires the Secretary to regulate vessels and their liquid bulk 
dangerous cargo operations to protect life, property, and the marine 
environment.
    During marine tank vessel loading and other operations, the liquid 
loaded into a cargo tank displaces vapors within the tank. Vapors are 
also generated because of vapor growth. The emitted vapors of certain 
cargoes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other air 
pollutants. CAA 90 requires that these vapors be controlled in air 
quality non-attainment areas. Under CAA 90, the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) issues national standards for control of VOCs 
and other air pollutants emitted during marine tank vessel operations. 
CAA 90 also authorizes Federal and State regulations to set vapor 
emission standards and to require that marine terminals and tank 
vessels be equipped with VCSs. These systems are used to collect and 
process vocs and other air pollutants emitted during loading and other 
operations of marine tank vessels.
    Two trends have emerged since we implemented our current VCS 
regulations. Together, these trends make it advisable for us to amend 
our regulations.
    Improved design and technology: First, VCS design and technology 
has improved since 1990, and our current regulations do not reflect 
those improvements. Currently, we accommodate these design and 
technology improvements by using the exemption and equivalency 
determination provisions of 33 CFR 154.108 and 46 CFR 30.15-1 to 
approve individual applications by VCS owners or designers who can show 
that their improvements provide a level of safety at least equivalent 
to that provided by our regulations. Reliance on individual exemptions 
or equivalency determinations involves extra risk for VCS owners and 
designers, and extra review time for the Coast Guard. We would prefer 
to reduce the need for individual exemptions and equivalency 
determinations, and therefore reduce Coast Guard administrative work, 
by updating our regulations to reflect more recent VCS design and 
technology.
    Expanded capabilities and requirements: Second, VCSs may now 
control more cargoes than they could in 1990, and are subject to 
additional Federal and State regulatory requirements. In 1990, Federal 
and State requirements limited VCSs to the control of vapor emissions 
from crude oil, gasoline blend, or benzene cargoes. The EPA and States 
now permit or require the control of vapor emissions from many other 
cargoes. See current EPA regulations in 40 CFR subpart Y, 40 CFR 
63.560-63.568. In addition, EPA regulations now require marine tank 
vessels operating at major terminals that control VOC vapors to be 
vapor-tight and equipped with vapor collection systems. 40 CFR 63.562. 
Because current Coast Guard regulations have not been significantly 
amended since 1990, they do not reflect the expanded range of cargoes 
controlled by VCSs, nor do they reflect EPA's current 40 CFR 63.562 
requirements.
    Facilities and vessels that control vapors from cargoes other than 
crude oil, gasoline blend, or benzene, or that are subject to 40 CFR 
63.562, may voluntarily comply with guidance that we provided in a 
policy letter sent to

[[Page 65154]]

VCS-certifying entities on May 5, 1992, or in Navigation and Vessel 
Inspection Circular (NVIC) No. 1-96 (April 1996), which provides safety 
standards for the design and operation of marine VCSs at tank barge 
cleaning facilities. This guidance was developed in close consultation 
with the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), a Coast 
Guard advisory committee that operates under the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Appendix 2, but it is not legally binding on 
these facilities and vessels. These guidance documents are available in 
the public docket. We wish to update our VCS regulations to incorporate 
this guidance in our regulatory requirements.
    Our proposed changes would bring our regulations into line with the 
guidance we have developed to deal with post-1990 improvements in VCS 
design and technology, with the expanded capabilities that VCSs now 
provide, and with the expansion of the Federal and State regulatory 
environments in which VCSs function. The proposed changes would also 
adopt or modify many CTAC recommendations, all of which appear in the 
docket for this rulemaking.

IV. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The proposed new regulations:
     Reflect the expanded number and scope of Federal and State 
regulations for VCSs since 1990;
     Reflect advances in VCS technology and operational 
practices since 1990, particularly in vapor-balancing operations, cargo 
line clearing operations, and multi-breasted tandem barge-loading 
operations;
     Incorporate the policy guidance (1992 policy letter and 
1996 NVIC; both available in the docket) and reflect regulatory 
exemptions and equivalency determinations that we have provided or 
granted since 1990;
     Provide new regulations for cargoes and operations, such 
as tank barge cleaning, that have become subject to Federal or State 
regulatory expansion since 1990;
     Provide for periodic operational reviews to ensure that 
VCSs are properly maintained and operated after they are certified;
     Provide an alternate test program for analyzers and 
pressure sensors, in addition to existing 24-hour pre-transfer/cleaning 
instrument testing requirements, to provide greater regulatory 
flexibility;
     Require certifying entities to be operated by currently 
licensed professional engineers, to ensure that certification is 
conducted by properly qualified professionals, and clarify the role of 
the certifying entity in VCS design, installation, and hazard reviews;
     Remove 33 CFR part 154, appendix B, which provides 
specifications for flame arresters, and requires flame arresters to 
meet third-party standards, because of apparent lack of public demand 
for these devices;
     Attempt to achieve greater clarity through the use of 
tabular presentation;
     Update industry standards that are incorporated by 
reference into our regulatory requirements;
     Phase in requirements for existing VCSs in order to 
moderate the economic impact of new requirements for those VCSs;
     Make conforming changes in regulations other than 33 CFR 
part 154, subpart E and 46 CFR part 39; and
     Make nonsubstantive changes in the wording or style of 
existing regulations, either to improve their clarity or to align them 
with current Federal regulatory style guidance.
    Table 1 shows the sections affected by our proposed rule and, with 
reference to the foregoing discussion, briefly indicates how and why we 
propose to change, add, or remove regulatory text. The proposed 
regulatory text itself is, in many places, complex and technical. 
Therefore, we invite you to use Table 1 as a guide, but we urge you to 
read and analyze the proposed regulatory text following this preamble 
with care, to determine exactly how these proposed changes could affect 
you. We are providing an extended public comment period--6 months 
instead of the Coast Guard's normal 3-month period--to facilitate your 
in-depth review.

                               Table 1--Proposed Changes in Marine VCS Regulations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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Section                                                                Proposed change and justification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33 CFR:
    154.106.................................................  Update or add standards that are incorporated by
                                                               reference, to reflect changes proposed elsewhere
                                                               in Part 154 and, generally, to reflect technology
                                                               improvements since 1990.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.310(b)..............................................  Amend operations manual requirements relating to
                                                               VCSs to reflect other proposed changes and to
                                                               ensure the operations manual provides adequate
                                                               information.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.500.................................................  Update or add industry flange and coupling
                                                               standards that are incorporated by reference, and
                                                               make nonsubstantive wording or style changes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.735.................................................  Update or add incorporated-by-reference industry
                                                               standards for electrical wiring, electrical
                                                               equipment, and tank cleaning or gas freeing
                                                               operations involving oil residue or mixtures, and
                                                               make nonsubstantive wording or style changes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.740.................................................  Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.800-154.850 (33 CFR Part 154, Subpart E)............  Remove these sections and transfer substance to
                                                               new Subpart P, beginning with 33 CFR 154.2000, to
                                                               facilitate the substantive changes we propose
                                                               while preserving related material in a sequential
                                                               arrangement. Existing sections and their proposed
                                                               new locations are listed here:
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Existing Sec.             Proposed Sec.
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                              154.800.................  154.2000
                                                              154.802.................  154.2001
                                                              154.804.................  154.2020-154.2023
                                                              154.806.................  154.2010, 154.2011


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                         Table 1--Proposed Changes in Marine VCS Regulations--Continued
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Section                                                                Proposed change and justification
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                                                              154.808.................  154.2100
                                                              154.810.................  154.2101
                                                              154.812.................  154.2102
                                                              154.814.................  154.2103
                                                              154.820, 154.822........  154.2105, 154.2106
                                                              154.824.................  154.2107
                                                              154.826.................  154.2108
                                                              154.828.................  154.2109
                                                              154.840.................  154.2030
                                                              154.850.................  154.2150
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    154.2000 (present 154.800)..............................  Extend the applicability of this part to cover the
                                                               range of cargoes that can be controlled by a VCS,
                                                               and the range of facilities and operations using
                                                               VCSs. Both have expanded since 1990.
                                                              Grandfather existing facilities and provide for 3-
                                                               year phase-in to moderate the economic impact of
                                                               new requirements.
                                                              Add language explaining the difference between
                                                               regulatory measurements and parenthetical
                                                               measurements that are included only for
                                                               convenience, to eliminate possible confusion as
                                                               to which measurement is the focus of the
                                                               regulation.
                                                              Clarify, without substantive change, that Coast
                                                               Guard regulations do not require any vessel or
                                                               facility to control vapor, but that the
                                                               regulations apply to vessels or facilities that
                                                               choose to or that, due to other laws, must
                                                               control vapor.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2001 (present 154.802)..............................  Add definitions to reflect substantive changes
                                                               proposed elsewhere in the NPRM.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2010, 154.2011 (present 154.806)....................  Reorganize provisions discussing qualifications
                                                               and acceptance of certifying entities, for
                                                               improved clarity.
                                                              Codify current USCG guidance for those applying
                                                               for acceptance as certifying entities, to
                                                               eliminate possible confusion.
                                                              Require certifying entities to use licensed
                                                               professional engineers for VCS certification, to
                                                               ensure that certification is conducted by persons
                                                               with appropriate professional qualifications, as
                                                               recommended by CTAC.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2020-154.2023 (present 154.804).....................  Reorganize provisions discussing VCS certification
                                                               and recertification for improved clarity, and add
                                                               new requirements for operational reviews, to help
                                                               reduce post-certification maintenance and
                                                               operational problems.
                                                              Clarify, without substantive change, that
                                                               recertification is needed before an approved VCS
                                                               can operate beyond the terms of its existing
                                                               certification.
                                                              Codify current USCG guidance for certifying
                                                               entities conducting certification or
                                                               recertification reviews, to standardize
                                                               certification or recertification requirements and
                                                               processes.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2030 (present 154.840)..............................  Add new training requirements to reflect other
                                                               proposed changes.
                                                              Add new training requirements for persons
                                                               overseeing VCS maintenance, to help ensure a good-
                                                               quality maintenance program between
                                                               recertifications.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2031................................................  Add new section to address training requirements
                                                               for tank barge cleaning facility personnel,
                                                               because Federal and State regulations have
                                                               expanded to include these facilities since 1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2100 (present 154.808)..............................  Revise temperature limits to reflect additional
                                                               cargoes.
                                                              Modify or clarify (without substantive change) VCS
                                                               piping, working pressure, remote indicator, alarm
                                                               and shutdown activation, condensate control, VCS
                                                               components/vapor suitability, and vapor
                                                               processing unit provisions in line with current
                                                               USCG guidance; thereby eliminating the current
                                                               need, explained in Part III of this preamble, for
                                                               equivalency or exemption determinations based on
                                                               that guidance.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes, and
                                                               update or add standards that are incorporated by
                                                               reference.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2101 (present 154.810)..............................  Remove requirement for manual isolation valve
                                                               between facility vapor connection and remotely
                                                               operated cargo vapor shutoff valve to eliminate
                                                               potential for overpressure if isolation valve is
                                                               accidentally left closed, to reflect post-1990
                                                               equipment and operational practice improvements.
                                                              Modify or clarify (without substantive change)
                                                               remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve,
                                                               vapor line marking, vapor hose, and electrical
                                                               insulation provisions in line with current USCG
                                                               guidance; thereby eliminating the current need,
                                                               explained in Part III of this preamble, for
                                                               equivalency or exemption determinations based on
                                                               that guidance.


[[Page 65156]]


                         Table 1--Proposed Changes in Marine VCS Regulations--Continued
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section                                                                Proposed change and justification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes,
                                                               update or add standards that are incorporated by
                                                               reference, and conform cross references to
                                                               reflect proposed redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2102 (present 154.812)..............................  Exclude facilities that collect vapors emitted
                                                               during inerting of vessel cargo tanks because
                                                               during cargo tank inerting, an inert gas instead
                                                               of a liquid is added into the cargo tank and
                                                               therefore there is no liquid overfill hazard, in
                                                               line with current USCG guidance; thereby
                                                               eliminating the current need, explained in Part
                                                               III of this preamble, for equivalency or
                                                               exemption determinations based on that guidance.
                                                              Eliminate requirement for separate overfill
                                                               control panels, to reflect post-1990 equipment
                                                               and operational practice improvements; the change
                                                               would allow the overfill control system to be
                                                               incorporated into other control panels to save
                                                               cost.
                                                              Clarify, without substantive change, what type of
                                                               facilities need to have explosion-proof overfill
                                                               receptacles.
                                                              Align labeling requirements with current equipment
                                                               vendor practice, which is suitable for these
                                                               requirements.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2103 (present 154.814)..............................  Revise to reflect additional cargoes that have
                                                               been added since 1990.
                                                              Require low-pressure sensors only if vapor-moving
                                                               device is used to draw vapor; the change would
                                                               allow cost savings because a vapor-moving device
                                                               is the source of vacuum in a VCS.
                                                              Require pressure sensors in facilities that
                                                               collect vapors while inerting vessel cargo tanks,
                                                               to prevent overpressurization hazard caused by
                                                               inert gas added into the cargo tanks.
                                                              Modify or clarify (without substantive change)
                                                               cargo vapor shutoff valve closing, shutdown
                                                               setpoint, pressure sensor location, and pressure
                                                               relief valve provisions in line with current USCG
                                                               guidance; thereby eliminating the current need,
                                                               explained in Part III of this preamble, for
                                                               equivalency or exemption determinations based on
                                                               that guidance.
                                                              Limit requirements for flame arresters or flame
                                                               screens to the flammable, combustible, or non-
                                                               high flash point liquid cargoes for which flame
                                                               is a serious threat.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2104................................................  Add new section to provide for cargo line
                                                               clearance systems, to reflect post-1990 equipment
                                                               and operational practice improvements, in line
                                                               with current USCG guidance; thereby eliminating
                                                               the current need, explained in Part III of this
                                                               preamble, for equivalency or exemption
                                                               determinations based on that guidance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2105, 154.2106 (present 154.820, 154.822)...........  Reorganize provisions for improved clarity.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Revise to reflect additional cargoes that have
                                                               been added since 1990.
                                                              Limit applicability to the flammable, combustible,
                                                               or non-high flash point liquid cargoes for which
                                                               fire, explosion, or detonation are serious
                                                               threats.
                                                              Remove flame arrester provisions (and Appendix B)
                                                               due to apparent lack of public demand for these
                                                               devices. To maintain the equivalent level of
                                                               safety, flame arresters are required to meet
                                                               industry standards and the VCS is required to
                                                               have additional safety monitoring instruments
                                                               which will activate emergency VCS shutdown.
                                                              Modify or clarify VCS controlling inerted cargo
                                                               vapors, oxygen analyzer, dock detonation arrester
                                                               location, discharge vent, and detonation arrester
                                                               installation provisions in line with current USCG
                                                               guidance; thereby eliminating the current need,
                                                               explained in Part III of this preamble, for
                                                               equivalency or exemption determinations based on
                                                               that guidance.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2107 (present 154.824)..............................  Revise to reflect additional cargoes (added since
                                                               1990) that share the flammable, combustible, or
                                                               non-high flash point characteristics of cargoes
                                                               covered by the existing regulation.
                                                              Modify, add, or clarify (without substantive
                                                               change) vapor line purging, gas injection
                                                               location, analyzer controlling scheme, analyzer
                                                               response time, analyzer alarm and shutdown
                                                               setpoint, inert gas producing combustion device
                                                               separation, and base loading method provisions in
                                                               line with current USCG guidance; thereby
                                                               eliminating the current need, explained in Part
                                                               III of this preamble, for equivalency or
                                                               exemption determinations based on that guidance.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2108 (present 154.826)..............................  Revise to reflect additional cargoes added since
                                                               1990; limit paragraphs (b) and (e) to flammable,
                                                               combustible, or non-high flash point cargoes that
                                                               are subject to fire, detonation, or explosion.
                                                              Remove references to flame arresters, explosion
                                                               suppressors, and other systems for which there is
                                                               an apparent lack of public demand or which USCG
                                                               generally has not accepted. Allow only Coast
                                                               Guard-accepted detonation arresters, to improve
                                                               safety.


[[Page 65157]]


                         Table 1--Proposed Changes in Marine VCS Regulations--Continued
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section                                                                Proposed change and justification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Modify or clarify (without substantive change)
                                                               detonation arrester, alarm, and construction
                                                               provisions in line with current USCG guidance;
                                                               thereby eliminating the current need, explained
                                                               in Part III of this preamble, for equivalency or
                                                               exemption determinations based on that guidance.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2109 (present 154.828)..............................  Revise to reflect additional cargoes added since
                                                               1990; limit paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) to
                                                               flammable, combustible, or non-high flash point
                                                               cargoes that are subject to fire, detonation, or
                                                               explosion. Remove references to flame arresters,
                                                               explosion suppressors, and other systems USCG
                                                               generally has not accepted. Allow only Coast
                                                               Guard-accepted detonation arresters, to improve
                                                               safety.
                                                              Modify, add, or clarify (without substantive
                                                               change) quick-closing stop valve, anti-flashback
                                                               burner, liquid seal, and vapor-moving device
                                                               shutdown provisions in line with current USCG
                                                               guidance; thereby eliminating the current need,
                                                               explained in Part III of this preamble, for
                                                               equivalency or exemption determinations based on
                                                               that guidance.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2110................................................  Add new section to provide for facilities that
                                                               control vapors to or from vessel cargo tanks
                                                               through vapor balancing, to reflect post-1990
                                                               equipment and operational practice improvements.
                                                              Limit the applicability of paragraphs (a)(2),
                                                               (a)(4), (b), and (c) to flammable, combustible,
                                                               or non-high flash point cargoes that are subject
                                                               to fire, detonation, or explosion, as those
                                                               paragraphs require measures that are only
                                                               intended to address the risks posed by such
                                                               cargoes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2111................................................  Add new section to provide for connection of a
                                                               marine VCS to a facility's main VCS, to reflect
                                                               technology advances since 1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2112................................................  Add new section to provide for additional cargoes
                                                               that have potential to polymerize or freeze,
                                                               which have become subject to Federal or State
                                                               regulatory coverage since 1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2113................................................  Add new section to provide for additional cargoes
                                                               that are alkylene oxides, which have become
                                                               subject to Federal or State regulatory coverage
                                                               since 1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2150 (present 154.850)..............................  Revise to reflect substantive changes proposed
                                                               elsewhere in the NPRM.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2180, 154.2181......................................  Provide additional regulatory flexibility by
                                                               adding new sections to provide testing program
                                                               for analyzers and pressure sensors as an
                                                               alternative to compliance with 154.2150 and
                                                               154.2250.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154.2200-154.2250.......................................  Add new sections to provide for tank barge
                                                               cleaning facilities, which have become subject to
                                                               Federal or State regulatory coverage since 1990,
                                                               in line with NVIC No. 1-96 as modified by CTAC
                                                               recommendations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    154, Appendix B.........................................  Remove appendix dealing with tank vent flame
                                                               arresters due to apparent lack of public demand
                                                               for these devices; see entry above for 154.2105,
                                                               154.2106.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    155.750.................................................  Update cross references.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    156.120.................................................  Revise to reflect substantive changes proposed
                                                               elsewhere in the NPRM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    156.170.................................................  Update cross references.
                                                              Allow alternative methods of compliance with
                                                               testing and inspection requirements, in line with
                                                               public comment received on periodic renewal of
                                                               OMB approval for collection of information; see
                                                               Docket USCG-2005-22983 in Regulations.gov.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46 CFR:
    35.35-5.................................................  Prohibit use of ship-to-shore bonding cables, to
                                                               align with International Maritime Organization
                                                               and International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers
                                                               and Terminals policy, and make nonsubstantive
                                                               wording or style changes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    35.35-20, 35.35-30......................................  Revise to reflect substantive changes proposed
                                                               elsewhere in the NPRM.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Part 39.................................................  Revise and transfer substance from existing
                                                               sections to proposed new locations as listed
                                                               here, to facilitate the substantive changes we
                                                               propose while preserving related material in a
                                                               sequential arrangement.
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------


[[Page 65158]]


                         Table 1--Proposed Changes in Marine VCS Regulations--Continued
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section                                                                Proposed change and justification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Existing Sec.             Proposed Sec.
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                              39.10-1.................  39.1001
                                                              39.10-3.................  39.1003
                                                              39.10-5.................  39.1005
                                                              39.10-9.................  39.1009
                                                              39.10-11................  39.1011
                                                              39.10-13................  39.1013, 39.1015
                                                              39.20-1.................  39.2001
                                                              39.20-3.................  39.2003
                                                              39.20-7.................  39.2007
                                                              39.20-9.................  39.2009
                                                              39.20-11................  39.2011
                                                              39.20-13................  39.2013
                                                              39.30-1.................  39.3001
                                                              39.40-1.................  39.4001
                                                              39.40-3.................  39.4003
                                                              39.40-5.................  39.4005
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.1001 (present 39.10-1)...............................  Revise applicability to reflect additional cargoes
                                                               and VCS operations that have become subject to
                                                               Federal or State regulatory coverage since 1990.
                                                              Grandfather existing tank barges and provide for 5-
                                                               year phase-in to moderate the economic impact of
                                                               new requirements, and codify current USCG
                                                               guidance.
                                                              Add language explaining the difference between
                                                               regulatory measurements and parenthetical
                                                               measurements that are included only for
                                                               convenience, to eliminate possible confusion as
                                                               to which measurement is the focus of the
                                                               regulation.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.1003 (present 39.10-3)...............................  Add definitions to reflect substantive changes
                                                               proposed elsewhere in the NPRM.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.1005 (present 39.10-5)...............................  Update, without substantive change, the general
                                                               incorporation-by-reference section in line with
                                                               current Office of the federal register
                                                               requirements for the language of such sections.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.1009 (present 39.10-9)...............................  Clarify, without substantive change, that vapor
                                                               processing units can be either permanent or
                                                               portable.
                                                              Clarify, without substantive change, that vapor
                                                               processing unit piping and components need to
                                                               meet 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter F and
                                                               electrical equipment need to meet 46 CFR chapter
                                                               I, subchapter J.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.1011 (present 39.10-11)..............................  Add new pre-cleaning procedures, which have become
                                                               subject to Federal or State regulatory coverage
                                                               since 1990, to personnel training requirements.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
    39.1013, 39.1015 (present 39.10-13).....................  Clarify, without substantive change, by placing
                                                               alternative for foreign-flagged vessels in a
                                                               separate section (39.1015).
                                                              For the regulated public's benefit, provide
                                                               additional information about the process for
                                                               Marine Safety Center review and approval of
                                                               proposed modification of existing USCG-approved
                                                               vapor collection system.
                                                              Clarify, without substantive change, that vapor
                                                               processing unit is reviewed with tank vessel as a
                                                               system.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.1017.................................................  Add new section for tank barge multi-breasted
                                                               loading, to reflect post-1990 operational
                                                               practice improvements, and cargo tank gas-freeing
                                                               or cleaning operations, which have become subject
                                                               to Federal or State regulatory coverage since
                                                               1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.2001 (present 39.20-1)...............................  Allow flexible hoses and quick disconnect
                                                               couplings, to reflect technology advances since
                                                               1990.
                                                              Require overfill alarm and shutdown systems as
                                                               primary overfill protection for toxic cargoes, to
                                                               reflect technology advances since 1990.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes,
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations, and update or add standards that
                                                               are incorporated by reference.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 65159]]


                         Table 1--Proposed Changes in Marine VCS Regulations--Continued
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section                                                                Proposed change and justification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.2003 (present 39.20-3)...............................  Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.2007 (present 39.20-7)...............................  Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.2009 (present 39.20-9)...............................  Clarify, without substantive change, tank overfill
                                                               sensor switch requirements.
                                                              Add provisions for tank barges with toxic cargoes
                                                               that have become subject to Federal or State
                                                               regulatory coverage since 1990.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes,
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations, and update or add standards that
                                                               are incorporated by reference.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.2011 (present 39.20-11)..............................  Revise cargo tank venting system capacity
                                                               requirement to reflect additional cargoes that
                                                               have become subject to Federal or State
                                                               regulatory coverage since 1990, in line with
                                                               current USCG guidance.
                                                              Clarify, without substantive change, the range of
                                                               vacuum pressure at which cargo tank venting
                                                               system cannot relieve.
                                                              Allow liquid-filled pressure-vacuum breakers, to
                                                               reflect new technology since 1990.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.2013 (present 39.20-13)..............................  Clarify, without substantive change, the location
                                                               requirement for pressure sensors.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.2014.................................................  Add new section for polymerizing cargoes that have
                                                               become subject to Federal or State regulatory
                                                               coverage since 1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.2015.................................................  Add new section for tank barge pressure sensors,
                                                               to improve safety and to reflect new technology
                                                               since 1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.3001 (present 39.30-1)...............................  Replace obsolete ``letter of adequacy''
                                                               requirement with certification and operations
                                                               manual endorsement requirements.
                                                              Clarify, without substantive change, the venting
                                                               capacities of pressure-vacuum relief valves used
                                                               in determining cargo loading rates.
                                                              Clarify, without substantive change, the metallic
                                                               sampling equipment bonded requirement for static
                                                               accumulating cargoes.
                                                              Revise oxygen concentration requirements to
                                                               reflect additional cargoes that have become
                                                               subject to Federal or State regulatory coverage
                                                               since 1990.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
                                                              Update or add, generally to reflect technology
                                                               advances since 1990, industry standards that are
                                                               incorporated by reference.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.4001 (present 39.40-1)...............................  Revise to reflect additional operations and
                                                               cargoes that have become subject to Federal or
                                                               State regulatory coverage since 1990.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.4003 (present 39.40-3)...............................  Revise to reflect additional operations and
                                                               cargoes that have become subject to Federal or
                                                               State regulatory coverage since 1990.
                                                              Clarify, without substantive change, that the
                                                               detonation arrester requirement applies only to
                                                               non-inerted flammable or combustible cargoes that
                                                               are subject to serious flame or combustion risks.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.4005 (present 39.40-5)...............................  Revise to reflect additional operations and
                                                               cargoes that have become subject to Federal or
                                                               State regulatory coverage since 1990.
                                                              Make nonsubstantive wording or style changes and
                                                               conform cross references to reflect proposed
                                                               redesignations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.5001-39.5005.........................................  Add new sections on tank barge multi-breasted
                                                               loading, to reflect post-1990 operational
                                                               practice improvements in line with current USCG
                                                               policy; thereby eliminating the current need,
                                                               explained in Part III of this preamble, for
                                                               equivalency or exemption determinations based on
                                                               design information and calculations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    39.6001-39.6009.........................................  Add new sections on tank barge cleaning
                                                               operations, which have become subject to Federal
                                                               or State regulatory coverage since 1990, in line
                                                               with existing USCG guidance provided by NVIC No.
                                                               1-96, as modified by CTAC recommendations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 65160]]

V. Incorporation by Reference

    Material proposed for incorporation by reference appears in 33 CFR 
154.106 and 46 CFR 39.1005. You may inspect this material at U.S. Coast 
Guard Headquarters where indicated under ADDRESSES. Copies of the 
material are available from the sources listed in 33 CFR 154.106 and 46 
CFR 39.1005.
    Before publishing a binding rule, we will submit this material to 
the Director of the Federal Register for approval of the incorporation 
by reference.

VI. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our 
analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, 
and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits 
under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. OMB has not reviewed it under that 
Order.
    A combined preliminary Regulatory Analysis and an Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is available in the docket where 
indicated under the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' 
section of this preamble. A summary of the analysis follows:
    The proposed rule would revise the existing regulations (33 CFR 
Parts 154 and 156, 46 CFR Parts 35 and 39) regarding the safety of 
facility and vessel VCSs. This rulemaking would amend the regulations 
to make VCS requirements more compatible with other Federal and State 
environmental requirements, regulate industry advancements in VCS 
technology, and codify the standards for VCSs at tank barge cleaning 
facilities. The proposed rule would increase the safety of operations 
by regulating the design, installation, and use of VCSs, but would not 
require anyone to install or use VCSs.
    The proposed rule would provide additional requirements for VCS 
equipment, compliance documentation, training, and operations. In 
general, this rulemaking would:
     Add new requirements for certifications, recertifications, 
periodic operational reviews, and approval processes for certain 
operations concerning VCSs to improve safety. These various 
requirements mainly affect facilities with VCSs, including tank barge 
cleaning facilities.
     Require new training or amend training requirements to 
improve safety. These proposed training requirements affect facilities 
with VCSs (including tank barge cleaning facilities) and tank barge 
owners and operators.
     Permit cargo line clearing; however, there would be some 
requirements to receive Coast Guard permission to do so.
     Provide foreign-flagged tank barges some flexibility for 
certification procedures.
     Add new requirements for certain equipment on U.S.-flagged 
tank barges and at tank barge cleaning facilities and other facilities 
with VCSs to improve safety and environmental protection.
     Removes certain requirements in order to offer cost 
savings. This change mainly impacts facilities with VCSs.
    The proposed rule is necessary to reflect the expansion of Federal 
and State regulations for VCSs since the current regulations were 
adopted in 1990, and to reflect technological advances over that 
period. Without revisions to the regulation by the Coast Guard, market 
failures would persist in creating situations of uncompensated risk. In 
the case of this proposed rule, the uncompensated risks accrue to the 
public, maritime commerce, and mariners in the form of safety hazards.
Affected Population
    Based on Coast Guard data, we estimate this proposed rule would 
affect 234 facilities with VCSs, 25 certifying entities, 15 tank barge 
cleaning facilities, 216 U.S.-flagged tank barge owners, and owners of 
338 foreign-flagged tank barges.
Costs
    Over a 10-year period of analysis, we estimate the total present 
value cost of the rulemaking to be approximately $8.8 million at a 7 
percent discount rate and approximately $10.3 million at a 3 percent 
discount rate. Over the same 10-year period of analysis, we estimate 
the annualized cost of this proposed rule to be $1.3 million at 7 
percent and $1.2 million at 3 percent.
Benefits
    The proposed rule would amend existing regulations regarding VCSs 
in marine activities. The Coast Guard is pursuing this amendment to 
existing standards to reflect technological improvements and to expand 
environmental protection. The proposed rule would promote maritime 
safety and environmental stewardship. It offers provisions for more 
practicable and efficient management of hazardous materials. The 
proposed rule contains some provisions which would offer facilities the 
opportunity to reduce maintenance costs.
    See the preliminary Regulatory Analysis available in the docket for 
a detailed analysis of the costs and benefits of this rulemaking.

B. Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered the impact of this rule on small entities. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of fewer than 
50,000.
    A combined preliminary Regulatory Analysis and Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis discussing the impact of this proposed rule on 
small entities is available in the docket where indicated under the 
``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' section of this 
preamble.
    Based on our analysis, we estimate that small entities affected by 
this rulemaking are primarily small businesses consisting of certifying 
entities, owners and operators of tank barge cleaning facilities, tank 
barges, and facilities with VCSs. We did not find data to suggest small 
not-for-profit organizations or small government entities would be 
directly affected by this rulemaking. In addition, certifying entities 
would incur no additional costs due to the proposed rule and are not 
analyzed further. We evaluated the impact on small entities for each 
segment of industry that incur additional costs, since this rulemaking 
would require different provisions for owners and operators of tank 
barge cleaning facilities, tank barges, and facilities with VCSs.
    Based on our assessment, 54 percent of tank barge owners affected 
by this rulemaking would be considered small by Small Business 
Administration (SBA) size standards. We estimate 97 percent of these 
small entities would incur cost impacts that are 1 percent or less than 
their annual revenues during the highest cost year (implementation 
year). The remainder would incur annual cost impacts between 1 and 3 
percent of their annual revenues.
    We estimate 8 percent of facilities with VCSs would be small by SBA 
size standards. We estimate that almost 93 percent of these small 
entities would incur annual cost impacts that are 1 percent or less 
than their annual revenues during the highest cost year (implementation 
year) as well as

[[Page 65161]]

annually. Another 7 percent would have cost impacts between 1 to 3 
percent of their revenue.
    We estimate all of the tank barge cleaning facilities are 
considered small by SBA size standards. We estimate 64 percent of these 
tank barge cleaning facilities would incur cost impacts that are 
potentially greater than 3 percent of their annual revenues during the 
highest cost year (implementation year). However, the proposed rule 
would codify existing voluntary standards for tank barge cleaning 
facilities. We anticipate the cost impacts to tank barge cleaning 
facilities may be overestimates.
    We are interested in the potential impacts from this proposed rule 
on small businesses and we request public comment on these potential 
impacts. If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rulemaking would 
have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment to 
the Docket Management Facility at the address under ADDRESSES. In your 
comment, explain why, how, and to what degree you think this rule would 
have an economic impact on you.

C. Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better 
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the 
proposed rule would affect your small business, organization, or 
governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its 
provisions or options for compliance, please consult Ms. Sara Ju at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES. The Coast Guard will not retaliate 
against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any 
policy or action of the Coast Guard.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247).

D. Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would require an amendment to an existing 
collection of information (1625-0060) as defined by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). As defined in 5 CFR 
1320.3(c), ``collection of information'' comprises reporting, 
recordkeeping, monitoring, posting, labeling, and other similar 
actions. The title and description of the information collections, a 
description of those who must collect the information, and an estimate 
of the total annual burden follow. The estimate covers the time for 
reviewing instructions, searching existing sources of data, gathering 
and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection.
    Title: Vapor Control Systems for Facilities and Tank Vessels.
    OMB Control Number: 1625-0060.
    Summary of the Collection of Information: This collection of 
information ensures industry compliance with safety standards for VCSs. 
The proposed rule would require recordkeeping and reporting on the 
design and use of VCSs. The proposed rule contains collection of 
information requirements which include: Certifications, 
recertifications, approval requests, review of operating manuals, 
failure analyses, operational review letters, and relabeling. The 
collection of information would aid the Coast Guard and industry in 
assuring safe practices associated with VCSs.
    Need for Information: The Coast Guard needs this information to 
ensure industry use of VCS requirements are compatible with new Federal 
and State environmental requirements, to regulate industry advancements 
in VCS technology, and to ensure the safe design and operation of a VCS 
at a tank barge cleaning facility.
    Proposed Use of Information: The Coast Guard would use this 
information to determine whether an entity meets the statutory 
requirements.
    Description of the Respondents: The respondents are owners/
operators of tank barge cleaning facilities, facilities and tank 
vessels. Reporting and recordkeeping requirements will be completed by 
facility and vessel owners/operators, persons in charge, engineers, 
maintenance workers, and operations managers of affected tank barges, 
tank barge cleaning facilities, facilities, and certifying entities.
    Number of Respondents: The burden change of this collection of 
information includes certifications, re-certifications, approval 
requests, reviewing operating manuals, preparing operational review 
letters, and relabeling. This collection of information applies to 
various owners and operators of tank barges, facilities, tank barge 
cleaning facilities, and certifying entities. We estimate the total 
number of respondents is 490.
    Frequency of Responses: This proposed rule will vary the number of 
responses each year by requirement. Some actions are one time only and 
others are required more frequently.
    Burden of Response: This collection of information applies to 
certifying entities, tank barge owners/operators and owners/operators 
of facilities with VCS. The Coast Guard estimates the total number of 
respondents is 490. The burden of response varies by collection of 
information requirement.
    Estimate of Total Annual Burden: The total annual burden is 
estimated to increase by 7,197 hours (as a result of the proposed rule.
    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3507(d)), we will submit a copy of this proposed rule to OMB for its 
review of the collection of information.
    We ask for public comment on the proposed collection of information 
to help us determine how useful the information is; whether it can help 
us perform our functions better; whether it is readily available 
elsewhere; how accurate our estimate of the burden of collection is; 
how valid our methods for determining burden are; how we can improve 
the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information; and, how we 
can minimize the burden of collection.
    If you submit comments on the collection of information, submit 
them both to OMB and to the Docket Management Facility where indicated 
under ADDRESSES, by the date under DATES.
    You need not respond to a collection of information unless it 
displays a currently valid control number from OMB. Before the Coast 
Guard could enforce the collection of information requirements in this 
proposed rule, OMB would need to approve the

E. Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local 
governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial 
direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this proposed rule 
under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications 
for federalism.

F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a

[[Page 65162]]

State, local, or Tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private 
sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one 
year. Though this proposed rule would not result in such an 
expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this 
preamble.

G. Taking of Private Property

    This proposed rule would not cause a taking of private property or 
otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, 
Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected 
Property Rights.

H. Civil Justice Reform

    This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 
3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize 
litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

I. Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, 
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not 
create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might 
disproportionately affect children.

J. Indian Tribal Governments

    This proposed rule does not have Tribal implications under 
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian Tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.

K. Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant 
energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy 
action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects 
under Executive Order 13211.

L. Technical Standards

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 
U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards 
in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, 
through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation why 
using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or 
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical 
standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or 
operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management 
systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus 
standards bodies.
    This proposed rule uses voluntary consensus standards from the 
following organizations: American Petroleum Institute (API), American 
National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society for Testing and 
Materials (ASTM), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 
International Maritime Organization (IMO), National Electrical 
Manufacturers Association (NEMA), National Fire Protection Association 
(NFPA), Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), and 
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL). The proposed sections that 
reference these standards and the locations of these standards are 
listed in 33 CFR 154.106 and 46 CFR 39.1005.
    If you disagree with our analysis of the voluntary consensus 
standards listed above or are aware of voluntary consensus standards 
that might apply but are not listed, please send a comment to the 
docket using one of the methods under ADDRESSES. In your comment, 
please explain why you disagree with our analysis and/or identify 
voluntary consensus standards we have not listed that might apply.

M. Environment

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland 
Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction 
M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and 
have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a 
category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. A preliminary 
environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination is 
available in the docket where indicated under the ``Public 
Participation and Request for Comments'' section of this preamble. This 
rule involves regulations concerning vessel operation safety standards 
and regulations concerning manning, documentation, admeasurement, 
inspection, and equipping of vessels. We seek any comments or 
information that may lead to the discovery of a significant 
environmental impact from this proposed rule.

List of Subjects

33 CFR Part 154

    Alaska, Fire prevention, Hazardous substances, Incorporation by 
reference, Oil pollution, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

33 CFR Part 155

    Alaska, Hazardous substances, Oil pollution, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

33 CFR Part 156

    Hazardous substances, Oil pollution, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Water pollution control.

46 CFR Part 35

    Cargo vessels, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Occupational 
safety and health, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Seamen.

46 CFR Part 39

    Cargo vessels, Fire prevention, Hazardous materials transportation, 
Incorporation by reference, Marine safety, Occupational safety and 
health, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to amend 33 CFR chapter I, and 46 CFR chapter I as follows:

33 CFR--Navigation and Navigable Waters

PART 154--FACILITIES TRANSFERRING OIL OR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IN BULK

    1. The authority citation for part 154 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1225, 1231, 1321(j)(1)(C), (j)(5), (j)(6), 
and (m)(2); sec. 2, E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757; Department of Homeland 
Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Subpart F is also issued under 33 
U.S.C. 2735. Vapor control recovery provisions of Subpart P are also 
issued under 42 U.S.C. 7511b(f)(2).

    2. Revise Sec.  154.106 to read as follows:


Sec.  154.106  Incorporation by reference.

    (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

[[Page 65163]]

CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this 
section, the Coast Guard must publish a notice of change in the Federal 
Register and the material must be available to the public. All approved 
material is available for inspection 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. Also, it is available for inspection at the Coast 
Guard, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-522), 2100 
2nd Street, SW., Stop 7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126, and is available 
from the sources indicated in this section.
    (b) American Petroleum Institute (API), 1220 L Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20005.
    (1) API Standard 2000, Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Storage 
Tanks (Non-refrigerated and Refrigerated), Third Edition, January 1982 
(reaffirmed December 1987) (``API 2000''), incorporation by reference 
(IBR) approved for 33 CFR 154.2103 and 154.2203.
    (2) API Recommended Practice 550, Manual on Installation of 
Refinery Instruments and Control Systems, Part II--Process Stream 
Analyzers, Section 1--Oxygen Analyzers, Fourth Edition, February 1985 
(``API 550''), IBR approved for 33 CFR 154.2107.
    (c) American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 West 43rd 
Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10036.
    (1) ANSI B16.5, Steel Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, 1988, IBR 
approved for 33 CFR 154.500, 154.2100, 154.2101, 154.2202, and 33 CFR 
part 154, Appendix A.
    (2) ANSI B16.24, Bronze Pipe Flanges and Flange Fittings Class 150 
and 300, 1979, IBR approved for 33 CFR 154.500 and 154.2100.
    (3) ANSI B16.34, Valves--Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End, 2004, 
IBR approved for 33 CFR 154.2100.
    (4) ANSI B31.3, Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping, 1987 
(including B31.3a-1988, B31.3b-1988, and B31.3c-1989 addenda), IBR 
approved for 33 CFR 154.510 and 154.2100.
    (d) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr 
Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
    (1) ASTM F 631-93, Standard Guide for Collecting Skimmer 
Performance Data in Controlled Environments (``ASTM F 631''), IBR 
approved for 33 CFR part 154, Appendix C.
    (2) ASTM F 715-95, Standard Test Methods for Coated Fabrics Used 
for Oil Spill Control and Storage (``ASTM F 715''), IBR approved for 33 
CFR part 154, Appendix C.
    (3) ASTM F 722-82 (1993), Standard Specification for Welded Joints 
for Shipboard Piping Systems (``ASTM F 722''), IBR approved for 33 CFR 
part 154, Appendix A.
    (4) ASTM F 1122-87 (1992), Standard Specification for Quick 
Disconnect Couplings (``ASTM F 1122''), IBR approved for 33 CFR 
154.500.
    (5) ASTM F 1155-98, Standard Practice for Selection and Application 
of Piping System Materials (``ASTM F 1155''), IBR approved for 33 CFR 
part 154, Appendix A.
    (6) ASTM F 1273-91 (Reapproved 1996) Standard Specification for 
Tank Vent Flame Arresters (``ASTM F 1273''), IBR approved for 33 CFR 
154.2001.
    (e) International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Bureau Central 
de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale, 3, rue de 
Varemb[eacute], P.O. Box 131, CH--1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.
    (1) IEC 60309-1 Plugs, Socket-Outlets and Couplers for Industrial 
Purposes--Part 1: General Requirements, Edition 4.1 2005-12, IBR 
approved for 33 CFR 154.2102.
    (2) IEC 60309-2 Plugs, Socket-Outlets and Couplers for Industrial 
Purposes--Part 2: Dimensional Interchangeability Requirements for Pin 
and Contact-tube Accessories, Edition 4.1 2005-12, IBR approved for 33 
CFR 154.2102.
    (f) National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), 1300 
North 17th Street, Suite 1752, Rosslyn, VA 22209.
    (1) ANSI NEMA WD-6--Wiring Devices, Dimensional Requirements, 1988 
(``NEMA WD-6''), IBR approved for 33 CFR 154.2102.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (g) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch 
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
    (1) NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and 
Welding Processes, 1994, IBR approved for 33 CFR 154.735.
    (2) NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 1987, IBR approved for 33 
CFR 154.735.
    (3) NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2002, IBR approved for 33 
CFR 154.2100 and 154.2102.
    (h) Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), 29 Queen 
Anne's Gate, London, SW1H 9BU, England.
    (1) International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals, Fifth 
Ed., 2006 (``ISGOTT''), IBR approved for 33 CFR 154.735, 154.2101, and 
154.2203.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (i) Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL), 333 Pfingsten Road, 
Northbrook, IL 60062.
    (1) UL 525 Standard for Flame Arresters, 8th Edition, May 9, 2008, 
IBR approved for 33 CFR 154.2001.
    (2) [Reserved]
    3. In Sec.  154.310, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  154.310  Operations manual: Contents.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) The operations manual must contain a description of the 
facility's vapor control system (VCS), if the facility--
    (i) Collects vapor emitted from vessel cargo tanks for recovery, 
destruction, or dispersion; or
    (ii) Balances vapor to or from vessel cargo tanks.
    (2) The VCS description required by paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section must include a line diagram or simplified piping and 
instrumentation diagram (P&ID) of the facility's VCS piping, including 
the location of each valve, control device, pressure-vacuum relief 
valve, pressure indicator, flame arrester, and detonation arrester;
    (3) The VCS description required by paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section must describe the design and operation of its--
    (i) Vapor line connection;
    (ii) Startup and shutdown procedures;
    (iii) Steady-state operating procedures;
    (iv) Provisions for dealing with pyrophoric sulfide (for facilities 
which handle inerted vapors of cargoes containing sulfur);
    (v) Alarms and shutdown devices; and
    (vi) Pre-transfer equipment inspection requirements.
    (4) The VCS description required by paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section must include all test procedures and a checklist for use during 
the testing of the VCS required by 33 CFR 156.170(g). The test 
procedures must specify--
    (i) All tests required for initial certification under 33 CFR 
154.2022(d);
    (ii) All components that are to be tested; and
    (iii) Procedures for testing each component.
    (5) The VCS description required by paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section must include--
    (i) A list of all cargoes the VCS is approved to control; and
    (ii) Copies of any Coast Guard letters exempting the VCS from 
regulatory requirements.
    (6) The VCS description required by paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section must include detailed operating instructions

[[Page 65164]]

for a cargo line clearance system as described in 33 CFR 154.2104, if 
such a system is used by a facility;
    (7) The VCS description required by paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section must include the following for a tank barge cleaning facility:
    (i) A physical description of the facility and facility plan 
showing mooring areas, locations where cleaning operations are 
conducted, control stations, and locations of safety equipment;
    (ii) The sizes, types, and number of tank barges from which the 
facility can conduct cleaning operations simultaneously; and
    (iii) The minimum number of persons required to be on duty during 
cleaning operations and the duties of each.
* * * * *
    4. Revise Sec.  154.500 to read as follows:


Sec.  154.500  Hose assemblies.

    Each hose assembly used for transferring oil or hazardous material 
must meet the following requirements:
    (a) The minimum design burst pressure for each hose assembly must 
be at least four times the sum of the pressure of the relief valve 
setting (or four times the maximum pump pressure when no relief valve 
is installed) plus the static head pressure of the transfer system, at 
the point where the hose is installed.
    (b) The maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) for each hose 
assembly must be more than the sum of the pressure of the relief valve 
setting (or the maximum pump pressure when no relief valve is 
installed) plus the static head pressure of the transfer system, at the 
point where the hose is installed.
    (c) Each nonmetallic hose must be usable for oil or hazardous 
material service.
    (d) Each hose assembly must either have--
    (1) Full threaded connections;
    (2) Flanges that meet ANSI B16.5 or ANSI B.16.24 (both incorporated 
by reference, see 33 CFR 154.106); or
    (3) Quick-disconnect couplings that meet ASTM F 1122 (incorporated 
by reference, see 33 CFR 154.106).
    (e) Each hose must be marked with one of the following:
    (1) The name of each product for which the hose may be used; or
    (2) For oil products, the words ``OIL SERVICE''; or
    (3) For hazardous materials, the words ``HAZMAT SERVICE--SEE LIST'' 
followed immediately by a letter, number or other symbol that 
corresponds to a list or chart contained in the facility's operations 
manual or the vessel's transfer procedure documents which identifies 
the products that may be transferred through a hose bearing that 
symbol.
    (f) Each hose also must be marked with the following, except that 
the information required by paragraphs (f)(2) and (3) of this section 
need not be marked on the hose if it is recorded in the hose records of 
the vessel or facility, and the hose is marked to identify it with that 
information:
    (1) Maximum allowable working pressure;
    (2) Date of manufacture; and
    (3) Date of the latest test required by 33 CFR 156.170.
    (g) The hose burst pressure and the pressure used for the test 
required by 33 CFR 156.170 must not be marked on the hose and must be 
recorded elsewhere at the facility as described in paragraph (f) of 
this section.
    (h) Each hose used to transfer fuel to a vessel that has a fill 
pipe for which containment cannot practically be provided must be 
equipped with an automatic back pressure shutoff nozzle.
    5. In Sec.  154.735--
    a. In paragraph (q), remove the term ``NFPA 70'' and add, in its 
place, the words ``NFPA 70 (incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 
154.106)''; and
    b. Revise paragraph (s) to read as follows:


Sec.  154.735  Safety requirements.

* * * * *
    (s) Tank-cleaning or gas-freeing operations conducted by the 
facility on vessels carrying oil residues or mixtures must be conducted 
in accordance with sections 11.3 and 11.4 of OCIMF ISGOTT (incorporated 
by reference, see 33 CFR 154.106), except that--
    (1) Prohibitions in ISGOTT against the use of recirculated wash 
water do not apply if the wash water is first processed to remove 
product residues;
    (2) The provisions in ISGOTT section 11.3.6.10 that removal of 
sludge, scale, and sediment do not apply if personnel use breathing 
apparatuses which protect them from the tank atmosphere; and
    (3) Upon the request of the facility owner or operator in 
accordance with 33 CFR 154.107, the COTP may approve the use of 
alternate standards to ISGOTT if the COTP determines that the 
alternative standards provide an equal level of protection to the 
ISGOTT standards.
* * * * *


Sec.  154.740  [Amended]

    6. In Sec.  154.740--
    a. In paragraph (g), remove the reference ``subpart E'' and add, in 
their place, the reference ``subpart P''; and
    b. In paragraph (i), remove the reference ``Sec.  154.804 of this 
part'' and add, in their place, the reference ``33 CFR 154.2023''.
    7. Remove subpart E (consisting of Sec. Sec.  154.800 through 
154.850) in its entirety.
    8. Reserve subparts J through O.
    9. Add new subpart P to read as follows:
Subpart P--Marine Vapor Control Systems

General

Sec.
154.2000 Applicability.
154.2001 Definitions.

Certifying Entities

154.2010 Qualifications for acceptance as a certifying entity.
154.2011 Application for acceptance as a certifying entity.

Certification, Recertification, and Operational Review

154.2020 Certification and recertification--Owner/operator 
responsibilities.
154.2021 Operational review--Owner/operator responsibilities.
154.2022 Certification, recertification, or operational review--
Certifying entity responsibilities, generally.
154.2023 Certification, recertification, or operational review--
Certifying entity documentation.

Personnel

154.2030 Transfer facilities.
154.2031 Tank barge cleaning facilities.

Transfer Facilities--VCS Design and Installation

154.2100 Vapor control system, general.
154.2101 Requirements for facility vapor connections.
154.2102 Facility requirements for vessel liquid overfill 
protection.
154.2103 Facility requirements for vessel vapor overpressure and 
vacuum protection.
154.2104 Cargo line clearance system.
154.2105 Fire, explosion, and detonation protection.
154.2106 Detonation arresters installation.
154.2107 Inerting, enriching, and diluting systems.
154.2108 Vapor-moving devices.
154.2109 Vapor recovery and vapor destruction units.
154.2110 Vapor balancing requirements.
154.2111 Vapor control system connected to a facility's main vapor 
control system.
154.2112 Vapors with potential to polymerize or freeze--Special 
requirements.
154.2113 Alkylene oxides--Special requirements.

Transfer Facilities--Operations

154.2150 General requirements.

Alternative Analyzer and Pressure Sensor Reliability Testing

154.2180 Alternative testing program--Generally.

[[Page 65165]]

154.2181 Alternative testing program--Test requirements.

Tank Barge Cleaning Facilities--VCS Design and Installation

154.2200 Applicable transfer facility design and installation 
requirements.
154.2201 Vapor control system--General requirements.
154.2202 Vapor line connections.
154.2203 Facility requirements for barge vapor overpressure and 
vacuum protection.
154.2204 Fire, explosion, and detonation protection.

Tank Barge Cleaning Facilities--Operations

154.2250 General requirements.

General


Sec.  154.2000  Applicability.

    (a) Except as specified by paragraphs (b) through (g) of this 
section, this subpart applies to--
    (1) Each facility that controls vapors emitted to or from vessel 
cargo tanks;
    (2) A vessel, other than a tank vessel, that has a vapor processing 
unit located onboard for recovery, destruction, or dispersion of vapors 
from a tank vessel's cargo tanks;
    (3) Certifying entities that review, inspect, test, and certificate 
facility vapor control systems (VCSs); or
    (4) A facility VCS that receives cargo vapor from a vessel when the 
VCS is connected to a facility's main VCS that serves plant processing 
areas, such as tank storage areas or tank truck or railcar loading 
areas, unrelated to tank vessel operations. The requirements of this 
subpart apply between the vessel vapor connection and the point where 
the VCS connects to the facility's main VCS.
    (b) Each facility that has an existing certified VCS that meets the 
requirements of this subpart and that has been operating since July 23, 
1990, must comply with this amended subpart by [DATE THREE YEARS AFTER 
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE].
    (c) A facility with a Coast Guard-approved VCS operating prior to 
July 23, 1990, must comply with 33 CFR 154.2150 but otherwise need not 
comply with this subpart so long as it does not have any design or 
configuration alterations after its approval and receives cargo vapor 
only from the specific vessels for which it was originally approved.
    (d) A facility that uses a vapor balancing system to transfer vapor 
from a railcar or a tank truck to a vessel cargo tank while offloading 
the vessel must have approval from the Commandant.
    (e) A facility that transfers vapor from a facility tank to a cargo 
tank of a vessel which is not offloading cargo must have approval from 
the Commandant.
    (f) A tank vessel that has a permanent or portable vapor processing 
unit located onboard must meet the requirements of this subpart to the 
satisfaction of the Commandant, in addition to complying with the 
requirements of 46 CFR part 39.
    (g) This subpart does not apply to the collection of vapors of 
liquefied flammable gases as defined in 46 CFR 30.10-39.
    (h) This subpart does not require a facility or a vessel to control 
vapor, or a vessel to take away vapor from facilities; however, if a 
facility operates a VCS to control vapor to or from vessels, the 
facility must comply with the requirements of this subpart.
    (i) In this subpart, regulatory measurements, whether in the metric 
or English system, are sometimes followed by approximate equivalent 
measurements in parentheses, which are given solely for the reader's 
convenience. Regulatory compliance with the regulatory measurement is 
required.


Sec.  154.2001  Definitions.

    As used in this subpart only:
    Ambient temperature means the temperature of the environment in 
which an experiment is conducted or in which any physical or chemical 
event occurs.
    Barge cargo connection means the point in a barge's cargo system 
where it connects with the hose assembly or loading arm used for cargo 
transfer.
    Barge vapor connection means the point in a barge's piping system 
where it connects to a vapor collection hose or arm. This may be the 
same as the barge's cargo connection as it controls vapors during barge 
cargo tank-cleaning operations.
    Base loading means a method of inerting, enriching, or diluting 
such that sufficient inerting, enriching, or diluting gas, for the 
worst concentration of vapor coming from the vessel, is injected into 
the vapor line during the entire loading operation so that the vapor 
mixture is inerted, enriched, or diluted at the maximum loading rate. 
For inerting and enriching systems, ``worst concentration'' means the 
vapor stream contains no cargo vapor. For a diluting system, ``worst 
concentration'' means the vapor stream is saturated with cargo vapor.
    Captain of the Port (COTP) means the cognizant Coast Guard Captain 
of the Port as defined in 33 CFR 154.105.
    Certifying entity means an individual or organization accepted by 
the Commandant to review plans, data, and calculations for vapor 
control system designs and to conduct inspections and witness tests of 
vapor control system installations.
    Cleaning operation means any stripping, gas-freeing, or tank-
washing operation of a barge's cargo tanks conducted at a cleaning 
facility.
    Combustible liquid means any liquid that has a flashpoint above 80 
[deg]F (as determined from an open-cup tester, as used to test burning 
oils) and includes Grade D and Grade E combustible liquids defined in 
46 CFR 30.10-15.
    Commandant means Commandant (CG-522), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 2nd 
St., SW., Stop 7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126.
    Detonation arrester means a device that is acceptable to the 
Commandant and includes a detonation arrester that is designed, built, 
and tested in accordance with Appendix A of this part or by another 
method acceptable to the Commandant for arresting flames and 
detonations.
    Diluting means introducing a non-flammable and non-combustible gas 
with the objective of reducing the hydrocarbon content of a vapor 
mixture to below the lower flammable limit so that it will not burn.
    Drip leg means a section of piping that extends below piping grade 
to collect liquid passing through the vapor line and that has a 
diameter no more than the diameter of the pipe in which it is 
installed.
    Elevated temperature means the temperature that exceeds 70 percent 
of the auto-ignition temperature, in degrees Celsius, of the vapors 
being collected.
    Enriching means introducing a flammable gas with the objective of 
raising the hydrocarbon content of a vapor mixture above the upper 
flammable limit so that it will not burn.
    Existing vapor control system means a vapor control system that 
satisfies the requirements of this subpart as certified by a certifying 
entity prior to [EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE].
    Facility main vapor control system means a vapor control system 
that primarily serves plant processing areas unrelated to tank vessel 
operations, such as the refinery process, tank storage areas, or tank 
truck or railcar loading areas.
    Facility operations manual means the manual required by 33 CFR 
154.300, the contents of which are described in 33 CFR 154.310.
    Facility vapor connection means the point in a facility's vapor 
collection system where it connects to a vapor collection hose or the 
base of a vapor collection arm and is located at the dock

[[Page 65166]]

as close as possible to the tank vessel to minimize the length of the 
flexible vapor collection hose, thus reducing the hazards associated 
with the hose.
    Fail-safe means a piece of equipment or instrument that is designed 
such that if any element should fail, it would go to a safe condition.
    Fixed stripping line means a pipe extending to the low point of 
each cargo tank, welded through the deck and terminating above the deck 
with a valve plugged at the open end.
    Flammable liquid means any liquid that gives off flammable vapors 
(as determined by flashpoint from an open-cup tester, as used to test 
burning oils) at or below a temperature of 80 [deg]F, and includes 
Grades A, B, and C flammable liquids defined in 46 CFR 30.10-22.
    Flame arrester means a device that is designed, built, and tested 
in accordance with ASTM F 1273 or UL 525 (both incorporated by 
reference, see 33 CFR 154.106) for use in end-of-line applications for 
arresting flames.
    Flame screen means a fitted single screen of corrosion-resistant 
wire of at least 30-by-30 mesh, or two fitted screens, both of 
corrosion-resistant wire, of at least 20-by-20 mesh, spaced apart not 
fewer than 12.7 millimeters (0.5 inch) or more than 38.1 millimeters 
(1.5 inches).
    Fluid displacement system means a system that removes vapors from a 
barge's cargo tanks during gas freeing through the addition of an inert 
gas or other medium into the cargo tank.
    Fluid injection connection means the point in a fluid displacement 
system at which the fixed piping or hose that supplies the inert gas or 
other medium connects to a barge's cargo tanks or fixed piping system.
    Gas freeing means the removal of vapors from a tank barge.
    Grade A, B, C, D, or E means any Grade A, B, or C flammable liquid 
defined in 46 CFR 30.10-22 or any Grade D or E combustible liquid 
defined in 46 CFR 30.10-15.
    High flash point cargoes means Grade E cargoes and cargoes having a 
closed-cup flash point higher than 60 [deg]C (140 [deg]F), carried at a 
temperature no higher than 5 [deg]C (9 [deg]F) below their flash 
points.
    Inerted means the oxygen content of the vapor space in a tank 
vessel's cargo tank is reduced to 60 percent or less by volume of the 
vapor's minimum oxygen concentration for combustion, or to 8 percent by 
volume or less for the vapor of crude oil, gasoline blends, or benzene, 
by addition of an inert gas, in accordance with the inert gas 
requirements of 46 CFR 32.53 or 46 CFR 153.500.
    Inerting or padding or purging means introducing an inert gas to 
lower the oxygen content of a vapor mixture.
    Line clearing or pigging means the transfer of residual cargo from 
a cargo loading line by using compressed gas to propel a ``pig'' 
through the line toward a cargo tank.
    Liquid knockout vessel means a device, other than a drip leg, used 
to separate liquid from vapor.
    Maximum allowable gas-freeing rate means the maximum volumetric 
rate at which a barge may be gas-freed during cleaning operations.
    Maximum allowable stripping rate means the maximum volumetric rate 
at which a barge may be stripped during cleaning operations prior to 
the opening of any hatch and/or fitting in the cargo tank being 
stripped.
    Maximum allowable transfer rate means the maximum volumetric rate 
at which a vessel may receive cargo or ballast.
    Minimum oxygen concentration for combustion or MOCC means the 
lowest level of oxygen in a vapor or a vapor mixture that will support 
combustion.
    Multi-breasted barge-loading operations are those in which barges 
load side by side with the outboard barge's vapor collection system 
connected to a facility vapor connection through the inboard barge, as 
opposed to single-breasted operations involving a single barge.
    Multiple facility vapor collection system junction means the point 
in the vapor collection system where two or more branch lines 
originating from separate facility vapor connections are connected.
    New vapor control system means a vapor control system that is not 
an existing vapor control system.
    Padded or partially inerted means the oxygen content of the vapor 
space in a tank is reduced to below what is normally present in the 
atmosphere by the addition of an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon 
dioxide, but not to the concentration that meets the definition of 
``inerted'' in this section.
    Pig means any device designed to maintain a tight seal within a 
cargo line while being propelled by compressed gas towards a cargo 
tank, for the purpose of transferring residual cargo from the cargo 
loading line to the cargo tank.
    Pre-transfer conference means the conference required by 33 CFR 
156.120(w).
    Stripping means the removal, to the maximum extent practicable, of 
cargo residue remaining in the barge's cargo tanks and associated fixed 
piping system after cargo transfer or during cleaning operations.
    Tank barge cleaning facility or TBCF means a facility used or 
capable of being used to conduct cleaning operations on a tank barge.
    Transfer facility means a facility as defined in 33 CFR 154.105, 
excluding tank barge cleaning or stripping facilities.
    Vacuum displacement system means a system that removes vapors from 
a barge's cargo tanks during gas freeing by sweeping air through the 
cargo tank hatch openings.
    Vapor balancing means the transfer of vapor displaced by incoming 
cargo from the tank of a vessel or facility receiving cargo into a tank 
of the vessel or facility delivering cargo via facility vapor 
collection system.
    Vapor collection system means an arrangement of piping and hoses 
used to collect vapor emitted to or from a vessel's cargo tanks and to 
transport the vapor to a vapor processing unit or a tank.
    Vapor control system or VCS means an arrangement of piping and 
equipment used to control vapor emissions collected to or from a vessel 
and includes the vapor collection system and the vapor processing unit 
or a tank.
    Vapor destruction unit means a vapor processing unit that destroys 
cargo vapor by a thermal destruction method.
    Vapor dispersion unit means a vapor processing unit that releases 
cargo vapor into the atmosphere through a venting system not located on 
the tank vessel.
    Vapor processing unit means the components of a vapor control 
system that recover, destroy, or disperse vapor collected from a 
vessel.
    Vapor recovery unit means a vapor processing unit that recovers 
cargo vapor by nondestructive means.
    Vessel vapor connection means the point in a vessel's fixed vapor 
collection system where it connects to a vapor collection hose or arm.

Certifying Entities


Sec.  154.2010  Qualifications for acceptance as a certifying entity.

    To qualify for acceptance as a vapor control system (VCS) 
certifying entity, the entity must demonstrate to the satisfaction of 
the Commandant that it possesses the following minimum qualifications:
    (a) The ability to review and evaluate design drawings and failure 
analyses for compliance to this subpart;
    (b) The knowledge of the applicable regulations of this subpart, 
including the standards incorporated by reference;

[[Page 65167]]

    (c) The ability to monitor and evaluate test procedures and results 
for compliance with the operational requirements of this subpart;
    (d) The ability to perform inspections and witness tests of bulk 
liquid cargo-handling systems;
    (e) That the applicant is not controlled by an owner or operator of 
a vessel or facility engaged in controlling vapor emissions;
    (f) That the applicant is not dependent upon Coast Guard acceptance 
under this section to remain in business; and
    (g) That the person in charge of VCS certification is currently a 
licensed professional engineer.


Sec.  154.2011   Application for acceptance as a certifying entity.

    (a) An applicant seeking Coast Guard acceptance as a certifying 
entity of vapor control systems (VCSs) must submit a signed, written 
application to the Commandant. The applicant's signature certifies that 
the information in the application is true and that the applicant is 
not dependent upon Coast Guard acceptance under this section to remain 
in business and constitutes consent for the Coast Guard to verify any 
information contained in the application, through personal examination 
of persons named in the application, or otherwise. If an applicant 
knowingly and willfully provides any false statement or 
misrepresentation, or conceals a material fact in the application, the 
application may be denied or terminated, and the applicant may be 
subject to prosecution under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1001.
    (b) An application must include the following general information:
    (1) The name and address of the applicant, including subsidiaries 
and divisions if applicable;
    (2) A description of the experience and qualifications of any 
person who would review or test systems on behalf of the applicant, 
showing that the person is familiar with or otherwise qualified to 
implement Coast Guard VCS regulations; and
    (3) A letter from a facility owner or operator stating his or her 
intent to use the services of the applicant to certify VCS 
installations.
    (c) The Commandant reviews each application and either issues a 
letter of acceptance as a certifying entity to the applicant, or 
notifies the applicant that it is not accepted, and maintains a list of 
currently accepted certifying entities that is available to the public 
at http://homeport.uscg.mil.
    (d) The acceptance of a certifying entity may be terminated by the 
Commandant for failure to review, inspect, or test a system properly in 
accordance with this subpart.
    (e) A certifying entity may not certify a facility VCS if that 
certifying entity was involved in the design or installation of the 
system. ``Design or installation'' includes but is not limited to--
    (1) Performing calculations;
    (2) Providing chemical data;
    (3) Developing plans, specifications, and drawings;
    (4) Conducting failure analysis; and
    (5) Installing systems or components.
    (f) A certifying entity may not conduct the failure analysis of a 
facility VCS it is certifying. The certifying entity may only point out 
shortcomings shown by the failure analysis and may not propose changes 
to correct the shortcomings.
    (g) A certifying entity may not certify the VCS of any vessel or 
facility owner or operator that owns or has a controlling interest in 
the certifying entity.

Certification, Recertification, and Operational Review


Sec.  154.2020  Certification and recertification--Owner/operator 
responsibilities.

    (a) Prior to operating, a new vapor control system (VCS) 
installation must be certified under 33 CFR 154.2023 by a certifying 
entity as meeting the requirements of this subpart.
    (b) A certified VCS or a Coast Guard-approved VCS that was 
operating prior to July 23, 1990 must be recertified by a certifying 
entity under 33 CFR 154.2023 before it can--
    (1) Control vapors other than those for which it was originally 
certified;
    (2) Receive vapors from vessels other than those for which it was 
approved, if the VCS was in operation prior to July 23, 1990;
    (3) Operate under any changed design or configuration;
    (4) Operate as part of multi-breasted barge-loading operations, if 
the VCS was not originally approved or certified for such operations; 
or
    (5) Be connected to a tank vessel if a cargo line clearance system 
is used to clear cargo in the cargo line back to the tank vessel.
    (c) Prior to operating a VCS to control vapor from a tank vessel 
during cargo line clearing if a cargo line clearance system is used to 
clear cargo in the cargo line back to the tank vessel, the cargo line 
clearance system must be reviewed by a certifying entity as meeting the 
requirements of 33 CFR 154.2104.
    (d) To apply for certification, the owner or operator of a facility 
VCS must submit plans, calculations, specifications, and other related 
information, including a qualitative failure analysis, to the 
certifying entity. Suggested guidance for preparing qualitative and 
optional quantitative failure analyses can be obtained from http://homeport.uscg.mil. The analysis must demonstrate that--
    (1) The VCS can operate continuously and safely while controlling 
cargo vapors to or from tankships or tank barges over the full range of 
transfer rates expected at the facility;
    (2) The VCS has the proper alarms and automatic shutdown systems 
required by this subpart to prevent an unsafe operation;
    (3) The VCS has sufficient automatic or passive devices to minimize 
damage to personnel, property, and the environment if an accident were 
to occur;
    (4) If a quantitative failure analysis is also conducted, the level 
of safety attained is at least one order of magnitude greater than that 
calculated for operating without a VCS; and
    (5) If a facility uses a cargo line clearance system to clear cargo 
in the cargo line back to the tank vessel with the VCS connected, the 
qualitative failure analysis must demonstrate that the cargo line 
clearance system has at least the same levels of safety required by 
paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(3) of this section to prevent 
overpressure of the vessel's cargo tanks and account for the 
probability that the pig is destroyed during line-clearing operations.
    (e) The VCS owner or operator must maintain at the facility--
    (1) A copy of VCS design documentation, including plans, drawings, 
calculations, and specifications for the VCS;
    (2) The facility operations manual, including the list of cargoes 
that the facility is approved to vapor control; and
    (3) Any certification or recertification letter issued under 33 CFR 
154.2023.


Sec.  154.2021  Operational review--Owner/operator responsibilities.

    (a) Each facility vapor control system (VCS) must undergo an 
operational review by a certifying entity within three years of its 
initial certification or last operational review, to ensure its proper 
operation and maintenance.
    (b) The VCS owner or operator must coordinate with the certifying 
entity and provide the entity with all necessary documentation and 
records to conduct the operational review.
    (c) The VCS owner or operator must notify the Captain of the Port 
(COTP) of

[[Page 65168]]

a scheduled operational review. The COTP, at his or her discretion, may 
witness the operational review.
    (d) The VCS owner or operator must maintain, at the facility, the 
latest operational review letter issued under 33 CFR 154.2023.


Sec.  154.2022  Certification, recertification, or operational review--
Certifying entity responsibilities, generally.

    (a) Before certifying or recertifying a facility vapor control 
system (VCS), the certifying entity must--
    (1) Review all VCS design documentation, including plans, drawings, 
calculations, specifications, and failure analysis, to ensure that the 
VCS design meets the requirements of this subpart;
    (2) Review all chemical data in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this section, to confirm that the VCS is properly designed for 
controlling each specific chemical vapor;
    (3) Conduct an initial onsite inspection to ensure that the VCS 
installation conforms to the VCS plans, drawings, and specifications 
reviewed;
    (4) Conduct onsite reviews and witness tests in accordance with 
paragraph (d) of this section, to ensure the VCS's proper operation in 
accordance with its design and compliance with applicable regulations 
and the facility's operations manual;
    (5) Review, inspect, and witness tests of all design or 
configuration alterations before recertifying a VCS that was certified 
or approved for operation prior to July 23, 1990, to ensure that the 
altered system complies with applicable regulations;
    (6) Review the VCS design in accordance with paragraph (e) of this 
section, prior to recertifying the VCS for the control of additional 
cargo vapors;
    (7) Review the VCS in accordance with paragraph (f) of this 
section, prior to certifying or recertifying it to control vapors from 
barge cargo tanks during multi-breasted barge-loading operations;
    (8) Review a cargo line clearance system as meeting the 
requirements of 33 CFR 154.2104 if such a system is used to clear cargo 
in the cargo line back to a tank vessel prior to certifying or 
recertifying a VCS to control vapor from the tank vessel during cargo 
line clearance operations; and
    (9) Review the facility operations manual to ensure that it meets 
the requirements of 33 CFR 154.310(b).
    (b) In conducting an operational review to ensure that the VCS is 
properly operating and maintained, the certifying entity must ensure, 
at a minimum--
    (1) The completeness, currency, and accuracy of the facility 
operations manual, training plans, and VCS test procedures;
    (2) Proper maintenance and operation of VCS components, through 
visual inspection; and
    (3) That cargo transfer or tank-cleaning barge operational 
procedures are properly followed and the VCS operates properly, through 
observation of the initial stages of transfer or cleaning, including 
24-hour pre-transfer tests required by 33 CFR 154.2150(b) or 33 CFR 
154.2250(b), the pre-transfer conference, and initial system startup 
procedures.
    (c) For each of the following, if applicable, the certifying 
entity's review of chemical data must ensure that--
    (1) Each chemical's maximum experimental safe gap, minimum oxygen 
concentration for combustion (MOCC), and upper and lower limits of 
flammability have been correctly determined, which may be determined 
using Coast Guard guidance available at http://homeport.uscg.mil;
    (2) Each detonation arrester used in the VCS is correct for each 
chemical's maximum experimental safe gap;
    (3) Setpoints for each oxygen analyzer used in the VCS are correct 
for each chemical's MOCC;
    (4) Setpoints for each oxygen or hydrocarbon analyzer used in the 
VCS are correct for each chemical's upper or lower flammability limit;
    (5) Each vapor-controlled chemical is compatible with other 
chemicals and with inerting, enriching, or diluting gases added to the 
VCS per 46 CFR part 150, Table I and Table II;
    (6) Each vapor-controlled chemical is compatible with all VCS 
components;
    (7) Each vapor-controlled chemical is listed in one of the 
following: 46 CFR part 30, Table 30.25-1; 46 CFR part 151, Table 
151.05; 46 CFR part 153, Table 1 and Table 2; or as specified in 
writing by the Commandant;
    (8) The flash point for any cargo with a closed-cup flash point of 
60 [deg]C (140 [deg]F) or higher is properly determined;
    (9) Any test program used for instrument testing and calibration 
conforms with 33 CFR 154.2180 and 33 CFR 154.2181; and
    (10) Any calculation to determine the duration of purging required 
by 33 CFR 154.2150(o) is correct.
    (d) The certifying entity must ensure--
    (1) That each alarm and shutdown, shown on the piping and 
instrumentation diagrams and reviewed in the hazard analysis as part of 
the system, responds properly, through simulation of emergency 
conditions to activate the alarm or shutdown;
    (2) That maximum vacuum can be maintained at the maximum operating 
conditions of any vapor-moving device, through testing of the vacuum 
breaker;
    (3) That VCS shutdown occurs correctly, through the startup of the 
VCS and tripping of each shutdown loop while the VCS is not connected 
to a vessel;
    (4) That VCS startup, normal operation, and shutdown occur 
properly, through witnessing the relevant portions of a test loading or 
unloading of one vessel, or a test cleaning of one tank barge at a tank 
barge cleaning facility; and
    (5) That the automatic liquid block valve successfully stops flow 
of liquid to the vessel during a system shutdown, through witnessing 
the relevant portions of a test loading or test cargo tank cleaning.
    (e) Prior to recertifying the VCS for the control of additional 
cargo vapors, the certifying entity must review the VCS design to 
ensure that, with respect to each additional vapor, the--
    (1) System complies with 33 CFR 154.2103(a) and (b) or 33 CFR 
154.2203(a) and (b);
    (2) Inerting, enriching, or diluting system is adequate;
    (3) Vapor recovery or destruction unit is adequate;
    (4) Mechanical equipment and systems are suitable;
    (5) Vapor properties and characteristics are addressed, including 
freezing point, polymerization potential, solubility, and cargo 
compatibility;
    (6) VCS's failure analysis addresses any new hazards presented; and
    (7) Facility operations manual's VCS addendum has been modified to 
list each additional vapor.
    (f) Prior to certifying or recertifying a VCS to control vapors 
from barge cargo tanks during multi-breasted barge-loading operations, 
the certifying entity must confirm that--
    (1) The overfill control system required by 33 CFR 154.2102 will 
process a liquid overfill condition within any one cargo tank on each 
barge;
    (2) If multi-breasted loading is conducted using more than one 
liquid transfer hose from the shore facility, the facility is capable 
of activating the emergency shutdown system required by 33 CFR 154.550, 
and can automatically stop the cargo flow to each transfer hose 
simultaneously, in the event an upset condition occurs that closes the 
remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required by 33 CFR 
154.2101(a);
    (3) The facility operations manual has been modified to include the 
procedures for multi-breasted barge-loading operations; and

[[Page 65169]]

    (4) The facility operations manual describes how to make proper 
connections, on the facility side, between the alarm and shutdown 
systems of the VCS and of each barge being loaded.


Sec.  154.2023  Certification, recertification, or operational review--
Certifying entity documentation.

    (a) If the certifying entity is satisfied that the facility's vapor 
control system (VCS) has successfully undergone the reviews, 
inspections, and tests required by 33 CFR 154.2022(a) for certification 
or recertification, and that the VCS will operate properly and safely, 
the certifying entity must certify or recertify the VCS by issuing a 
certification letter to the facility owner or operator, and by sending 
copies of the letter to the Captain of the Port (COTP) and the 
Commandant. The certification letter must refer by date to the 
certifying entity's letter of acceptance issued under 33 CFR 
154.2011(c), and must--
    (1) State that the facility complies with applicable regulations 
and with its operations manual, and list any exemptions to the 
applicable regulations that have been approved by the Coast Guard;
    (2) Report on all reviews, inspections, and tests undergone by the 
VCS in accordance with 33 CFR 154.2022(a);
    (3) List all plans and drawings that were reviewed by the 
certifying entity;
    (4) State if the VCS may control vapors from tank barges that are 
required to have a shore-side, explosion-proof receptacle or an 
overfill control system required by 33 CFR 154.2102(a) and (b); and
    (5) List all cargoes that the certifying entity approves for 
control by the VCS.
    (b) If the certifying entity is satisfied that the facility's VCS 
has successfully undergone the operational review required by 33 CFR 
154.2022(b), the certifying entity must issue an operational review 
letter to the facility owner or operator, and send copies of the letter 
to the COTP and the Commandant. The operational review letter must--
    (1) List each item reviewed and inspected;
    (2) Describe the transfer or cleaning operation observed; and
    (3) Summarize the review's results.

Personnel


Sec.  154.2030  Transfer facilities.

    (a) Personnel in charge of a transfer operation using a vapor 
control system (VCS) must have completed a training program covering 
the particular VCS installed at the facility. As part of the training 
program, personnel must be able to demonstrate, through drills and 
display of practical knowledge, the proper VCS operational procedures 
for normal and emergency conditions. The training program must cover 
the following subjects:
    (1) Purpose of the VCS;
    (2) Principles of the VCS;
    (3) Components of the VCS;
    (4) Hazards associated with the VCS;
    (5) Coast Guard regulations in this subpart;
    (6) Operating procedures, including:
    (i) Transfer, testing, and inspection requirements;
    (ii) Pre-transfer procedures;
    (iii) Chemicals approved for collection;
    (iv) Material safety data sheet review;
    (v) Connection procedures;
    (vi) Startup procedures;
    (vii) Normal operating conditions and how to handle deviations from 
normal conditions;
    (viii) Normal shutdown procedures; and
    (ix) Operating procedures for cargo line clearing if a cargo line 
clearance system is installed in accordance with 33 CFR 154.2104; and
    (7) Emergency procedures.
    (b) Personnel overseeing VCS maintenance must be familiar with--
    (1) Inspection of detonation arresters; and
    (2) Procedures for equipment and instrumentation testing required 
by 33 CFR 156.170(g).


Sec.  154.2031   Tank barge cleaning facilities.

    (a) In addition to complying with 33 CFR 154.2030, a tank barge 
cleaning facility (TBCF) person in charge of a barge cargo tank-
cleaning operation that uses a vapor control system (VCS) must complete 
a training program covering the particular systems installed at the 
facility and on the barge. As part of the training program, personnel 
must be able to demonstrate, through drills and practical knowledge, 
the proper VCS operation procedures for normal and emergency 
conditions. The training program must--
    (1) Satisfy the requirements of 33 CFR 154.2030(a)(1) through 
(a)(7) and 33 CFR 154.2030(b) and cover--
    (i) Purpose, principles, components, and hazards associated with 
stripping and gas-freeing;
    (ii) Special hazards associated with the accumulation and discharge 
of static electricity; and
    (iii) Operating procedures, including pre-cleaning procedures, and 
safeguards to prevent static electricity discharge.
    (b) In addition to the requirements contained in 33 CFR 154.710, no 
person may serve, and the facility operator may not use the services of 
anyone, as a facility person in charge of a cleaning operation unless 
the person has been properly trained and certified by the facility with 
a minimum of 60 hours of experience in cleaning operations.

Transfer Facilities--VCS Design and Installation


Sec.  154.2100  Vapor control system, general.

    (a) Vapor control system (VCS) design and installation must 
eliminate potential overpressure and vacuum hazards, overfill hazards, 
sources of ignition, and mechanical damage to the maximum practicable 
extent. Each remaining hazard source that is not eliminated must be 
specifically addressed in the protection system design and system 
operational requirements.
    (b) Vapor collection system pipe and fitting components must be in 
accordance with ANSI B31.3 (incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 
154.106) with a maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) of at least 
150 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). Valves must be in accordance 
with ANSI B16.34, 150 pound class (incorporated by reference, see 33 
CFR 154.106). Flanges must be in accordance with ANSI B16.5 or B16.24, 
150 pound class (both incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 154.106). 
The following components and their associated equipment do not have a 
minimum specified MAWP, but must be constructed to acceptable 
engineering standards and have the appropriate mechanical strength to 
serve the intended purpose: Knockout drums, liquid seals, blowers/
compressors, flare stacks/incinerators, and other vapor processing 
units.
    (c) All VCS electrical equipment must comply with NFPA 70 
(incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 154.106).
    (d) Any pressure, flow, or concentration indication required by 
this part must provide a remote indicator on the facility where the 
cargo transfer system and VCS are controlled, unless the local 
indicator is clearly visible and readable from the operator's normal 
position at the control stations.
    (e) Any condition requiring an alarm as specified in this part must 
activate an audible and visible alarm where the cargo transfer and VCSs 
are controlled.
    (f) For a VCS installed after [EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE], an 
alarm or shutdown must be activated if electrical continuity of an 
alarm or shutdown sensor required by this subpart is lost.
    (g) The VCS piping surface temperature must not exceed 177 [deg]C

[[Page 65170]]

(350 [deg]F) or 70 percent of the auto-ignition temperature in degrees 
Celsius of the vapors being transferred, whichever is lower, during 
normal operations. This must be achieved by either separating or 
insulating the entire VCS from external heat sources.
    (h) The VCS must be equipped with a mechanism to eliminate any 
liquid condensate from the vapor collection system that carries over 
from the vessel or condenses as a result of an enrichment process.
    (1) If a liquid knockout vessel is installed to eliminate any 
liquid condensate, it must have--
    (i) A mechanism to indicate the level of liquid in the device;
    (ii) A high liquid level sensor that activates an alarm, meeting 
the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section;
    (iii) A high-high liquid level sensor that closes the remotely 
operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required by 33 CFR 154.2101(a), and 
shuts down any vapor-moving devices before carrying liquid over from 
the vessel to the vapor-moving device. One sensor with two stages may 
accomplish both this requirement and the requirement of paragraph 
(h)(1)(ii) of this section; and
    (2) If a drip leg is used to eliminate any liquid condensate, a 
mechanism to remove liquid from the low point.
    (i) Vapor collection piping must be electrically grounded and must 
be electrically continuous.
    (j) If the facility handles inerted vapors of cargoes containing 
sulfur, the facility must control heating from pyrophoric iron sulfide 
deposits in the vapor collection line.
    (k) All VCS components, including piping, hoses, and gaskets, must 
be suitable for use with the vapor in the VCS.


Sec.  154.2101  Requirements for facility vapor connections.

    (a) A remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve must be installed 
in the vapor collection line between the facility vapor connection and 
the nearest point where any inerting, enriching, or diluting gas is 
introduced into the vapor collection line, or where a detonation 
arrester is fitted. The valve must--
    (1) Close within 30 seconds after detection of a shutdown condition 
of any component required by this subpart;
    (2) Close automatically if the control signal or electrical power 
to the system is interrupted;
    (3) Activate an alarm meeting 33 CFR 154.2100(e) when a signal to 
shut down is received from a component;
    (4) Be capable of manual operation or manual activation;
    (5) Have a local valve position indicator, or be designed so that 
the valve position can be readily determined from the valve handle or 
valve stem position; and
    (6) If the valve seat is fitted with resilient material, be a 
Category A valve as defined by 46 CFR 56.20-15 and not allow 
appreciable leakage when the resilient material is damaged or 
destroyed.
    (b) Except when a vapor collection arm is used, the first 1 meter 
(3.3 feet) of vapor piping downstream of the facility vapor connection 
must be--
    (1) Painted in the sequence of red/yellow/red. The width of the red 
bands must be 0.1 meter (0.33 foot) and the width of the middle yellow 
band must be 0.8 meter (2.64 feet); and
    (2) Labeled with the word ``VAPOR'' painted in black letters at 
least 50.8 millimeters (2 inches) high.
    (c) Each facility vapor connection flange face must have a 
permanent stud projecting outward that is 12.7 millimeters (0.5 inch) 
in diameter and is at least 25.4 millimeters (1 inch) long. It must be 
located at the top of the flange face, midway between boltholes, and in 
line with the bolthole pattern.
    (d) Each hose that transfers vapors must--
    (1) Have a design burst pressure of at least 25 pounds per square 
inch gauge (psig);
    (2) Have a maximum allowable working pressure no less than 5 psig;
    (3) Be capable of withstanding at least a 2 pounds per square inch 
(psi) vacuum without collapsing or constricting;
    (4) Be electrically continuous with a maximum resistance of 10,000 
ohms;
    (5) Have flanges with--
    (i) A bolthole arrangement complying with the requirements for 150 
pound class flanges, ANSI B16.5 (incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 
154.106); and
    (ii) One or more 15.9 millimeter (0.625 inch) diameter holes in the 
flange face, located midway between boltholes, and in line with the 
bolthole pattern;
    (6) Be resistant to abrasion and kinking;
    (7) Be compatible with vapors being controlled; and
    (8) Have the last 1 meter (3.3 feet) of each end of the vapor hose 
marked in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (e) Vapor hoses must be adequately supported to prevent kinking, 
collapse, or contact with metal surfaces on the dock during loading or 
offloading.
    (f) Fixed vapor collection arms must--
    (1) Meet the requirements of paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(5) of 
this section; and
    (2) Have the last 1 meter (3.3 feet) of the arm marked in 
accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (g) The facility vapor connection must be electrically insulated 
from the vessel vapor connection in accordance with OCIMF ISGOTT 
section 17.5 (incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 154.106). In order 
to prevent electrical arcing during connection and disconnection of the 
transfer hose/arm, the transfer hose/arm must be fitted with an 
insulating flange or a single length of non-conducting hose to ensure 
electrical discontinuity between the vessel and facility. The 
insulating flange/hose must not be electrically bypassed.
    (h) A vapor collection system, fitted with a gas injection system 
that operates at a positive gauge pressure at the facility vapor 
connection, must be fitted with a mechanism to prevent backflow of 
vapor to the vessel's vapor collection system during loading.


Sec.  154.2102  Facility requirements for vessel liquid overfill 
protection.

    This section does not apply to facilities collecting vapors emitted 
from vessel cargo tanks while inerting the cargo tanks.
    (a) Each facility that receives cargo vapor from a tank barge that 
is fitted with overfill protection, in accordance with 46 CFR 
39.2009(a)(1)(iii), must provide a 120-volt, 20-amp explosion-proof 
receptacle for the overfill protection system that meets--
    (1) NEMA WD-6 (incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 154.106);
    (2) NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2002, Articles 410-57 and 
501-12 (incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 154.106); and
    (3) 46 CFR 111.105-9.
    (b) Each facility that receives cargo vapor from a tank barge that 
is fitted with an intrinsically safe cargo tank level sensor system 
complying with 46 CFR 39.2009(b), as a means of overfill protection, 
must have an overfill control system on the dock capable of powering 
and receiving an alarm and shutdown signal from the cargo tank level 
sensor system that--
    (1) Closes the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required 
by 33 CFR 154.2101(a) and activates the emergency shutdown system 
required by 33 CFR 154.550 when--
    (i) A tank overfill signal is received from the barge; or
    (ii) Electrical continuity of the cargo tank level sensor system is 
interrupted;
    (2) Activates an audible and visible alarm that warns barge and 
facility personnel when a tank overfill signal, or an optional high-
level signal

[[Page 65171]]

corresponding to a liquid level lower than the tank overfill sensor 
setting, is received from the barge;
    (3) Has a mechanism to test the alarms and automatic shutdown 
systems electrically and mechanically before operating the vapor 
control system (VCS);
    (4) Has suitable means, such as approved intrinsic safety barriers 
able to accept passive devices, so that the overfill and optional alarm 
circuits on the barge side of the overfill control system, including 
cabling, normally closed switches, and pin and sleeve connectors, are 
intrinsically safe;
    (5) Is labeled at the dock with the maximum allowable inductance 
(in millihenrys) and capacitance (in microfarads) to be connected to 
the facility overfill protection system as specified by the equipment 
manufacturer; and
    (6) Has a female connecting plug for the tank barge level sensor 
system with a five-wire, 16-ampere connector body meeting IEC 60309-1 
and IEC 60309-2 (both incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 154.106), 
which is--
    (i) Configured with pins S2 (N) and R1 (L3) for the tank overfill 
sensor circuit, pin G connected to the cabling shield, and pins N (L2) 
and T3 (L1) reserved for an optional high-level alarm connection;
    (ii) Labeled ``Connector for Barge Overfill Control System''; and
    (iii) Connected to the overfill control system by a shielded 
flexible cable.


Sec.  154.2103  Facility requirements for vessel vapor overpressure and 
vacuum protection.

    In this section, the requirements of having a flame arrester or a 
flame screen at the opening of a pressure relief valve or a vacuum 
relief valve apply only to facilities collecting vapors of flammable, 
combustible, or non-high flash point liquid cargoes.
    (a) A facility's vapor control system (VCS) must have the capacity 
for collecting cargo vapor at a rate of not less than the facility's 
maximum liquid transfer rate for cargoes that are vapor controlled plus 
the vapor growth for the cargoes and any inerting, diluting, or 
enriching gas that may be added to the system. Vapor growth must be 
considered as 25 percent of the cargo's true vapor pressure in pounds 
per square inch absolute (psia) at 115 [deg]F, divided by the vapor 
pressure of gasoline at 115 [deg]F (12.5 psia), unless there is 
experimental data for actual vapor growth for turbulent transferring 
under the most severe conditions for vapor growth. If the cargo is 
transferred at temperatures above 115 [deg]F, the cargo's true vapor 
pressure (in psia) at the transferring temperature must be used when 
determining the vapor growth.
    (b) A facility VCS must be designed to prevent the pressure in a 
vessel's cargo tanks from going below 80 percent of the highest setting 
of any of the vessel's vacuum relief valves or exceeding 80 percent of 
the lowest setting of any of the vessel's pressure relief valves for a 
non-inerted tank vessel. A facility VCS also must be designed to 
prevent the pressure in a vessel's cargo tanks from going below 0.2 
pounds per square inch gauge (psig) or exceeding 80 percent of the 
lowest setting of any of the vessel's pressure relief valves for an 
inerted tank vessel. The system must sustain the pressure in the 
vessel's cargo tanks within this range at any cargo transfer rate less 
than or equal to the maximum transfer rate determined at the pre-
transfer conference.
    (c) The pressure measured at the facility vapor connection must be 
corrected for pressure drops across the vessel's vapor collection 
system, vapor collection hose or arm, and vapor line up to the location 
of the pressure sensor.
    (d) The facility vapor connection must have a pressure-sensing 
device that meets the installation requirements of paragraph (h) of 
this section, which activates an alarm that meets 33 CFR 154.2100(e) 
when the pressure at the facility vapor connection exceeds either--
    (1) The pressure corresponding to the upper pressure determined in 
paragraph (b) of this section; or
    (2) A lower pressure agreed upon at the pre-transfer conference.
    (e) If a facility draws vapor from a vessel with a vapor-moving 
device, the facility vapor connection must have a pressure-sensing 
device, which activates an alarm meeting 33 CFR 154.2100(e) when the 
pressure at the facility vapor connection falls below either--
    (1) The pressure corresponding to the lower pressure determined in 
paragraph (b) of this section; or
    (2) A higher pressure agreed upon at the pre-transfer conference.
    (f) The facility vapor connection must have a pressure-sensing 
device, independent of the device used to activate the alarm required 
by paragraph (d) of this section, meeting the installation requirements 
of paragraph (h) of this section, which activates the emergency 
shutdown system required by 33 CFR 154.550 when the pressure at the 
facility vapor connection exceeds the lower of the following:
    (1) A pressure corresponding to 90 percent of the vessel's lowest 
pressure relief valve setting, corrected for pressure drops across the 
vessel's vapor collection system, the vapor collection hose or arm, and 
any vapor line up to the point where the pressure sensor is located;
    (2) A pressure corresponding to 90 percent of the setting of the 
pressure relief valve at the facility vapor connection, if the facility 
vapor connection is installed with a pressure relief valve; or
    (3) A lower pressure than the pressure in paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this section that is agreed upon at the pre-transfer 
conference.
    (g) If a facility draws vapors from a vessel with a vapor-moving 
device, the facility vapor connection must have a pressure-sensing 
device, independent of the device used to activate the alarm required 
by paragraph (e) of this section, which closes the remotely operated 
cargo vapor shutoff valve required by 33 CFR 154.2101(a) when the 
vacuum at the facility vapor connection is more than the higher (lesser 
vacuum) of the following:
    (1) A vacuum corresponding to 90 percent of the vessel's highest 
vacuum relief valve setting;
    (2) A vacuum corresponding to 90 percent of the setting of the 
vacuum relief valve at the facility vapor connection, if the facility 
vapor connection is installed with a vacuum relief valve; or
    (3) A lesser vacuum than the vacuum in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) 
of this section that is agreed upon at the pre-transfer conference.
    (h) The pressure-sensing devices required by paragraphs (d) and (f) 
of this section must be located in the vapor collection line between 
the facility vapor connection and the following:
    (1) Any isolation valve, unless an interlock is provided that 
prevents operation of the system when the isolation valve is closed; 
and
    (2) Any components that could plug and cause a blockage in the 
vapor line.
    (i) A pressure-indicating device must be provided that displays the 
pressure in the vapor collection line between the facility vapor 
connection and any isolation valve or any devices which could cause a 
blockage in the vapor line.
    (j) If a facility draws vapor from the vessel with a vapor-moving 
device capable of drawing more than 1 pound per square inch (psi) 
vacuum, a vacuum relief valve must be installed in the vapor collection 
line between the vapor-moving device and the facility vapor connection, 
which--
    (1) Relieves at a predetermined pressure such that the pressure at 
the facility vapor connection is maintained at or above 13.7 psia (-1 
psig);

[[Page 65172]]

    (2) Has a relieving capacity equal to or greater than the capacity 
of the vapor-moving device;
    (3) Has a flame arrester or flame screen fitted at the vacuum 
relief opening; and
    (4) Has been tested for relieving capacity in accordance with 
paragraph 1.5.1.3 of API 2000 (incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 
154.106) with a flame arrester or flame screen fitted.
    (k) When a facility collects cargo vapor through an extensive 
length of vapor piping before reaching the first pressure sensor and 
vacuum relief valve, the vacuum relief valve may be set at a vacuum 
greater than 1 psi vacuum, provided the pressure controls take into 
account the pressure drop across the vessel's vapor collection system, 
any vapor collection hoses, and the vapor piping as a function of the 
actual transfer rate.
    (l) If the pressure in the vapor collection system can exceed 1.5 
psig during a malfunction of a pressure regulator or control valve in 
an inerting, enriching, or diluting system, a pressure relief valve 
must--
    (1) Be located between where the inerting, enriching, or diluting 
gas is introduced into the vapor collection system and the facility 
vapor connection;
    (2) Relieve at the higher of the following two pressures:
    (i) A pressure such that the pressure at the facility vapor 
connection does not exceed 1.5 psig; or
    (ii) The lowest pressure relief valve setting of vessels that 
control vapors at the facility;
    (3) Have a relieving capacity equal to or greater than the maximum 
capacity of the facility inerting, enriching, or diluting gas source 
flowing through the failed pressure regulator or control valve, taking 
into account the pressure drops across any flame arrester or discharge 
piping fitted at the relief valve's discharge;
    (4) Have a flame arrester or flame screen fitted at the discharge 
opening, if the design does not secure a minimum vapor discharge 
velocity of 30 meters (98.4 feet) per second; and
    (5) Have been tested for relieving capacity in accordance with 
paragraph 1.5.1.3 of API 2000.
    (m) The relieving capacity test required by paragraph (l)(5) of 
this section must be carried out with a flame screen fitted at the 
discharge opening if--
    (1) The design of the pressure relief valve does not secure a 
minimum vapor discharge velocity of 30 meters (98.4 feet) per second; 
and
    (2) The discharge is not fitted with a flame arrester.
    (n) A facility that collects vapors emitted from vessel cargo tanks 
while inerting cargo tanks must--
    (1) Provide a pressure-sensing device that activates an alarm 
meeting 33 CFR 154.2100(e) when the pressure of the inerting gas 
exceeds either the pressure corresponding to the higher pressure 
determined in paragraph (b) of this section or a lower pressure agreed 
upon at the pre-transfer conference;
    (2) Provide a pressure-sensing device, independent of the device 
required by paragraph (n)(1) of this section, which automatically stops 
the flow of inerting, padding, or purging gas to the vessel when the 
pressure of the inerting gas exceeds 90 percent of the lowest setting 
of any pressure relief valve on the vessel; and
    (3) Locate the pressure-sensing devices required by paragraphs 
(n)(1) and (n)(2) of this section in the inerting piping downstream of 
any devices that could potentially isolate the vessel from the sensing 
devices.


Sec.  154.2104  Cargo line clearance system.

    If a line clearance (pigging) system is used to clear cargo in the 
cargo lines to the tank vessel while the vessel is connected to the 
facility vapor control system (VCS), the pigging system must be 
designed with the following safety features:
    (a) A bypass loop installed in the main liquid cargo line that 
contains the pig-receiving device, through which all the liquid flow is 
channeled during pigging operations. The pig must act as a seal to 
separate the vessel from the compressed gas that is used to propel it 
as the pig travels from the pig launcher to the pig-receiving device;
    (b) A mechanism for restricting liquid and gas flow so that the 
vessel, personnel, and environment are not endangered. The compressed 
gas flow capacity that this mechanism secures must not be more than 95 
percent of the combined capacity of all vessel and facility VCS relief 
valves located upstream of the facility's remotely operated cargo vapor 
shutoff valve required by 33 CFR 154.2101(a);
    (c) An automatic shutoff valve, which closes on a high-pressure 
signal from the pressure sensor required by 33 CFR 154.2103(f), located 
in the liquid bypass loop downstream of the pig-receiving device;
    (d) An interlock with the main cargo line manual block valve so 
that line-clearing operations cannot begin unless the main cargo line 
manual block valve is closed; and
    (e) A means to detect arrival of the pig at the pig-receiving 
device.


Sec.  154.2105  Fire, explosion, and detonation protection.

    This section applies only to facilities that control vapors of 
flammable, combustible, or non-high flash point liquid cargoes.
    (a) A vapor control system (VCS) with a single facility vapor 
connection that receives inerted cargo vapor from a vessel and 
processes it with a vapor recovery unit must--
    (1) Be capable of inerting the vapor collection line in accordance 
with 33 CFR 154.2107(a) before receiving the vessel's vapor and have at 
least one oxygen analyzer, which satisfies the requirements of 33 CFR 
154.2107(f)(1), (f)(2), (g), (h)(2), and (h)(3), sampling the vapor 
concentration continuously at a point as close as practicable to the 
facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the analyzer 
and the facility vapor connection must not exceed 6 meters (19.7 feet); 
or
    (2) Have a detonation arrester located as close as practicable to 
the facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the 
detonation arrester and the facility vapor connection must not exceed 
18 meters (59.1 feet).
    (b) A VCS with a single facility vapor connection that receives 
only inerted cargo vapor from a vessel and processes it with a vapor 
destruction unit must--
    (1) Satisfy the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
and have a detonation arrester located as close as practicable to the 
facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the detonation 
arrester and the facility vapor connection must not exceed 18 meters 
(59.1 feet); or
    (2) Have an inerting system that meets the requirements of 33 CFR 
154.2107.
    (c) A VCS with a single facility vapor connection that receives 
vapor from a vessel with cargo tanks that are not inerted or are 
partially inerted, and processes it with a vapor recovery unit must--
    (1) Have a detonation arrester located as close as practicable to 
the facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the 
detonation arrester and the facility vapor connection must not exceed 
18 meters (59.1 feet); or
    (2) Have an inerting, enriching, or diluting system that meets the 
requirements of 33 CFR 154.2107.
    (d) A VCS with a single facility vapor connection that receives 
vapor from a vessel with cargo tanks that are not inerted or are 
partially inerted, and processes the vapor with a vapor destruction 
unit must--
    (1) Have a detonation arrester located as close as practicable to 
the facility

[[Page 65173]]

vapor connection. The total pipe length between the detonation arrester 
and the facility vapor connection must not exceed 18 meters (59.1 
feet); and
    (2) Have an inerting, enriching, or diluting system that satisfies 
the requirements of 33 CFR 154.2107.
    (e) A VCS with multiple facility vapor connections that receives 
vapor from vessels with cargo tanks that carry inerted, partially 
inerted, non-inerted, or combinations of inerted, partially inerted, 
and non-inerted cargoes, and processes them with a vapor recovery unit, 
must have a detonation arrester located as close as practicable to each 
facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the detonation 
arrester and each facility vapor connection must not exceed 18 meters 
(59.1 feet).
    (f) A VCS with multiple facility vapor connections that receives 
only inerted cargo vapor from vessels and processes it with a vapor 
destruction unit must--
    (1) Satisfy the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
for each facility vapor connection and have a detonation arrester 
located as close as practicable to each facility vapor connection. The 
total pipe length between the detonation arrester and each facility 
vapor connection must not exceed 18 meters (59.1 feet); or
    (2) Have an inerting, enriching, or diluting system that meets the 
requirements of 33 CFR 154.2107.
    (g) A VCS with multiple facility vapor connections that receives 
vapor from vessels with non-inerted or partially inerted cargoes, and 
processes the vapor with a vapor destruction unit must--
    (1) Have a detonation arrester located as close as practicable to 
each facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the 
detonation arrester and each facility vapor connection must not exceed 
18 meters (59.1 feet); and
    (2) Have an inerting, enriching, or diluting system that meets the 
requirements of 33 CFR 154.2107.
    (h) A VCS with multiple facility vapor connections that 
simultaneously receives vapor from vessels with inerted, partially 
inerted, and non-inerted cargoes, and processes the vapor with a vapor 
destruction unit must--
    (1) Have a detonation arrester located as close as practicable to 
each facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the 
detonation arrester and each facility vapor connection must not exceed 
18 meters (59.1 feet); and
    (2) Have an inerting, enriching, or diluting system that meets the 
requirements of 33 CFR 154.2107; or
    (3) Have a base loading system that meets the requirements of 33 
CFR 154.2107(m).
    (i) A VCS that uses a vapor balancing system in which cargo vapor 
from a vessel or facility storage tank is transferred through the 
facility vapor collection system to facility storage tanks or a vessel 
must meet the requirements of 33 CFR 154.2110.
    (j) Each outlet of a VCS that vents to the atmosphere, except for a 
discharge vent from a vapor destruction unit or relief valve installed 
to comply with 33 CFR 154.2103(j) and (k) or 33 CFR 154.2203(e), (k), 
and (l), must--
    (1) Have a detonation arrester located at the outlet; or
    (2) Have a flame arrester if--
    (i) The discharge vent stream's total flammable concentration is 
proven to be less than 50 percent of the lower flammable limit at all 
times by an outlet concentration analyzer for carbon beds, proof of 
correct operating temperature for refrigeration systems, or proof of 
scrubbing medium flow for scrubbers; and
    (ii) The proving devices in paragraph (j)(2)(i) of this section 
close the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required in 33 
CFR 154.2101(a) and shut down any vapor-moving device if operating 
outside the conditions necessary to maintain the discharge vent non-
combustible.


Sec.  154.2106  Detonation arresters installation.

    This section applies only to facilities collecting vapors of 
flammable, combustible, or non-high flash point liquid cargoes.
    (a) Each detonation arrester required by this part must be 
installed with a minimum distance of 0.6 meters (2 feet) from the 
arrester flange face to any pipe bend, shutoff valve, or other device 
that restricts the flow area of the piping.
    (b) Detonation arresters must be installed in accordance with the 
guidelines outlined in the arrester manufacturer's acceptance letter 
provided by the Coast Guard.
    (c) Line size expansions in a straight pipe run must be no closer 
than 120 times the pipe's diameter from the detonation arrester unless 
the manufacturer has test data to show the expansion can be closer.


Sec.  154.2107  Inerting, enriching, and diluting systems.

    This section applies only to facilities that control vapors of 
flammable, combustible, or non-high flash point liquid cargoes.
    (a) Before receiving cargo vapor, a vapor control system (VCS) that 
uses a gas for inerting, enriching, or diluting must be capable of 
inerting, enriching, or diluting the vapor collection line, at a 
minimum of two-volume exchanges of inerting, enriching, or diluting 
gas, downstream of the injection point.
    (b) A VCS that uses an inerting, enriching, or diluting system must 
be equipped, except as permitted by 33 CFR 154.2105(a), with a gas 
injection and mixing arrangement located as close as practicable to the 
facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the 
arrangement and the facility vapor connection must not exceed 22 meters 
(72.2 feet). The arrangement must be such that it provides complete 
mixing of the gases within 20 pipe diameters of the injection point.
    (c) A VCS that uses an inerting or enriching system may not be 
operated at a vacuum after the injection point unless--
    (1) There are no vacuum relief valves or other devices that could 
allow air into the vapor collection system downstream of the injection 
point, and pipe connections are flanged, threaded, or welded so no air 
can leak into the VCS; or
    (2) An additional analyzer is used to monitor the downstream vapor 
concentration and a mechanism is provided to inject additional inerting 
or enriching gas.
    (d) A VCS that uses analyzers to control the amount of inerting, 
enriching, or diluting gas injected into the vapor collection line must 
be equipped with at least two analyzers. The analyzers must be 
connected so that--
    (1) When two oxygen analyzers are used, the higher oxygen 
concentration reading controls the inerting or enriching system and 
activates the alarm and automatic shutdown system required by paragraph 
(h), (j), or (k)(2) of this section;
    (2) When more than two oxygen analyzers are used, the majority pair 
controls the inerting or enriching system and activates the alarm and 
automatic shutdown system required by paragraph (h), (j), or (k)(2) of 
this section;
    (3) When two hydrocarbon analyzers are used, the lower hydrocarbon 
concentration reading controls the enriching system and activates the 
alarm and automatic shutdown system required by paragraph (i) of this 
section;
    (4) When more than two hydrocarbon analyzers are used, the majority 
pair controls the enriching system and activates the alarm and 
automatic shutdown system required by paragraph (i) of this section;
    (5) When two hydrocarbon analyzers are used, the higher hydrocarbon 
concentration reading controls the diluting system and activates the 
alarm

[[Page 65174]]

and automatic shutdown system required by paragraph (l) of this 
section; and
    (6) When more than two hydrocarbon analyzers are used, the majority 
pair controls the diluting system and activates the alarm and automatic 
shutdown system required by paragraph (l) of this section.
    (e) A VCS that uses volumetric measurements to control the amount 
of inerting, enriching, or diluting gas injected into the vapor 
collection line must be equipped, except as permitted by paragraph (m) 
of this section, with at least one analyzer to activate the alarms and 
automatic shutdown systems required by this section.
    (f) Each oxygen or hydrocarbon analyzer required by this section 
must--
    (1) Be installed in accordance with API 550 (incorporated by 
reference, see 33 CFR 154.106);
    (2) Have a system response time of not more than one minute from 
sample input to 95 percent of final stable value as tested per 33 CFR 
154.2180 and 33 CFR 154.2181; and
    (3) Continuously sample the vapor concentration not more than 30 
pipe diameters from the gas injection point.
    (g) A VCS must not use oxygen analyzers that operate at elevated 
temperatures (i.e., zirconia oxide or thermomagnetic).
    (h) An inerting system must--
    (1) Supply sufficient inert gas to the vapor stream to ensure that 
the oxygen concentration downstream of the injection point is 
maintained at or below 60 percent by volume of the minimum oxygen 
concentration for combustion (MOCC) for the specific combination of 
cargo vapors and inert gas being processed, which may be determined by 
using Coast Guard guidance available at http://homeport.uscg.mil;
    (2) Activate an alarm that satisfies the requirements of 33 CFR 
154.2100(e) when the oxygen concentration in the vapor collection line 
exceeds 60 percent by volume of the MOCC for the specific combination 
of cargo vapors and inert gas being processed, which may be determined 
by using Coast Guard guidance available at http://homeport.uscg.mil;
    (3) Close the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required 
by 33 CFR 154.2101(a) and shut down any vapor-moving device when the 
oxygen concentration in the vapor collection line exceeds 70 percent by 
volume of the MOCC for the specific combination of cargo vapors and 
inert gas being processed, which may be determined by using Coast Guard 
guidance available at http://homeport.uscg.mil;
    (4) Have a detonation arrester and a mechanism to prevent the 
backflow of flammable vapors installed between the combustion device 
and the inert gas injection point, if a combustion device is used to 
produce the inert gas; and
    (5) Have an alarm value in paragraph (h)(2) of this section that is 
at least one percentage point less than the shutdown value in paragraph 
(h)(3) of this section. If the analyzers used to measure oxygen 
concentrations cannot accurately differentiate between the alarm value 
and the shutoff value, the alarm value must be lowered until the 
analyzers become operable.
    (i) An enriching system must--
    (1) Supply sufficient compatible hydrocarbon vapor to the vapor 
stream to make sure that the total flammable concentration downstream 
of the injection point is maintained either at or above 170 percent by 
volume of the upper flammable limit or above the upper flammable limit 
plus 10 percentage points, whichever is lower;
    (2) Activate an alarm that satisfies the requirements of 33 CFR 
154.2100(e) when the total flammable concentration in the vapor 
collection line either falls below 170 percent by volume of the upper 
flammable limit or below the upper flammable limit plus 10 percentage 
points, whichever is lower;
    (3) Close the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required 
by 33 CFR 154.2101(a) and shut down any vapor-moving device when the 
total flammable concentration in the vapor collection line either falls 
below 150 percent by volume of the upper flammable limit or below the 
upper flammable limit plus 7.5 percentage points, whichever is lower; 
and
    (4) Have an upper flammable limit listed in paragraphs (i)(1), 
(i)(2), and (i)(3) of this section which is either the cargo's upper 
flammable limit or the enriching gas's upper flammable limit, whichever 
is higher. Alternatively, the mixture's upper flammable limit, which 
may be determined by using methods found in Coast Guard guidance 
available at http://homeport.uscg.mil, may be used.
    (j) Oxygen analyzers may be used instead of hydrocarbon analyzers 
in a VCS using an enriching system that receives cargo vapor only from 
a vessel with non-inerted cargo tanks, providing that the analyzers--
    (1) Activate an alarm satisfying the requirements of 33 CFR 
154.2100(e) when the oxygen concentration in the vapor collection line 
exceeds a level corresponding to either a total flammable concentration 
of 170 percent by volume of the upper flammable limit or the upper 
flammable limit plus 10 percentage points, whichever yields a higher 
oxygen concentration;
    (2) Close the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required 
by 33 CFR 154.2101(a) and shut down any vapor-moving device when the 
oxygen concentration in the vapor collection line exceeds a level 
corresponding to either a total flammable concentration of 150 percent 
by volume of the upper flammable limit or the upper flammable limit 
plus 7.5 percentage points, whichever yields a higher oxygen 
concentration;
    (3) Have an alarm value in paragraph (j)(1) of this section that is 
at least one percentage point less than the shutdown value in paragraph 
(j)(2) of this section. If the oxygen analyzers used to measure oxygen 
concentrations cannot accurately differentiate between the alarm value 
and the shutdown value, the alarm value must be lowered until the 
analyzers become operable; and
    (4) Have an upper flammable limit listed in paragraphs (j)(1) and 
(j)(2) of this section which is either the cargo's upper flammable 
limit or the enriching gas's upper flammable limit, whichever is 
higher. Alternatively, the mixture's upper flammable limit, which may 
be determined by using methods found in Coast Guard guidance available 
at http://homeport.uscg.mil, may be used.
    (k) An enriching system may be used in a VCS that receives inerted 
cargo vapor from a vessel if--
    (1) Hydrocarbon analyzers are used to comply with paragraphs (i)(2) 
and (i)(3) of this section; or
    (2) Oxygen analyzers are used, in which case the analyzers must--
    (i) Activate an alarm meeting 33 CFR 154.2100(e) when the oxygen 
concentration in the vapor collection line exceeds 60 percent by volume 
of the MOCC for the specific combination of cargo vapors and gases; and
    (ii) Close the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required 
by 33 CFR 154.2101(a) and shut down any vapor-moving device when the 
oxygen concentration exceeds 70 percent by volume of the MOCC for the 
specific combination of cargo vapors and gases; and
    (3) The MOCC in paragraphs (k)(2)(i) and (k)(2)(ii) of this section 
is either the cargo's MOCC or the enriching gas's MOCC, whichever is 
lower. Alternatively, the mixture's MOCC, which may be determined using 
Coast Guard guidance available at http://homeport.uscg.mil, may be 
used.
    (l) An air dilution system must--
    (1) Supply a sufficient amount of additional air to the vapor 
stream to keep the total flammable concentration downstream of the 
injection point below

[[Page 65175]]

30 percent by volume of the lower flammable limit;
    (2) Activate an alarm that satisfies the requirements of 33 CFR 
154.2100(e) when the total flammable concentration in the vapor 
collection line exceeds 30 percent by volume of the lower flammable 
limit; and
    (3) Close the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required 
by 33 CFR 154.2100(a) and shut down any vapor-moving device when the 
total flammable concentration in the vapor collection line exceeds 50 
percent by volume of the lower flammable limit.
    (m) An enriching system may use a base loading method to control 
the amount of enriching gas in a vapor collection system if--
    (1) The flow rate of enriching gas is determined by assuming the 
vapor entering the facility vapor connection consists of 100 percent 
air;
    (2) Two independent devices are used to verify the correct 
enriching gas volumetric flow rate. One of the two devices must be a 
flow meter;
    (3) One of the devices activates an alarm that satisfies the 
requirements of 33 CFR 154.2100(e) when the amount of enriching gas 
added results in a total flammable concentration in the vapor 
collection line either below 170 percent by volume of the upper 
flammable limit or below the upper flammable limit plus 10 percentage 
points, whichever is lower;
    (4) The second device activates closure of the remotely operated 
cargo vapor shutoff valve required by 33 CFR 154.2101(a) and shuts down 
any vapor-moving device when the amount of enriching gas added results 
in a total flammable concentration in the vapor collection line either 
below 150 percent by volume of the upper flammable limit or below the 
upper flammable limit plus 7.5 percentage points, whichever is lower; 
and
    (5) The upper flammable limit in paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of 
this section is either the cargo's upper flammable limit or the 
enriching gas's upper flammable limit, whichever is higher. 
Alternatively, the mixture's upper flammable limit, which may be 
determined using Coast Guard guidance available at http://homeport.uscg.mil, may be used.
    (n) For controlling vapors of different cargoes at multiple berths 
while using enriching gas, the highest upper flammable limit or the 
lowest MOCC of the cargo or enriching gas, whichever is applicable, is 
used to determine the analyzer alarm and shutdown setpoints. 
Alternatively, the mixture's upper flammable limit or MOCC, which may 
be determined by using Coast Guard guidance available at http://homeport.uscg.mil, may be used.
    (o) For controlling vapors of inert and non-inert cargoes at 
multiple berths while using enriching gas--
    (1) The lowest MOCC of the cargo or enriching gas is used to 
determine the analyzer alarm and shutdown setpoints at all berths. 
Alternatively, the mixture's MOCC, which may be determined using Coast 
Guard guidance available at http://homeport.uscg.mil, may be used; or
    (2) A base loading method meeting the requirements of paragraph (m) 
of this section is used for all berths.


Sec.  154.2108  Vapor-moving devices.

    (a) Paragraphs (b) and (e) of this section apply only to facilities 
collecting vapors of flammable, combustible, or non-high flash point 
liquid cargoes.
    (b) Each inlet and outlet to a vapor-moving device that handles 
vapor that has not been inerted, enriched, or diluted in accordance 
with 33 CFR 154.2107 must be fitted with a detonation arrester; 
however, the outlet detonation arrester may be omitted if the vapor-
moving device is within 50 times the pipe's diameter of the detonation 
arrester required by 33 CFR 154.2109(a).
    (c) If the vapor is handled by a reciprocating or screw-type 
compressor in the vapor collection system, the compressor must be 
installed with indicators and audible and visible alarms to warn 
against the following conditions:
    (1) Excessive gas temperature at the compressor outlet;
    (2) Excessive cooling water temperature;
    (3) Excessive vibration;
    (4) Low lube oil level;
    (5) Low lube oil pressure; and
    (6) Excessive shaft bearing temperature.
    (d) If the vapor is handled by a liquid ring-type compressor in the 
vapor collection system, it must be installed with indicators and 
audible and visible alarms to warn against the following conditions:
    (1) Low level of liquid sealing medium;
    (2) Lack of flow of the liquid sealing medium;
    (3) Excessive temperature of the liquid sealing medium;
    (4) Low lube oil level;
    (5) Low lube oil pressure, if pressurized lubricating system; and
    (6) Excessive shaft bearing temperature.
    (e) If the vapor is handled by a centrifugal compressor, fan, or 
lobe blower in the vapor collection system, construction of the blades 
or housing must be one of the following:
    (1) Blades or housing of nonmetallic construction;
    (2) Blades and housing of nonferrous material;
    (3) Blades and housing of corrosion resistant steel;
    (4) Ferrous blades and housing with one-half inch or more design 
tip clearance;
    (5) Nonferrous blades and ferrous housing with one-half inch or 
more design tip clearance; or
    (6) Blades of aluminum or magnesium alloy and a ferrous housing 
with a nonferrous insert sleeve at the periphery of the impeller.


Sec.  154.2109  Vapor recovery and vapor destruction units.

    Paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) of this section apply only to 
facilities collecting vapors of flammable, combustible, or non-high 
flash point liquid cargoes.
    (a) The inlet to a vapor recovery unit that receives vapor that has 
not been inerted, enriched, or diluted in accordance with 33 CFR 
154.2107 must be fitted with a detonation arrester.
    (b) The inlet to a vapor destruction unit must--
    (1) Have a liquid seal that meets the requirements of paragraph (e) 
of this section, except as specified by paragraph (b)(3) of this 
section; and
    (2) Have two quick-closing stop valves installed in the vapor line. 
One of them must be installed upstream of the detonation arrester 
required by paragraph (c)(2) of this section. The quick-closing stop 
valves must--
    (i) Close within 30 seconds after detection of a shutdown condition 
by a control component required by this subpart for a vapor control 
system (VCS) with a vapor destruction unit;
    (ii) Close automatically if the control signal is lost;
    (iii) Have a local valve position indicator or be designed so that 
the valve position is readily determined from the valve handle or valve 
stem position; and
    (iv) If the valve seat is fitted with resilient material, not allow 
appreciable leakage when the resilient material is damaged or 
destroyed; and
    (3) Instead of a liquid seal as required by paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section, have the following:
    (i) An anti-flashback burner approved by the Commandant and 
installed at each burner within the vapor destruction unit; and
    (ii) A differential pressure sensor that activates the quick-
closing stop valves as required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section 
upon sensing a reverse flow condition.

[[Page 65176]]

    (c) A vapor destruction unit must--
    (1) Not be within 30 meters (98.8 feet) of any tank vessel berth or 
mooring at the facility;
    (2) Have a detonation arrester fitted in the inlet vapor line; and
    (3) Activate an alarm that satisfies the requirements of 33 CFR 
154.2100(e) and shut down when a flame is detected on the detonation 
arrester.
    (d) When a vapor destruction unit shuts down or has a flame-out 
condition, the vapor destruction unit control system must--
    (1) Activate and close the quick-closing stop valves required by 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section;
    (2) Close the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required 
by 33 CFR 154.2101(a); and
    (3) Automatically shut down any vapor-moving devices installed in 
the VCS.
    (e) If a liquid seal is installed at the inlet to a vapor 
destruction unit, then--
    (1) The liquid used in the liquid seal must be compatible with the 
vapors being controlled;
    (2) For partially or totally soluble cargoes that can polymerize in 
solution, there must be an adequate amount of inhibitor in the liquid 
seal;
    (3) The liquid seal must be compatible with the design of the VCS 
and must not contribute to the flammability of the vapor stream; and
    (4) The liquid seal must have a low-level alarm and a low-low level 
shutdown.


Sec.  154.2110  Vapor balancing requirements.

    Paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(4), (b), and (c) of this section apply only 
to facilities transferring vapors of flammable, combustible, or non-
high flash point liquid cargoes.
    (a) A vapor control system (VCS) that uses a vapor balancing system 
in which cargo vapor is transferred from a vessel cargo tank or 
facility storage tank through the facility vapor collection system to a 
facility storage tank or vessel cargo tank must--
    (1) Have facility storage tank high-level alarm systems and 
facility storage tank overfill control systems arranged to prevent the 
cargo from entering the vapor return line;
    (2) Have a detonation arrester located within the storage tank 
containment area and a detonation arrester located as close as 
practicable to the facility vapor connection. The total pipe length 
between the detonation arrester and the facility vapor connection must 
not exceed 18 meters (59.1 feet);
    (3) Meet the overpressure and over-vacuum protection requirements 
of 33 CFR 154.2103; and
    (4) For inert cargo systems, have at least one oxygen analyzer in 
the vapor line that activates an alarm that satisfies the requirements 
of 33 CFR 154.2100(e) when the oxygen concentration in the vapor line 
exceeds 60 percent by volume of the minimum oxygen concentration for 
combustion (MOCC) for the specific combination of cargo vapor and inert 
gas, which may be determined using Coast Guard guidance available at 
http://homeport.uscg.mil.
    (b) A vapor balancing system, while in operation to transfer vapor 
to or from a vessel cargo tank and connected by way of the facility 
storage tank vent to a facility's main VCS with a vapor destruction 
unit, must have--
    (1) A mechanism to prevent backflow of vapor from the facility's 
main VCS to the marine vapor line; and
    (2) Two fail-safe, quick-closing valves installed in the marine 
vapor line at the facility storage tank that automatically close when--
    (i) Flame is detected on the facility storage tank; or
    (ii) The temperature of the facility storage tank's vapor space 
reaches 177 [deg]C (350 [deg]F) or 70 percent of the vapor's auto-
ignition temperature in degrees Celsius, whichever is lower.
    (c) Transferring vapor from a non-inerted facility storage tank to 
a vessel cargo tank that is required to be inerted in accordance with 
46 CFR 32.53, 153.500, or Table 151.05, is prohibited.
    (d) A vapor balancing system that transfers vapor to a vessel cargo 
tank must not use a vapor-moving device to assist vapor transfer or 
inject inerting, enriching, or diluting gas into the vapor line without 
approval from the Commandant.


Sec.  154.2111  Vapor control system connected to a facility's main 
vapor control system.

    (a) When a marine vapor control system (VCS) is connected to a 
facility's main VCS serving other plant processing areas that are not 
related to tank vessel operations, the marine vapor line, before the 
point where the marine VCS connects to the facility's main VCS, must be 
fitted with--
    (1) A detonation arrester, unless both the marine VCS and the 
facility's main VCS only control vapors of cargoes that are non-
flammable, non-combustible, or that have high flashpoints;
    (2) Two fail-safe, quick closing valves, one on each side of any 
detonation arrester required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section, which 
automatically close when a flame is detected on the detonation arrester 
or a VCS shutdown condition occurs, or when the facility's marine VCS 
is not in operation; and
    (3) A mechanism to prevent backflow of vapors to the marine vapor 
line.
    (b) Vapors from plant processing areas unrelated to tank vessel 
operations must not enter the vapor line of a marine VCS before the 
devices required by paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) A facility that wants to connect a facility vapor line, which 
collects vapor from other plant processing areas that are not related 
to tank vessel operations, to a marine VCS, must receive approval in 
writing from the Commandant.


Sec.  154.2112  Vapors with potential to polymerize or freeze--Special 
requirements.

    (a) A vapor control system (VCS) that controls vapors with the 
potential to polymerize at a normal ambient condition must--
    (1) Be designed to prevent condensation of monomer vapor. Methods 
such as heat tracing and insulation are permitted if they do not result 
in an increased risk of polymerization;
    (2) Be designed so that polymerization can be detected. Any points 
suspected of being sites for potential polymerization buildup must be 
equipped with inspection openings; and
    (3) Include devices to measure the pressure drop across detonation 
arresters due to polymerization. Any device used for this purpose, 
including differential pressure monitors, must not have the capability 
of transmitting a detonation across the detonation arrester.
    (b) A VCS that controls cargo vapors that potentially freeze at 
ambient temperature must have a design that prevents the freezing of 
vapors or condensate at ambient temperature or that detects and removes 
the liquid condensate and solids to prevent accumulation.


Sec.  154.2113  Alkylene oxides--Special requirements.

    A vapor control system (VCS) that controls vapors of an alkylene 
oxide must comply with the following:
    (a) The VCS's equipment, hoses, piping, and all piping components, 
including valves, flanges, and fittings, which must be of a type and 
constructed out of materials suitable for use with alkylene oxide;
    (b) The VCS used for collecting an alkylene oxide vapor must not be 
used for collecting other vapors and must be separated from any other 
VCS, except as specified by paragraph (c) of this section; and
    (c) The VCS must be adequately cleaned in accordance with 33 CFR 
154.2150(p) and recertified by a certifying entity if--

[[Page 65177]]

    (1) The VCS is used to control other vapors; or
    (2) The VCS is returned to alkylene oxide service after being used 
to control other cargo vapors.

Transfer Facilities--Operations


Sec.  154.2150  General requirements.

    (a) No transfer operation using a vapor control system (VCS) may be 
conducted unless the facility operator has a copy of the facility 
operations manual, with the VCS addendum, marked by the local Coast 
Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) as required by 33 CFR 154.325(d).
    (b) Personnel in charge of a facility must ensure that--
    (1) The facility controls vapor only from cargoes that are properly 
authorized for vapor control in the facility's certification letter;
    (2) The facility transfers vapor only to or from a vessel that has 
its certificate of inspection or certificate of compliance endorsed in 
accordance with 46 CFR 39.1013 or 46 CFR 39.1015 for each cargo 
intended for transfer; and
    (3) If the vessel tanks to be vapor controlled contain vapor from 
previous cargo transfers other than the cargo or cargoes intended for 
transfer, the facility and vessel must be authorized to control the 
additional vapor from the previous cargo transfers. Any oxygen or 
hydrocarbon analyzer alarm and shutdown setpoints must be set to 
accommodate all of the cargo vapors.
    (c) The facility personnel in charge must ensure that safety system 
testing is conducted as follows:
    (1) Pressure sensors, alarms, and automatic shutdown systems 
required by 33 CFR 154.2103, 154.2107, and 154.2110, except as exempted 
by paragraph (c)(2) or (c)(3) of this section, must be tested by 
applying the test pressure at the sensors not more than 24 hours before 
each transfer;
    (2) The pressure sensors required by 33 CFR 154.2103 may meet the 
requirements of the test program contained in 33 CFR 154.2180 and 33 
CFR 154.2181 instead of the current program, which mandates tests 
within 24 hours before each transfer as required by paragraph (c)(1) of 
this section;
    (3) Visible and audible alarm indicators must be tested not more 
than 24 hours before each transfer;
    (4) The analyzers required by 33 CFR 154.2105, 154.2107, and 
154.2110, except as exempted by paragraph (c)(5) of this section, must 
be checked for calibration response by using a span gas not more than 
24 hours before each transfer;
    (5) The analyzers required by 33 CFR 154.2105, 154.2107, and 
154.2110 may be checked for calibration response by use of a span gas 
as defined by the test program contained in 33 CFR 154.2180 and 33 CFR 
154.2181, and comply with the minimum requirements as defined in 33 CFR 
154.2180 and 33 CFR 154.2181, instead of the test required by paragraph 
(c)(4) of this section; and
    (6) The vacuum and pressure relief valves required by 33 CFR 
154.2103 must be checked not more than 24 hours before each transfer to 
make sure they are operating without constraint and to ensure that any 
required flame screens or flame arresters are not damaged.
    (d) The proper position of all valves in the vapor line between the 
vessel's tanks and the facility vapor collection system must be 
verified before the start of the transfer operation.
    (e) A tank barge overfill control system that meets the 
requirements of 46 CFR 39.2009(a)(2) must--
    (1) Not be connected to an overfill sensor circuit that exceeds the 
system's rated inductance and capacitance; and
    (2) Be tested for proper operation after connection is made with 
the vessel by simulating liquid high level and overfill at each tank.
    (f) When receiving vapor from a vessel with cargo tanks that are 
required to be inerted in accordance with 46 CFR 32.53, 46 CFR 153.500, 
or 46 CFR Table 151.05, the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve 
required by 33 CFR 154.2101(a) must not be opened until the pressure at 
the facility vapor connection exceeds 0.2 pounds per square inch gauge 
(psig).
    (g) The initial cargo transfer rate must not exceed the rate agreed 
upon at the pre-transfer conference and 46 CFR 39.3001(g).
    (h) The cargo transfer rate must not exceed the maximum allowable 
transfer rate as determined by the lesser of the following:
    (1) A transfer rate corresponding to the maximum vapor processing 
rate for the VCS, as specified in the facility operations manual; or
    (2) The vessel's maximum transfer rate in accordance with 46 CFR 
39.3001(d).
    (i) While transferring cargo to a vessel connected to a VCS, 
compressed air or gas may be used to clear cargo hoses and loading 
arms, but must not be used to clear cargo lines unless a cargo line 
clearance (pigging) system that meets 33 CFR 154.2104 is provided.
    (j) If a pigging system is used to clear cargo lines to the tank 
vessel while the vessel is connected to the facility VCS, the following 
operational requirements apply:
    (1) The VCS must be in operation, with all of the high-pressure 
alarms and shutdowns required by 33 CFR 154.2103 active, before and 
during line-clearing operations;
    (2) Personnel performing the line-clearing operation must be 
adequately trained on the specific line-clearing system being used. 
Accurate written procedures that address event sequence, equipment, 
safety precautions, and overpressurization hazards must be made 
available to all personnel involved in the line-clearing operations;
    (3) Line-clearing procedures must be reviewed by both the vessel 
and facility personnel in charge as part of the pre-transfer 
conference. Topics of discussion during the pre-transfer conference 
must include, but need not be limited to--
    (i) Event sequence;
    (ii) Equipment;
    (iii) Safety precautions;
    (iv) Overpressurization hazards;
    (v) Personnel roles;
    (vi) Gas volumetric flow rates;
    (vii) Gas pressures;
    (viii) Volume of residual cargo in the line;
    (ix) Amount of ullage space that is available for line displacement 
and connections;
    (x) Valve alignment;
    (xi) Units of measure;
    (xii) Terminology; and
    (xiii) Anticipated duration of the evolution;
    (4) The pig must be inspected to ensure that it is of sufficient 
durability and condition; be of an appropriate size, type, and 
construction for the intended operation; and be inspected for defects 
before each use and replaced if necessary;
    (5) Personnel performing line-clearing operations must monitor pig 
movement at all times. The facility and vessel manifold valves must be 
closed immediately after the pig reaches the pig-receiving device; and
    (6) If the pigging system contains pressure-sensing, relieving, or 
alarming components in addition to those required by 33 CFR 154.2103, 
the components must be periodically tested in accordance with 
paragraphs (c) and (q) of this section.
    (k) If one or more analyzers required by 33 CFR 154.2107 and 
154.2110 become inoperable during a transfer operation, the operation 
may continue, provided that at least one analyzer remains operational; 
however, no further transfer operations may start until all inoperable 
analyzers are replaced or repaired.
    (l) Whenever a condition results in a shutdown of the VCS, the 
emergency shutdown system required by 33 CFR 154.550 must be 
automatically activated

[[Page 65178]]

to terminate cargo loading into tanks which are being vapor controlled.
    (m) If it is suspected that a flare in the VCS has had a flashback, 
or if a flame is detected on a detonation arrester required by 33 CFR 
154.2109(c)(2), the transfer operation must stop and cannot restart 
until that detonation arrester and any quick-closing stop valves 
downstream of the detonation arrester are inspected and found to be in 
satisfactory condition.
    (n) Before each transfer operation, the freezing point of each 
cargo must be determined. If there is a possibility that the ambient 
air temperature during transfer operations will be at or below the 
freezing point of the cargo, adequate precautions must be taken to 
prevent freezing of vapor or condensate, or to detect and remove the 
frozen liquid and condensation to prevent accumulation.
    (o) Before each transfer operation, the cargo vapor must be 
evaluated to determine its potential to polymerize, and adequate 
precautions must be taken to prevent and detect polymerization of the 
cargo vapors.
    (p) Mixing of incompatible vapors is prohibited. The VCS piping, 
equipment, hoses, valves, and arresters must be purged between vapor 
control operations that involve incompatible chemical vapors in 
accordance with the following:
    (1) Chemical compatibility must be determined by using the 
procedures contained in 46 CFR part 150;
    (2) Purge gas must be an inert gas, air, or enriching gas, and must 
be adequate to reduce the level of residual vapor to a level at which 
reaction with the subsequent vapor cannot occur; and
    (3) The required duration of purge time must be calculated and 
approved by the certifying entity during the certification or 
recertification.
    (q) VCS equipment and instrumentation must be tested as required by 
33 CFR 156.170(g), with a representative of the COTP invited to witness 
these tests. The test procedure and a checklist must be approved by the 
certifying entity during the initial certification of the system and 
incorporated into the facility operations manual.
    (r) A transfer operation that includes collection of vapor emitted 
to or from a vessel's cargo tanks must meet the transfer requirements 
of 33 CFR 156.120(aa), and a declaration of inspection meeting the 
requirements of 33 CFR 156.150 must be completed before each transfer.

Alternative Analyzer and Pressure Sensor Reliability Testing


Sec.  154.2180  Alternative testing program--Generally.

    (a) As an alternative to complying with the vapor control system 
(VCS) analyzer and pressure sensor safety testing requirements provided 
by 33 CFR 154.2150(c) and 33 CFR 154.2250(c), the facility person in 
charge may administer a reliability assurance test program in 
accordance with this section and 33 CFR 154.2181.
    (b) As used in this section:
    (1) Calibration drift or CD means the difference in the analyzer 
output readings from the established reference value after a stated 
period of operation during which no unscheduled maintenance, repair, or 
adjustment took place;
    (2) Calibration error or CE means the difference between the gas 
concentration exhibited by the gas analyzer and the known concentration 
of the cylinder gas;
    (3) Response time or RT means the time interval between the start 
of a step change in the system input (e.g., change of calibration gas) 
and the time when the data recording system displays 95 percent of the 
final stable value; and
    (4) Sampling system bias or SSB means the difference between the 
gas concentrations indicated by the measurement system when a known 
cylinder gas is introduced at the outlet of the sampling probe and when 
the same gas is introduced directly to the analyzer.
    (c) All analyzers used in a VCS must be safety system function 
tested and tested for CE, CD, RT, and SSB, in accordance with 33 CFR 
154.2181.
    (d) All pressure sensors/switches used in a VCS must be safety 
system function tested and tested for CE and CD, in accordance with 33 
CFR 154.2181.
    (e) The facility person in charge must ensure the following:
    (1) Calibration of instrumentation using standard procedures 
provided by the manufacturer or service provider;
    (2) Monitoring of all interlocks, alarms, and recording devices for 
proper operation while instrumentation is being calibrated;
    (3) Use of a certified 2 percent or better gas standard to 
calibrate the analyzers; and
    (4) Use of a certified secondary standard to calibrate the pressure 
sensors/switches.
    (f) Upon failing any test under 33 CFR 154.2181, the facility 
person in charge must ensure that all monthly and quarterly tests, 
including CE, CD, RT, and SSB, are conducted; and until all quarterly 
tests are completed, the person in charge must ensure that the vapor 
control alarms and automatic shutdown system are tested no more than 24 
hours prior to any transfer or tank barge cleaning operation.
    (g) Analyzers required by 33 CFR 154.2105(a) and (j) and 
154.2107(d) and (e) must be checked for calibration using a span gas.
    (h) The facility operator must maintain and make available upon the 
request of the Commandant and the certifying entity that certifies the 
VCS the following reliability assurance test program documents for two 
years:
    (1) All test procedures;
    (2) The dates of all tests, type of tests made, and who conducted 
the tests;
    (3) Results of the tests, including the ``as found'' and ``as 
left'' conditions; and
    (4) A record of the date and time of repairs made.


Sec.  154.2181  Alternative testing program--Test requirements.

    (a) The safety system function test required by 33 CFR 154.2180 
must be performed once every two weeks and test for the proper 
operation and interaction of the analyzer or pressure sensor/switch 
with shutdown interlocks, and audible and visible alarm devices.
    (b) The calibration error (CE) test required by 33 CFR 154.2180 
must be performed once every month and documented as shown in Forms 
154.2181(b)(2) and 154.2181(b)(3) of this section, to document the 
accuracy and linearity of the monitoring equipment for the entire 
measurement range.
    (1) The CE test must expose the measurement system, including all 
monitoring components (e.g., sample lines, filters, scrubbers, 
conditioners, and as much of the probe as practicable), to the 
calibration gases, introduced through an injection port located so as 
to allow a check of the entire measurement system when calibration 
gases are introduced;
    (2) The CE test must check the calibrated range of each analyzer 
using a lower (zero) and upper (span) reference gas standard. Three 
measurements must be taken against each standard and recorded as shown 
in Form 154.2181(b)(2) of this section, with the average of the three 
values in each case then used to calculate the CE according to this 
equation (where CE = percentage calibration error based upon span of 
the instrument, R = reference value of zero or high-level calibration 
gas introduced into the monitoring system, A = actual monitoring system 
response to the calibration gas, and S = span of the instrument):

[[Page 65179]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21OC10.004


                              Form 154.2181(b)(2)--Calibration Error Determination
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Difference
                                                    Calibration       Monitor    -------------------------------
                                                       Value         Response          Zero            Span
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1--Zero                                           ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1--Span                                           ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2--Zero                                           ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2--Span                                           ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3--Zero                                           ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3--Span                                           ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Mean Difference =                                 ..............  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Calibration Error =                                             %               %
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) The CE test must check each pressure sensor/switch for upscale 
(activate) and downscale (deactivate) hysteresis around the sensor/
switch set pressure. The calibration error must be calculated and 
recorded as shown in Form 154.2181(b)(3) of this section. Test the 
pressure sensor/switch three times and record the desired setting and 
the as-found set pressure. Calculate and record the difference of the 
two settings. Calculate the error percentage using this equation (where 
CE = percentage calibration error based upon span of the instrument, R 
= reference setting of the instrument, A = actual response as recorded 
on the test instrument, and S = span of the instrument):
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21OC10.005

    Record sensor ``as-left'' setting only if an adjustment is made.

[[Page 65180]]



                                  Form 154.2181(b)(3)--Switch Calibration Error
 
 
 
 
 

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21OC10.006

    (c) The calibration drift (CD) test required by 33 CFR 154.2180 
must be performed once every quarter and documented as shown in Form 
154.2181(c)(3) of this section, to verify the ability of the instrument 
to conform to the established calibration.
    (1) The CD measurement must be conducted once daily for seven 
consecutive days without making any adjustments to the instruments.
    (2) Conduct the CD test at zero level (between 0 and 20 percent of 
the instrument span) and at high level (between 75 and 95 percent of 
the instrument span).
    (3) Calculate and record the CD for seven consecutive days using 
the equations in paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section and Form 
154.2181(c)(3) of this section.

                                                  Form 154.2181(c)(3)--Calibration Drift Determination
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Reference Value                          Difference       Percent of RV
                           Day                                  Day/Time             (RV)          Monitor Value         (Error)            (Drift)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Low-Level:                                                 .................  .................  .................  .................  .................
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                                                           .................  .................  .................  .................  .................
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                                                           .................  .................  .................  .................  .................
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[[Page 65181]]

 
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High-Level:                                                .................  .................  .................  .................  .................
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    (d) The response time (RT) test required by 33 CFR 154.2180 must be 
performed once every quarter and documented as shown in Form 
154.2181(d) of this section, to determine the RT which is the largest 
average response time in the upscale or downscale direction.
    (1) For systems that normally operate below 20 percent of 
calibrated range, only a span (upscale) test is required.
    (2) Record the span (upscale) value, zero (downscale) cylinder gas 
value, and stable, initial process-measured variable value.
    (3) Determine the step change, which is equal to the average 
difference between the initial process-measured variable value and the 
average final stable cylinder gas-measured value.
    (4) To determine both upscale and downscale step change intervals--
    (i) Inject span (or zero) cylinder gas into the sample system as 
close to the sample probe as possible;
    (ii) Allow the analyzer to stabilize and record the stabilized 
value. A stable reading is achieved when the concentration reading 
deviates less than 6 percent from the measured average concentration in 
6 minutes or if it deviates less than 2 percent of the monitor's span 
value in 1 minute;
    (iii) Stop the span (or zero) gas flow, allow the monitor to 
stabilize back to the measured variable value, and record the 
stabilized value; and
    (iv) Repeat this procedure a total of three times and subtract the 
average final monitor reading from the average starting monitor value 
to determine the average upscale (or downscale) step change.
    (5) Determine the response time, which is equal to the elapsed time 
at which 95 percent of the step change occurred.
    (i) To find this value, take 5 percent of the average step change 
value and subtract the result from the cylinder gas analyzed value as 
shown in the following equation:

95% step change value = cylinder gas value - (0.05 x avg. step change)

    (ii) Inject span (or zero) cylinder gas into the sample system as 
close to the sample probe as possible, and measure the time it takes to 
reach the 95 percent step change value.
    (iii) Repeat the previous step (paragraph (d)(5)(ii) of this 
section) a total of three times each with span and zero cylinder gas to 
determine average upscale and downscale response times.
    (iv) Compare the response times achieved for the upscale and 
downscale tests. The longer of these two times equals the response time 
for the analyzer.

[[Page 65182]]



                                         Form 154.2181(d)--Response Time
 
 
 
 
 

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP21OC10.007

    (e) The sample system bias (SSB) test required by 33 CFR 154.2180 
must be performed once every quarter and documented, to establish that 
the system has no additional influence on the measurement being made by 
the analyzer.
    (1) Conduct a close CE test in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this section, by injecting calibration gas as close as possible to the 
analyzer, eliminating as much of the sample system components as 
possible, while still simulating the normal source operating 
conditions.
    (2) If system integrity is maintained, and it has not become 
contaminated, the difference between the close and standard CE tests 
should be the same.
    (f) For CE and CD tests, analyzers and pressure sensors must meet 
the following minimum compliance requirements:
    (1) Oxygen analyzers must not deviate from the reference value of 
the zero- or high-level calibration gas by more than 0.5 percent of 
full scale;
    (2) Total hydrocarbon analyzers must not deviate from the reference 
value of the zero- or high-level calibration gas by more than 1 percent 
of full scale; and
    (3) Pressure sensors/switches must not deviate from the reference 
value of the zero- or high-level calibration gas by more than 1.5 
percent of full range.
    (g) For RT tests, each oxygen or hydrocarbon analyzer must respond, 
in less than 1 minute, to 95 percent of the final stable value of a 
test span gas.
    (h) For SSB tests, the analyzer system bias must be less than 5 
percent of the average difference between the standard CE test and the 
close CE test, divided by the individual analyzer span.

Tank Barge Cleaning Facilities--VCS Design and Installation


Sec.  154.2200  Applicable transfer facility design and installation 
requirements.

    A tank barge cleaning facility's (TBCF's) vapor control system 
(VCS) must meet the following design and installation requirements of 
this subpart for a transfer facility's VCS:
    (a) 33 CFR 154.2100(b), (c), (f), (g), (i), (j), and (k): general 
design and installation requirements;
    (b) 33 CFR 154.2106: detonation arrester installation;
    (c) 33 CFR 154.2107: inerting, enriching, and diluting systems;
    (d) 33 CFR 154.2108: vapor-moving devices;
    (e) 33 CFR 154.2109: vapor recovery and vapor destruction units;
    (f) 33 CFR 154.2111: VCS connected to a facility's main VCS;

[[Page 65183]]

    (g) 33 CFR 154.2112: special requirements for vapors with the 
potential to polymerize or freeze; and
    (h) 33 CFR 154.2113: special requirements for alkylene oxides.


Sec.  154.2201  Vapor control system--General requirements.

    (a) Vapor control system (VCS) design and installation must 
eliminate potential overpressure and vacuum hazards, sources of 
ignition, and mechanical damage to the maximum practicable extent. Each 
remaining hazard source that is not eliminated must be specifically 
addressed in the protection system design and system operational 
requirements.
    (b) Any pressure, flow, or concentration indication required by 
this part must provide a remote indicator on the facility where the VCS 
is controlled, unless the local indicator is clearly visible and 
readable from the operator's normal position at the VCS control 
station.
    (c) Any condition requiring an alarm as specified in this part must 
activate an audible and visible alarm where the VCS is controlled.
    (d) A mechanism must be developed and used to eliminate any liquid 
from the VCS.
    (e) A liquid knockout vessel must be installed between the facility 
vapor connection and any vapor-moving device in systems that have the 
potential for two-phase (vapor/liquid) flow from the barge or the 
potential for liquid condensate to form as a result of the enrichment 
process. The liquid knockout vessel must have--
    (1) A means to indicate the level of liquid in the device;
    (2) A high liquid level sensor that activates an alarm that 
satisfies the requirements of 33 CFR 154.2100(e); and
    (3) A high-high liquid level sensor that closes the remotely 
operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required by 33 CFR 154.2101(a) and 
shuts down any vapor-moving device before liquid is carried over to the 
vapor-moving device. One sensor with two stages may be used to meet 
this requirement as well as paragraph (e)(2) of this section.


Sec.  154.2202  Vapor line connections.

    (a) 33 CFR 154.2101(a), (e), and (g) apply to a tank barge cleaning 
facility's (TBCF's) vapor control system (VCS).
    (b) The remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve required by 33 
CFR 154.2101(a) must be located upstream of the liquid knockout vessel 
required by 33 CFR 154.2201(e).
    (c) A fluid displacement system must have a remotely operated 
shutoff valve installed in the fluid injection supply line between the 
point where the inert gas or other medium is generated and the fluid 
injection connection. The valve must comply with 33 CFR 154.2101(a)(1) 
through (a)(6).
    (d) Each hose used for transferring vapors must--
    (1) Have a design burst pressure of at least 25 pounds per square 
inch gauge (psig);
    (2) Have a maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) no less than 5 
psig;
    (3) Be capable of withstanding at least the maximum vacuum rating 
of the vapor-moving device without collapsing or constricting;
    (4) Be electrically continuous, with a maximum resistance of 10,000 
ohms;
    (5) Have flanges with a bolthole arrangement complying with the 
requirements for Class 150 ANSI B16.5 flanges (incorporated by 
reference, see 33 CFR 154.106);
    (6) Be abrasion and kinking resistant; and
    (7) Be compatible with vapors being transferred.
    (e) Fixed vapor collection arms must meet the requirements of 
paragraph (d) of this section.


Sec.  154.2203  Facility requirements for barge vapor overpressure and 
vacuum protection.

    In this section, the requirements of having a flame arrester or a 
flame screen at the opening of a pressure relief valve or a vacuum 
relief valve apply only to facilities collecting vapors of flammable, 
combustible, or non-high flash point liquid cargoes.
    (a) A facility vapor collection system must have a capacity for 
collecting cleaning facility vapors at a rate of no less than 1.1 times 
the facility's maximum allowable gas-freeing rate, plus any inerting, 
diluting, or enriching gas that may be added to the system.
    (b) A facility vapor control system (VCS) must be designed to 
prevent the pressure in a vessel's cargo tanks from going below 80 
percent of the highest setting of any of the barge's vacuum relief 
valves or exceeding 80 percent of the lowest setting of any of the 
barge's pressure relief valves. The VCS must be capable of maintaining 
the pressure in the barge's cargo tanks within this range at any gas-
freeing rate less than or equal to the maximum gas-freeing rate 
determined by the requirements in 46 CFR 39.6007(c).
    (c) A fluid displacement system must provide a pressure-sensing 
device that activates an alarm that satisfies the requirements of 33 
CFR 154.2100(e) when the pressure at the fluid injection connection 
exceeds either the pressure corresponding to the upper pressure 
determined in paragraph (b) of this section or a lower pressure agreed 
upon by the facility and barge persons in charge. The pressure-sensing 
device must be located in the fluid displacement system's piping 
downstream of any devices that could potentially isolate the barge's 
vapor collection system from the pressure-sensing device. The pressure 
measured by the sensing device must be corrected for pressure drops 
across any barge piping, hoses, or arms that are used to inject the 
fluid.
    (d) A fluid displacement system must provide a pressure-sensing 
device that is independent of the device required by paragraph (c) of 
this section. This pressure-sensing device must activate the fluid 
displacement system emergency shutdown and close the remotely operated 
cargo vapor shutoff valve required by 33 CFR 154.2101(a). It must also 
close the remotely operated shutoff valve required by 33 CFR 
154.2202(c) when the pressure at the fluid injection connection reaches 
90 percent of the lowest setting of any pressure relief valve on the 
barge. The pressure-sensing device must be located in the fluid 
displacement system's piping downstream of any device that could 
potentially isolate the barge's VCS from the pressure-sensing device. 
The pressure measured by the sensing device must be corrected for 
pressure drops across any barge piping, hoses, or arms that are used to 
inject the fluid.
    (e) If a vapor-moving device capable of drawing more than 0.5 
pounds per square inch gauge (psig) vacuum is used to draw vapor, air, 
inert gas, or other medium from the barge, a vacuum relief valve must 
be installed on the facility's fixed vapor collection system piping 
between the facility vapor connection and the vapor-moving device. The 
vacuum relief valve must--
    (1) Relieve at a pressure such that the pressure at the facility 
vapor connection is maintained at or above 14.2 pounds per square inch 
absolute (psia) (-0.5 psig);
    (2) Have a relieving capacity equal to or greater than the maximum 
capacity of the vapor-moving device;
    (3) Have a flame arrester or flame screen fitted at the vacuum 
relief opening;
    (4) Have been tested for relieving capacity in accordance with 
paragraph 1.5.1.3 of API 2000 (incorporated by reference, see 33 CFR 
154.106), with a flame arrester or flame screen fitted; and
    (5) Be constructed of materials compatible with the vapors being 
gas-freed.

[[Page 65184]]

    (f) The vacuum relief valve requirements of paragraph (e) of this 
section may include a valve to isolate it from the facility vapor 
collection piping, provided--
    (1) The isolation valve must be interlocked with any vapor-moving 
device such that the vapor-moving device cannot activate unless the 
isolation valve is in the full open position (i.e., the vacuum relief 
valve is not isolated); and
    (2) The isolation valve can only be closed after the facility 
person in charge has acknowledged that the hatch opening required by 33 
CFR 154.2250(i) is open and secured.
    (g) If a vapor-moving device capable of drawing more than 0.5 psig 
vacuum is used to draw vapor, air, inert gas, or other medium from the 
barge, the facility must install portable, intrinsically safe, 
pressure-sensing devices on any cargo tank at the connection required 
by 46 CFR 39.6003(b) before any cleaning operation begins on the tank. 
A pressure-sensing device must be provided that--
    (1) Activates an alarm that satisfies 33 CFR 154.2100(e) when the 
pressure in the cargo tank being cleaned falls below 80 percent of the 
highest setting of any of the barge's vacuum relief valves, or a higher 
pressure agreed upon by the facility and barge persons in charge; and
    (2) Activates the emergency shutdown system for the vapor-moving 
device and closes the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve 
described in 33 CFR 154.2101(a) when the pressure in the cargo tank 
being cleaned falls below 90 percent of the highest setting of any of 
the barge's vacuum relief valves, or a higher pressure agreed upon by 
the facility and barge persons in charge. This pressure-sensing device 
must be independent of the device used to activate an alarm required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this section.
    (h) The pressure-sensing devices required by paragraph (g) of this 
section must--
    (1) Have suitable means, such as approved intrinsic safety barriers 
that are able to accept passive devices, so that the under-pressure 
alarm circuits of the barge side of the under-pressure control system, 
including cabling, normally closed switches, and pin and sleeve 
connectors, are intrinsically safe;
    (2) Be connected to the under-pressure alarm system by a four-wire, 
16-ampere shielded flexible cable; and
    (3) Have cable shielding grounded to the under-pressure alarm 
system.
    (i) A pressure-indicating device must be provided within 6 meters 
(19.7 feet) of the facility vapor connection which displays the 
pressure in the vapor collection line upstream of any isolation valve 
and any devices, such as strainers, that could cause a blockage in the 
vapor line.
    (j) A fluid displacement system must include a pressure-indicating 
device that displays the pressure in the fluid displacement system 
injection line. This device must be within 6 meters (19.7 feet) of the 
fluid injection connection.
    (k) If a fluid displacement system used to inject inert gas or 
another medium into the cargo tank of a barge being gas-freed is 
capable of producing a pressure greater than 2 psig, a pressure relief 
valve must be installed in the fluid displacement system injection line 
between the fluid injection source and the fluid injection connection 
that--
    (1) Relieves at a predetermined pressure such that the pressure in 
the fluid displacement system at the fluid injection connection does 
not exceed 1.5 psig;
    (2) Has a relieving capacity equal to or greater than the maximum 
volumetric flow capacity of the fluid displacement system;
    (3) Has a flame screen or flame arrester fitted at the relief 
opening; and
    (4) Has been tested for relieving capacity in accordance with 
paragraph 1.5.1.3 of API 2000, when fitted with a flame screen or flame 
arrester.
    (l) When using the fluid displacement system, if the pressure in 
the facility's fixed vapor collection system can exceed 2 psig during a 
malfunction in an inerting, enriching, or diluting system, a pressure 
relief valve must--
    (1) Be installed between the point where inerting, enriching, or 
diluting gas is added to the facility's fixed vapor collection system 
piping and the facility vapor connection;
    (2) Relieve at a predetermined pressure such that the pressure at 
the facility vapor connection does not exceed 1.5 psig;
    (3) Have a relieving capacity equal to or greater than the maximum 
capacity of the facility's inerting, enriching, or diluting gas source;
    (4) Have a flame screen or flame arrester fitted at the relief 
opening;
    (5) Have been tested for relieving capacity in accordance with 
paragraph 1.5.1.3 of API 2000, when fitted with a flame screen or flame 
arrester; and
    (6) Be constructed of materials compatible with the vapors being 
gas-freed.
    (m) For fluid displacement systems, the fluid injection connection 
must be electrically insulated from the fluid injection source in 
accordance with OCIMF ISGOTT section 17.5 (incorporated by reference, 
see 33 CFR 154.106).
    (n) If the pressure relief valve is not designed with a minimum 
vapor discharge velocity of 30 meters (98.4 feet) per second, the 
relieving capacity test required by paragraphs (k)(4) and (l)(5) of 
this section must be carried out with a flame screen or flame arrester 
fitted at the discharge opening.
    (o) A pressure indicating device must be provided by the facility 
for installation at the connection required by 46 CFR 39.6003(b).


Sec.  154.2204  Fire, explosion, and detonation protection.

    This section applies to tank barge cleaning facilities (TBCFs) 
collecting vapors of flammable, combustible, or non-high flash point 
liquid cargoes.
    (a) A vapor control system (VCS) with a single facility vapor 
connection that processes vapor with a vapor recovery unit must--
    (1) Have a detonation arrester located as close as practicable to 
the facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the 
detonation arrester and the facility vapor connection must not exceed 
18 meters (59.1 feet); or
    (2) Have an inerting, enriching, or diluting system that meets the 
requirements of 33 CFR 154.2107.
    (b) A VCS with a single facility vapor connection that processes 
vapor with a vapor destruction unit must--
    (1) Have a detonation arrester located as close as practicable to 
the facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the 
detonation arrester and the facility vapor connection must not exceed 
18 meters (59.1 feet); and
    (2) Have an inerting, enriching, or diluting system that meets the 
requirements of 33 CFR 154.2107.
    (c) A VCS with multiple facility vapor connections that processes 
vapor with a vapor recovery unit must have a detonation arrester 
located as close as practicable to each facility vapor connection. The 
total pipe length between the detonation arrester and each facility 
vapor connection must not exceed 18 meters (59.1 feet).
    (d) A VCS with multiple facility vapor connections that processes 
vapor with a vapor destruction unit must--
    (1) Have a detonation arrester located as close as practicable to 
each facility vapor connection. The total pipe length between the 
detonation arrester and each facility vapor connection must not exceed 
18 meters (59.1 feet); and
    (2) Have an inerting, enriching, or diluting system that meets the 
requirements of 33 CFR 154.2107.
    (e) 33 CFR 154.2105(j) applies to a TBCF's VCS.

[[Page 65185]]

Tank Barge Cleaning Facilities--Operations


Sec.  154.2250   General requirements.

    (a) No tank barge cleaning operation using a vapor control system 
(VCS) may be conducted unless the facility operator has a copy of the 
facility operations manual, with the VCS addendum, marked by the local 
Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) as required by 33 CFR 
154.325(d).
    (b) The facility person in charge must ensure that a facility can 
receive vapors only from a barge with a VCS that has been approved by 
the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center as meeting the requirements of 46 
CFR 39.6000.
    (c) The facility person in charge must ensure that safety system 
tests are conducted as follows:
    (1) Pressure sensors, alarms, and automatic shutdown systems 
required by 33 CFR 154.2203, except as exempted by paragraph (c)(2) or 
(c)(3) of this section, must be tested by applying the test pressure at 
the sensors not more than 24 hours before each cleaning operation;
    (2) The pressure sensors required by 33 CFR 154.2203 may meet the 
test program in accordance with 33 CFR 154.2180 and 33 CFR 154.2181 
instead of the test within 24 hours before each cleaning operation as 
required by paragraph (c)(1) of this section;
    (3) Visible and audible alarm indicators must be tested not more 
than 24 hours before each cleaning operation;
    (4) The analyzers required by 33 CFR 154.2105(j) and 154.2107(d) 
and (e), except as exempted by paragraph (c)(5) of this section, must 
be checked for calibration response by use of a span gas not more than 
24 hours before each cleaning operation;
    (5) The analyzers required by 33 CFR 154.2105(j) and 154.2107(d) 
and (e) may be checked for calibration response by use of a span gas as 
defined by the test program contained in 33 CFR 154.2180 and 33 CFR 
154.2181, and comply with the minimum requirements as defined in 33 CFR 
154.2180 and 33 CFR 154.2181, instead of as provided by paragraph 
(c)(4) of this section; and
    (6) The vacuum and pressure relief valves required by 33 CFR 
154.2203 must be checked not more than 24 hours before each cleaning 
operation to make sure they are operating without constraint and that 
any required flame screens or flame arresters are not damaged.
    (d) The facility person in charge must verify the following before 
beginning cleaning operations:
    (1) Each valve in the vapor collection system between the barge's 
cargo tank and the facility vapor collection system is correctly 
positioned to allow the collection of vapors;
    (2) A vapor collection hose or arm is connected to the barge's 
vapor collection system;
    (3) The electrical insulating devices required by 33 CFR 
154.2101(g) and 154.2203(m) are installed;
    (4) The maximum allowable gas-freeing rate as determined by the 
lesser of the following:
    (i) A gas-freeing rate corresponding to the maximum vapor 
processing rate for the tank barge cleaning facility's (TBCF's) VCS, as 
specified in the facility operations manual; or
    (ii) The barge's maximum gas-freeing rate determined in accordance 
with 46 CFR 39.6007(c);
    (5) The gas-freeing rate does not exceed the maximum allowable gas-
freeing rate as determined in paragraph (d)(4) of this section;
    (6) The maximum allowable stripping rate is determined and does not 
exceed the volumetric capacity of the barge's vacuum relief valve at 
the valve's setpoint for the cargo tank being stripped;
    (7) The barge's maximum and minimum operating pressures;
    (8) Each vapor collection hose has no unrepaired or loose covers, 
kinks, bulges, soft spots, or any other defects that would permit the 
discharge of vapor through the hose material; and no external gouges, 
cuts, or slashes that penetrate the first layer of hose reinforcement;
    (9) The freezing point of each cargo. If there is a possibility 
that the ambient air temperature during cleaning operations will be at 
or below the freezing point of the cargo, adequate precautions have 
been taken to prevent freezing of vapor or condensate, or to detect and 
remove the frozen liquid and condensate to prevent accumulation; and
    (10) The cargo vapor is evaluated for the potential to polymerize, 
and adequate precautions have been taken to prevent and detect 
polymerization of the cargo vapors.
    (e) A vapor collection system must not be used unless the following 
tests and inspections are completed to the satisfaction of the facility 
person in charge:
    (1) Each vapor collection hose, vapor collection arm, pressure or 
vacuum relief valve, and pressure sensor is tested and inspected in 
accordance with 33 CFR 156.170(b), (c), and (f);
    (2) Each remote operating or indicating device is tested for proper 
operation in accordance with 33 CFR 156.170(f); and
    (3) Each required detonation arrester has been inspected internally 
within the last year, or more frequently if operational experience has 
shown that frequent clogging or rapid deterioration is likely.
    (f) If one or more analyzers required by 33 CFR 154.2107(d) and (e) 
become inoperable during gas-freeing operations, the operation may 
continue, provided that at least one analyzer remains operational; 
however, no further gas-freeing operations may be started until all 
inoperable analyzers are repaired or replaced.
    (g) Whenever a condition results in a shutdown of the VCS, the 
cleaning operations must be immediately terminated. The operation may 
not resume until the cause of the shutdown has been investigated and 
corrective action taken.
    (h) If it is suspected that a flare in the VCS has had a flashback, 
or if a flame is detected on a detonation arrester required by 33 CFR 
154.2109(c)(2), the cleaning operation must be stopped and may not 
resume until the detonation arrester and any quick-closing stop valves 
downstream of the detonation arrester have been inspected and found to 
be in satisfactory condition.
    (i) If a vacuum displacement system is used for gas-freeing, the 
facility person in charge of the cleaning operation must verify the 
following items:
    (1) The minimum amount of open area for air flow on the barge has 
been determined so that the pressure in the cargo tank cannot be less 
than 14.5 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (-0.2 pounds per 
square inch gauge (psig)) at the maximum flow capacity of the vapor-
moving device;
    (2) Any hatch or fitting providing the minimum open area has been 
secured open so that accidental closure is not possible; and
    (3) The hatch and/or fitting must be opened before the pressure in 
the cargo tank falls below 10 percent of the highest setting of any of 
the barge's vacuum relief valves.
    (j) 33 CFR 154.2150(p) and (q) apply to a TBCF's VCS.

Appendix B to Part 154 [Removed and Reserved]

    10. Remove and reserve Appendix B to part 154.

PART 155--OIL OR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL POLLUTION PREVENTION 
REGULATIONS FOR VESSELS

    11. The authority citation for part 155 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1225, 1231, 1321(j), 1903(b); 46 U.S.C. 
3703; E.O. 11735, 3 CFR,

[[Page 65186]]

1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; Department of Homeland Security Delegation 
No. 0170.1. Section 155.490 also issued under section 4110(b) of 
Pub. L. 101-380.


Sec.  155.750  [Amended]

    12. In Sec.  155.750(d)--
    a. Remove the citation ``46 CFR 39.30-1(d)(1) through (d)(3)'', 
wherever it appears, and add, in its place, the citation ``46 CFR 
39.3001(d)(1) through (d)(3);
    b. Remove the citation ``46 CFR 39.30-1(b)'', wherever it appears, 
and add, in its place, the citation ``46 CFR 39.3001(c)''; and
    c. Remove the citation ``46 CFR 39.30-1(h)'', wherever it appears, 
and add, in its place, the citation ``46 CFR 39.3001(g)''.

PART 156--OIL AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TRANSFER OPERATIONS

    13. The authority citation for part 156 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1225, 1231, 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3703, 3703a, 
3715; E.O. 11735, 3 CFR 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; Department of 
Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

    14. In Sec.  156.120--
    a. Revise paragraph (aa) introductory text to read as set out 
below;
    b. In paragraph (aa)(4), remove the word ``loading'' and add, in 
its place, the word ``transfer'';
    c. In paragraph (aa)(7) introductory text, after the words ``the 
transfer operation'', add the words ``or in accordance with 33 CFR 
154.2150(b)'';
    d. In paragraph (aa)(7)(ii), remove the words ``Sec.  154.820(a), 
Sec.  154.824(d) and (e) of this chapter'' and add, in their place, the 
words ``33 CFR 154.2105(a) and (j) and 154.2107(d) and (e)'';
    e. Revise paragraph (aa)(9) to read as set out below;
    f. Add paragraphs (aa)(10), (aa)(11), and (aa)(12) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  156.120  Requirements for transfer.

* * * * *
    (aa) A transfer operation which includes collection of vapor 
emitted to or from a vessel's cargo tanks through a vapor control 
system (VCS) not located on the vessel must have the following verified 
by the person in charge:
* * * * *
    (9) The oxygen content in the vapor space of each of the vessel's 
cargo tanks connected to the vapor collection system, if inerted, is--
    (i) At or below 60 percent by volume of the cargo's minimum oxygen 
concentration for combustion; or
    (ii) At or below 8 percent by volume, at the start of cargo 
transfer, for vapor of crude oil, gasoline blends, or benzene;
    (10) The freezing point of each cargo has been determined. If there 
is a possibility that the ambient air temperature during transfer 
operations will be at or below the freezing point of the cargo, 
adequate precautions have been taken to prevent freezing of vapor or 
condensate, or to detect and remove the liquid condensate and solids to 
prevent accumulation;
    (11) If the cargo has the potential to polymerize, adequate 
precautions have been taken to prevent and detect polymerization of the 
cargo vapors; and
    (12) The VCS has been cleaned, in accordance with 33 CFR 
154.2150(p), between transfers of incompatible cargoes.
* * * * *
    15. In Sec.  156.170--
    a. In paragraph (g), after the words ``collects vapor emitted'', 
add the words ``to or'';
    b. In paragraph (g)(3), remove the words ``and Sec.  154.828(a) of 
this chapter or 46 CFR 39.40-3(d), and each flame arrester required by 
Sec.  154.826(a), Sec.  154.828(a) and (c) of this chapter'' and add, 
in their place, the words ``33 CFR 154.2109, 154.2110, and 154.2111 or 
46 CFR 39.4003, and each flame arrester required by 33 CFR 
154.2105(j)'';
    c. In paragraph (g)(4), remove the words ``Sec.  154.820(a) and 
Sec.  154.824(d) and (e) of this chapter'' and add, in their place, the 
words ``33 CFR 154.2105(a) and (j), 154.2107(d) and (e), and 
154.2110''; and
    d. Add new paragraph (i) to read as follows:


Sec.  156.170   Equipment tests and inspections.

* * * * *
    (i) Upon the request of the owner or operator, the Commandant may 
approve alternative methods of compliance to the testing and inspection 
requirements of paragraph (g)(3) of this section if the Commandant 
determines that the alternative methods provide an equivalent level of 
safety and protection from fire, explosion, and detonation. Criteria to 
consider when evaluating requests for alternative methods may include, 
but are not limited to: Operating and inspection history, type of 
equipment, new technology, and site-specific conditions that support 
the requested alternative.

46 CFR--SHIPPING

PART 35--OPERATIONS

    16. The authority citation for part 35 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1225, 1231, 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 
6101; 49 U.S.C. 5103, 5106; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 
Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; 
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

    17. Revise Sec.  35.35-5 to read as follows:


Sec.  35.35-5  Electrical bonding--TB/ALL.

    A vessel must use an insulating flange or one continuous length of 
nonconductive hose between the vessel and the shore transfer facility. 
The operator may not use external cables or straps to achieve 
electrical bonding.
    18. In Sec.  35.35-20--
    a. In paragraph (m) introductory text, after the words ``collection 
of cargo vapor'', add the words ``to or'';
    b. In paragraph (m)(1), after the words ``vapor to flow to'', add 
the words ``or from''; and
    c. Revise paragraph (m)(9) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.35-20  Inspection before transfer of cargo--TB/ALL.

* * * * *
    (m) * * *
    (9) The oxygen content in the vapor space of each of the vessel's 
inerted cargo tanks connected to the vapor collection system is--
    (i) At or below 60 percent by volume of the cargo's minimum oxygen 
concentration for combustion at the start of cargo transfer; or
    (ii) At or below 8 percent by volume, at the start of cargo 
transfer, for vapor of crude oil, gasoline blends, or benzene.
    19. In Sec.  35.35-30--
    a. In paragraph (c) introductory text, after the words ``collection 
of cargo vapor'', add the words ``to or'';
    b. In paragraph (c)(1), after the words ``vapor to flow to'', add 
the words ``or from''; and
    c. Revise paragraph (c)(8) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.35-30  ``Declaration of Inspection'' for tank vessels--TB/ALL.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (8) Has the oxygen content in the vapor space of each of the 
vessel's inerted cargo tanks connected to the vapor collection system 
been verified to be--
    (i) At or below 60 percent by volume, at the start of cargo 
transfer, of the cargo's minimum oxygen concentration for combustion; 
or
    (ii) At or below 8 percent by volume, at the start of cargo 
transfer, for vapor of crude oil, gasoline blends, or benzene.
    20. Revise part 39 to read as follows:

[[Page 65187]]

PART 39--VAPOR CONTROL SYSTEMS

Subpart 39.1000--General
Sec.
39.1001 Applicability--TB/ALL.
39.1003 Definitions--TB/ALL.
39.1005 Incorporation by reference--TB/ALL.
39.1009 Additional tank vessel vapor processing unit requirements--
TB/ALL.
39.1011 Personnel training requirements--TB/ALL.
39.1013 U.S.-flagged tank vessel certification procedures for vapor 
control system designs--TB/ALL.
39.1015 Foreign-flagged tank vessel certification procedures for 
vapor control system designs--TB/ALL.
39.1017 Additional certification procedures for a tank barge vapor 
collection system design--B/ALL.
Subpart 39.2000--Equipment and Installation
39.2001 Vapor collection system--TB/ALL.
39.2003 Cargo gauging system--TB/ALL.
39.2007 Tankship liquid overfill protection--T/ALL.
39.2009 Tank barge liquid overfill protection--B/ALL.
39.2011 Vapor overpressure and vacuum protection--TB/ALL.
39.2013 High and low vapor pressure protection for tankships--T/ALL.
39.2014 Polymerizing cargoes safety-- TB/ALL.
39.2015 Tank barge pressure-vacuum indicating devices--B/ALL.
Subpart 39.3000--Vapor Collection Operations During Cargo Transfer
39.3001 Operational requirements for vapor control systems during 
cargo transfer--TB/ALL.
Subpart 39.4000--Vessel-to-Vessel Transfers Using Vapor Balancing
39.4001 General requirements for vapor balancing--TB/ALL.
39.4003 Design and equipment for vapor balancing--TB/ALL.
39.4005 Operational requirements for vapor balancing--TB/ALL.
Subpart 39.5000--Multi-Breasted Loading Using a Single Facility Vapor 
Connection
39.5001 General requirements for multi-breasted loading--B/CLBR.
39.5003 Additional requirements for multi-breasted loading using 
inboard barge vapor collection system--B/CLBR.
39.5005 Additional requirements for multi-breasted loading using a 
``dummy'' vapor header--B/CLBR.
Subpart 39.6000--Tank Barge Cleaning Operations With Vapor Collection
39.6001 Design and equipment of vapor collection and stripping 
systems-- B/ALL.
39.6003 Underpressure protection during stripping and gas-freeing 
operations-- B/ALL.
39.6005 Inspection prior to conducting gas-freeing operations--B/
ALL.
39.6007 Operational requirements for tank barge cleaning--B/ALL.
39.6009 Barge person in charge: Designation and qualifications--B/
ALL.

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1225, 1231; 42 U.S.C. 7511b(f)(2); 46 
U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 3715(b); E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 
Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
0170.1.

Subpart 39.1000--General


Sec.  39.1001  Applicability--TB/ALL.

    (a) This part applies to tank vessels that use a vapor control 
system (VCS) to collect vapors emitted to or from a vessel's cargo 
tanks while operating in the navigable waters of the United States, 
except--
    (1) Tank vessels with an operating vapor collection system approved 
by the Coast Guard prior to July 23, 1990, for the collection and 
transfer of cargo vapor to specific facilities. Such tank vessels are 
only subject to 46 CFR 39.1013, 39.3001, and 39.4005; and
    (2) A tank barge that collects vapors emitted from its cargo tanks 
during gas-freeing or cleaning operations at a cleaning facility. This 
type of tank barge is only subject to 46 CFR part 39, subparts 39.1000 
and 39.6000, and must comply with requirements of these two subparts at 
the time of its next inspection for certification required by 46 CFR 
31.10-15, but no later than [DATE 5 YEARS AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL 
RULE].
    (b) This part does not apply to the collection of vapors of 
liquefied flammable gases as defined in 46 CFR 30.10-39.
    (c) In this part, regulatory measurements, whether in the metric or 
English system, are sometimes followed by approximate equivalent 
measurements in parentheses, which are given solely for the reader's 
convenience. Regulatory compliance with the regulatory measurement is 
required.


Sec.  39.1003  Definitions--TB/ALL.

    As used in this part only:
    Barge vapor connection means the point in a barge's piping system 
where it connects to a vapor collection hose or arm. This may be the 
same as the barge's cargo connection while controlling vapors during 
tank barge cargo tank-cleaning operations.
    Cargo deck area means that part of the weather deck that is 
directly over the cargo tanks.
    Cargo tank venting system means the venting system required by 46 
CFR 32.55.
    Certifying entity means a certifying entity accepted by the Coast 
Guard as such pursuant to 33 CFR part 154, subpart P.
    Cleaning facility means a facility used or capable of being used to 
conduct cleaning operations on a tank barge.
    Cleaning operation means any stripping, gas-freeing, or tank-
washing operation of a barge's cargo tanks conducted at a cleaning 
facility.
    Commandant means the Commandant (CG-522), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 
2nd St., SW., Stop 7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126.
    Facility vapor connection means the point in a facility's fixed 
vapor collection system where the system connects with the vapor 
collection hose or the base of the vapor collection arm.
    Fixed stripping line means a pipe extending to the low point of 
each cargo tank, which is welded through the deck and terminated above 
deck with a valve, and plugged at the open end.
    Flammable liquid means a liquid as defined in 46 CFR 30.10-22.
    Fluid displacement system means a system that removes vapors from a 
barge's cargo tanks during gas freeing through the addition of an inert 
gas or other medium into the cargo tank.
    Fluid injection connection means the point in a fluid displacement 
system at which the fixed piping or hose that supplies the inert gas or 
other medium connects to a barge's cargo tanks or fixed piping system.
    Gas freeing means the removal of vapors from a tank barge.
    Independent as applied to two systems means that one system will 
operate when there is a failure of any part of the other system.
    Inerted means the oxygen content of the vapor space in a cargo tank 
is reduced in accordance with the inert gas requirements of 46 CFR 
32.53 or 153.500. If a cargo vapor in a cargo tank that is connected to 
the vapor collection system is defined as inerted at the start of cargo 
transfer, the oxygen content in the vapor space of the cargo tank must 
not exceed 60 percent by volume of the cargo's minimum oxygen 
concentration for combustion, or 8 percent by volume for vapor of crude 
oil, gasoline blends, or benzene.
    Marine Safety Center (MSC) means the Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast 
Guard Marine Safety Center, 2100 2nd Street, SW., Stop 7102, 
Washington, DC 20593-7102.
    Maximum allowable gas-freeing rate means the maximum volumetric 
rate at which a barge may be gas-freed during cleaning operations.
    Maximum allowable stripping rate means the maximum volumetric rate 
at which a barge may be stripped during cleaning operations prior to 
the opening

[[Page 65188]]

of any hatch and/or fitting on the cargo tank being stripped.
    Maximum allowable transfer rate means the maximum volumetric rate 
at which a vessel may receive cargo or ballast.
    Minimum oxygen concentration for combustion (MOCC) means the lowest 
level of oxygen in a vapor or vapor mixture that will support 
combustion.
    New vapor collection system means a vapor collection system that is 
not an existing vapor collection system.
    Service vessel means a vessel that transports bulk liquid cargo 
between a facility and another vessel.
    Set pressure means the pressure at which the pressure or vacuum 
valve begins to open and the flow starts through the valve.
    Stripping means the removal, to the maximum extent practicable, of 
cargo residue remaining in the barge's cargo tanks and associated fixed 
piping system after cargo transfer or during cleaning operations.
    Vacuum displacement system means a system that removes vapors from 
a barge's cargo tanks during gas-freeing by sweeping air through the 
cargo tank hatch openings.
    Vapor balancing means the transfer of vapor displaced by incoming 
cargo from the tank of a vessel or facility receiving cargo into a tank 
of the vessel or facility delivering cargo via a vapor collection 
system.
    Vapor collection system means an arrangement of piping and hoses 
used to collect vapor emitted to or from a vessel's cargo tanks and to 
transport the vapor to a vapor processing unit or a tank.
    Vapor control system (VCS) means an arrangement of piping and 
equipment used to control vapor emissions collected to or from a 
vessel. It includes the vapor collection system and vapor processing 
unit or a tank.
    Vapor processing unit means the components of a VCS that recover, 
destroy, or disperse vapor collected from a vessel.
    Vessel-to-vessel transfer (direct or through a shore loop) means 
either--
    (1) The transfer of a bulk liquid cargo from a tank vessel to a 
service vessel; or
    (2) The transfer of a bulk liquid cargo from a service vessel to 
another vessel in order to load the receiving vessel to a deeper draft.
    Vessel vapor connection means the point in a vessel's fixed vapor 
collection system where the system connects with the vapor collection 
hose or arm.


Sec.  39.1005   Incorporation by reference-- TB/ALL.

    (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 Federal Register and the material must be available to 
the public. All approved material is available for inspection 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. Also, it is available for inspection 
at the Coast Guard, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards 
(CG-522) 2100 2nd Street, SW., Stop 7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126, 
and is available from the sources indicated in this section.
    (b) American Petroleum Institute (API), 1220 L Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20005.
    (1) API Standard 2000, Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Storage 
Tanks (Non-refrigerated and Refrigerated), Third Edition, January 1982 
(reaffirmed December 1987)(``API 2000''), incorporation by reference 
(IBR) approved for 46 CFR 39.2011.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 West 43rd 
Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10036.
    (1) ANSI B16.5, Steel Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, 1981, IBR 
approved for 46 CFR 39.2001 and 39.6001.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (d) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr 
Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
    (1) ASTM F1122--Standard Specification for Quick Disconnect 
Couplings, 1992, IBR approved for 46 CFR 39.2001.
    (2) ASTM F1271--Standard Specification for Spill Valves for Use in 
Marine Tank Liquid Overpressure Protection Applications, December 29, 
1989, IBR approved for 46 CFR 39.2009.
    (e) International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Bureau Central 
de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale, 3, rue de 
Varemb[eacute], P.O. Box 131, CH--1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.
    (1) IEC 60309-1--Plugs, Socket-Outlets and Couplers for Industrial 
Purposes--Part 1: General Requirements, Edition 4.1 2005-12, IBR 
approved for 46 CFR 39.2009.
    (2) IEC 60309-2--Plugs, Socket-Outlets and Couplers for Industrial 
Purposes--Part 2: Dimensional Interchangeability Requirements for Pin 
and Contact-tube Accessories, Edition 4.1 2005-12, IBR approved for 46 
CFR 39.2009.
    (f) International Maritime Organization (IMO), 4 Albert Embankment, 
London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom.
    (1) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 
Consolidated Text of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, the 1978 SOLAS 
Protocol, the 1981 and 1983 SOLAS Amendments (1986) (``SOLAS''), IBR 
approved for 46 CFR 39.2001.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (g) National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), 1300 
North 17th Street, Suite 1752, Rosslyn, VA 22209.
    (1) ANSI/NEMA WD-6--Wiring Devices, Dimensional Requirements, 1988 
(``NEMA WD-6''), IBR approved for 46 CFR 39.2009.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (h) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch 
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
    (1) NFPA 70--National Electrical Code, 1987, IBR approved for 46 
CFR 39.2009.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (i) Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), 29 Queen 
Anne's Gate, London SWIH 9BU, England.
    (1) International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals, Fifth 
Edition, 2006 (``ISGOTT''), IBR approved for 46 CFR 39.3001, 39.5001, 
39.6001, and 39.6005.
    (2) [Reserved]


Sec.  39.1009  Additional tank vessel vapor processing unit 
requirements--TB/ALL.

    (a) Vapor piping, fitting, valves, flanges, and pressure vessels 
comprising the construction and installation of a permanent or portable 
vapor processing unit onboard a tank vessel must meet the marine 
engineering requirements of 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter F.
    (b) Electrical equipment comprising the construction and 
installation of a permanent or portable vapor processing unit onboard a 
tank vessel must meet the electrical engineering requirements of 46 CFR 
chapter I, subchapter J.
    (c) In addition to complying with the rules of this part, tank 
vessels with a permanent or portable vapor processing unit must meet 
the requirements of 33 CFR part 154, subpart P to the satisfaction of 
the Commandant.
    (d) When the requirements of 46 CFR chapter I, subchapters F and J, 
conflict with 33 CFR part 154, subpart P, the requirements of 46 CFR 
chapter I, subchapters F and J apply, unless specifically authorized by 
the Marine Safety Center.

[[Page 65189]]

Sec.  39.1011  Personnel training requirements--TB/ALL.

    Personnel responsible for operating the vapor control system (VCS) 
must complete a training program prior to the operation of the system 
installed onboard the tank vessel. As part of the training program, 
personnel must be able to demonstrate, through drills and practical 
knowledge, the proper VCS operation procedures for normal and emergency 
conditions. The training program must cover the following subjects:
    (a) Purpose of a VCS;
    (b) Principles of the VCS;
    (c) Components of the VCS;
    (d) Hazards associated with the VCS;
    (e) Coast Guard regulations in this part;
    (f) Vapor control operation procedures during cargo transfer or 
tank barge cleaning, including:
    (1) Testing and inspection requirements;
    (2) Pre-transfer or pre-cleaning procedures;
    (3) Connection sequence;
    (4) Startup procedures; and
    (5) Normal operations; and
    (g) Emergency procedures.


Sec.  39.1013  U.S.-flagged tank vessel certification procedures for 
vapor control system designs--TB/ALL.

    (a) For an existing Coast Guard-approved vapor control system (VCS) 
that has been operating before July 23, 1990, the tank vessel owner or 
operator must submit detailed engineering drawings, calculations, and 
specifications to the Marine Safety Center (MSC) for review and 
approval before modifying the system or transferring vapor to a 
facility that was not approved by the Coast Guard for that kind of 
vapor transfer.
    (b) For a Coast Guard-approved VCS that has been operating since 
July 23, 1990, the tank vessel owner or operator must submit plans, 
calculations, and specifications to the MSC for review and approval 
before modifying the system.
    (c) A tank vessel owner or operator must submit plans, 
calculations, and specifications for a new tank vessel VCS to the MSC 
for review and approval before installing the system. A permanent or 
portable vapor processing unit onboard a tank vessel will be reviewed, 
together with the tank vessel, as a complete and integrated system.
    (d) Once the plan review and inspection of the tank vessel VCS 
satisfy the requirements of this part, the Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection (OCMI) will endorse the Certificate of Inspection for the 
U.S.-flagged tank vessel.


Sec.  39.1015  Foreign-flagged tank vessel certification procedures for 
vapor control system designs--TB/ALL.

    As an alternative to meeting the requirements in 33 CFR 39.1013(a), 
(b), and (c), the owner or operator of a foreign-flagged tank vessel 
may submit certification by the classification society that classifies 
vessels under their foreign flags to the Marine Safety Center. Upon 
receipt of the certification stating that the vapor control system 
(VCS) meets the requirements of this part, the Officer in Charge, 
Marine Inspection (OCMI) will endorse the vessel's Certificate of 
Compliance for foreign-flagged tank vessels.


Sec.  39.1017  Additional certification procedures for a tank barge 
vapor collection system design--B/ALL.

    (a) For a tank barge vapor collection system intended for operation 
in multi-breasted loading using a single facility vapor connection, the 
tank barge owner or operator must submit plans, calculations, and 
specifications to the Marine Safety Center (MSC) for review and 
approval before beginning a multi-breasted loading operation.
    (b) For a tank barge intended for collecting vapors emitted from 
its cargo tanks during gas-freeing or cleaning operations at a cleaning 
facility, the barge owner or operator must submit the following items 
to the MSC for review and approval:
    (1) Stripping system plans and specifications; and
    (2) Stripping and/or gas-freeing rate calculations.
    (c) Once the vapor collection system satisfies the requirements of 
this part, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) will endorse 
the Certificate of Inspection that the tank barge is acceptable for 
collecting vapors during cleaning operations.

Subpart 39.2000--Equipment and Installation


Sec.  39.2001  Vapor collection system--TB/ALL.

    (a) Vapor collection piping must be fixed piping and the vessel's 
vapor connection must be located as close as practicable to the loading 
manifold, except--
    (1) As allowed by the Commandant; and
    (2) A vessel certificated to carry cargo listed in 46 CFR, part 
151, Table 151.05 or part 153, Table 1 may use flexible hoses no longer 
than three meters (9.84 feet) for interconnection between fixed piping 
onboard the vessel to preserve segregation of cargo systems. These 
flexible hoses must also meet the requirements in paragraph (i) of this 
section, excluding paragraph (i)(5), and meet the following additional 
requirements:
    (i) The installation of flexible hoses must include an isolation 
valve mounted on the tank side of the connection; and
    (ii) Hose connections permitted under paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section are exempt from the requirements of paragraph (h) of this 
section.
    (b) When collecting incompatible vapors simultaneously, vapors must 
be kept separate throughout the entire vapor collection system.
    (c) Vapor collection piping must be electrically bonded to the hull 
and must be electrically continuous.
    (d) The vapor collection system must have a mechanism to eliminate 
liquid condensation, such as draining and collecting liquid from each 
low point in the line.
    (e) For a tankship that has an inert gas system, a mechanism must 
be in place to isolate the inert gas supply from the vapor control 
system (VCS). The inert gas main isolation valve required by chapter 
II-2, Regulation 62.10.8 of SOLAS (incorporated by reference, see 46 
CFR 39.1005), may be used to satisfy this requirement.
    (f) The vapor collection system must not interfere with the proper 
operation of the cargo tank venting system.
    (g) The tank vessel owner or operator must install an isolation 
valve capable of manual operation. It must be located at the vessel 
vapor connection and must clearly show whether the valve is in the open 
or closed position via an indicator, valve handle, or valve stem.
    (h) The last 1.0 meter (3.3 feet) of vapor piping upstream of the 
vessel vapor connection and each end of a vapor hose must be--
    (1) Painted in the sequence of red/yellow/red. The width of the red 
bands must be 0.1 meter (0.33 foot) and the width of the middle yellow 
band must be 0.8 meter (2.64 feet); and
    (2) Labeled with the word ``VAPOR'' painted in black letters at 
least 50.8 millimeters (2 inches) high.
    (i) Hoses that transfer vapors must meet the following 
requirements:
    (1) Have a design burst pressure of at least 25 pounds per square 
inch gauge (psig);
    (2) Have a maximum allowable working pressure no less than 5 psig;
    (3) Be capable of withstanding at least a 2.0 pounds per square 
inch (psi) vacuum without collapsing or constricting;
    (4) Be electrically continuous with a maximum resistance of 10,000 
ohms;
    (5) Have flanges with--
    (i) A bolthole arrangement complying with the requirements for 150 
pound

[[Page 65190]]

class ANSI B16.5 flanges (incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 
39.1005); and
    (ii) One or more 15.9 millimeter (0.625 inch) diameter hole(s) 
located midway between boltholes and in line with the bolthole pattern; 
and
    (6) Be abrasion and kinking resistant.
    (j) Each vessel vapor connection flange face must have a permanent 
stud projecting outward that has a 12.7 millimeter (0.5 inch) diameter 
and is at least 25.4 millimeters (1 inch) long. It must be located at 
the top of the flange face, midway between boltholes, and in line with 
the bolthole pattern.
    (k) Quick disconnect couplings (QDCs) may be used instead of 
flanges at the flexible hose connection and fixed piping on tankships 
provided they meet ASTM F1122 (incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 
39.1005) and are designed as ``Standard Class QDC.''
    (l) Hose saddles that provide adequate support to prevent kinking 
or collapse of hoses must accompany vapor hose handling equipment.
    (m) For cargoes that have toxic properties, listed in 46 CFR Table 
151.05 with the ``Special requirements'' column referring to 46 CFR 
151.50-5, an overfill alarm and shutdown system that meet the 
requirements of 46 CFR 39.2007(a), 39.2009(a), or 39.2009(b) must be 
used for primary overfill protection. If the vessel is also equipped 
with spill valves or rupture disks, their setpoints must be set higher 
than the vessel's pressure relief valve setting as required by 46 CFR 
39.2009(c)(1).


Sec.  39.2003  Cargo gauging system--TB/ALL.

    (a) A cargo tank of the tank vessel connected to a vapor collection 
system must be equipped with a permanent or portable cargo gauging 
device that--
    (1) Is a closed type as defined in 46 CFR 151.15.10(c) that does 
not require opening the tank to the atmosphere during cargo transfer;
    (2) Allows the operator to determine the level of liquid in the 
tank for the full range of liquid levels in the tank;
    (3) Has an indicator for the level of liquid in the tank that is 
located where cargo transfer is controlled; and
    (4) If portable, is installed on the tank during the entire 
transfer operation.
    (b) Each cargo tank of a tank barge must have a high-level 
indicating device, unless the barge complies with 46 CFR 39.2009(a). 
The high-level indicating device must--
    (1) Indicate visually the level of liquid in the cargo tank when 
the liquid level is within a range of 1 meter (3.28 feet) of the top of 
the tank;
    (2) Show a permanent mark to indicate the maximum liquid level 
permitted under 46 CFR 39.3001(e) at even keel conditions; and
    (3) Be visible from all cargo control areas.


Sec.  39.2007  Tankship liquid overfill protection--T/ALL.

    (a) Each cargo tank of a tankship must be equipped with an 
intrinsically safe high-level alarm and a tank overfill alarm.
    (b) If installed after July 23, 1990, the high-level alarm and tank 
overfill alarm required by paragraph (a) of this section must--
    (1) Be independent of each other;
    (2) Activate an alarm in the event of loss of power to the alarm 
system;
    (3) Activate an alarm during the failure of electrical circuitry to 
the tank level sensor; and
    (4) Be able to be inspected at the tank for proper operation prior 
to each transfer. This procedure may be achieved with the use of an 
electronic self-testing feature that monitors the condition of the 
alarm circuitry and sensor.
    (c) The high-level alarm required by paragraph (a) of this section 
must--
    (1) Activate an alarm once the cargo level reaches 95 percent of 
the tank capacity or higher, but before the tank overfill alarm;
    (2) Be identified with the legend ``High-level Alarm'' in black 
letters at least 50.8 millimeters (2 inches) high on a white 
background; and
    (3) Activate a visible and audible alarm so that it can be seen and 
heard on the vessel where cargo transfer is controlled.
    (d) The tank overfill alarm required by paragraph (a) of this 
section must--
    (1) Be independent of the cargo gauging system;
    (2) Be identified with the legend ``TANK OVERFILL ALARM'' in black 
letters at least 50.8 millimeters (2 inches) high on a white 
background;
    (3) Activate a visible and audible alarm so that it can be seen and 
heard on the vessel where cargo transfer is controlled and in the cargo 
deck area; and
    (4) Activate an alarm early enough to allow the person in charge of 
transfer operations to stop the cargo transfer before the tank 
overflows.
    (e) If a spill valve is installed on a cargo tank fitted with a 
vapor collection system, it must meet the requirements of 46 CFR 
39.2009(c).
    (f) If a rupture disk is installed on a cargo tank fitted with a 
vapor collection system, it must meet the requirements of 46 CFR 
39.2009(d).


Sec.  39.2009  Tank barge liquid overfill protection--B/ALL.

    (a) Each cargo tank of a tank barge must have one of the following 
liquid overfill protection arrangements:
    (1) A system meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 39.2007 that--
    (i) Includes a self-contained power supply;
    (ii) Is powered by generators on the barge; or
    (iii) Receives power from a facility and is fitted with a shore tie 
cable and a 120-volt, 20-ampere explosion-proof plug that meets--
    (A) NEMA WD-6 (incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 39.1005);
    (B) NFPA 70, Articles 410-57 and 501-12 (incorporated by reference, 
see 46 CFR 39.1005); and
    (C) 46 CFR 111.105-9;
    (2) An intrinsically safe overfill control system that--
    (i) Is independent of the cargo-gauging device required by 46 CFR 
39.2003(a);
    (ii) Activates an alarm and automatic shutdown system at the 
facility overfill control panel 60 seconds before the tank is 100 
percent liquid-full during a facility-to-vessel cargo transfer;
    (iii) Activates an alarm and automatic shutdown system on the 
vessel receiving cargo 60 seconds before the tank is 100 percent 
liquid-full during a vessel-to-vessel cargo transfer;
    (iv) Can be inspected at the tank for proper operation prior to 
each loading;
    (v) Consists of components that, individually or in series, will 
not generate or store a total of more than 1.2 volts (V), 0.1 amperes 
(A), 25 megawatts (MW), or 20 microJoules ([mu]J);
    (vi) Has at least one tank overfill sensor switch per cargo tank 
that is designed to activate an alarm when its normally closed contacts 
are open;
    (vii) Has all tank overfill sensor switches connected in series;
    (viii) Has interconnecting cabling that meets 46 CFR 111.105-11(b) 
and (d), and 46 CFR 111.105-17(a); and
    (ix) Has a male plug with a five-wire, 16-A connector body meeting 
IEC 60309-1 and IEC 60309-2 (both incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 
39.1005), that is--
    (A) Configured with pins S2 and R1 for the tank overfill sensor 
circuit, pin G connected to the cabling shield, and pins N and T3 
reserved for an optional high-level alarm circuit meeting the 
requirements of this paragraph; and
    (B) Labeled ``Connector for Barge Overflow Control System'' and 
labeled with the total inductance and capacitance of the connected 
switches and cabling;
    (3) A spill valve that meets ASTM F1271 requirements (incorporated 
by reference, see 46 CFR 39.1005), and--

[[Page 65191]]

    (i) Relieves at a predetermined pressure higher than the pressure 
at which the pressure relief valves meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 
39.2011 operate;
    (ii) Limits the maximum pressure at the top of the cargo tank 
during liquid overfill to not more than the maximum design working 
pressure for the tank when at the maximum loading rate for the tank; 
and
    (iii) Has a means to prevent opening due to cargo sloshing while 
the vessel is in ocean or coastwise service; or
    (4) A rupture disk arrangement that meets paragraphs (a)(3)(i), 
(a)(3)(ii), and (a)(3)(iii) of this section and is approved by the 
Commandant.
    (b) A tank barge authorized to carry a cargo having toxic 
properties, meaning they are listed in 46 CFR Table 151.05 with the 
``Special requirements'' column referring to 46 CFR 151.50-5, must 
comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 39.2001(l).


Sec.  39.2011  Vapor overpressure and vacuum protection--TB/ALL.

    (a) The cargo tank venting system required by 46 CFR 32.55 must--
    (1) Be capable of discharging cargo vapor at the maximum transfer 
rate plus the vapor growth for the cargo such that the pressure in the 
vapor space of each tank connected to the vapor control system (VCS) 
does not exceed--
    (i) The maximum design working pressure for the tank; or
    (ii) If a spill valve or rupture disk is fitted, the pressure at 
which the device operates;
    (2) Relieve at a pressure corresponding to a pressure in the cargo 
tank vapor space not less than 1.0 pounds per square inch gauge (psig);
    (3) Prevent a vacuum, which generates in any tank connected to the 
vapor collection system during the withdrawal of cargo or vapor at 
maximum rates, in a cargo tank vapor space from exceeding the maximum 
design vacuum; and
    (4) Not relieve at a vacuum corresponding to a vacuum in the cargo 
tank vapor space between 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (0 
psig) and 14.2 psia (-0.5 psig).
    (b) Each pressure-vacuum relief valve must--
    (1) Be of a type approved under 46 CFR 162.017, for the pressure 
and vacuum relief setting desired;
    (2) Be tested for venting capacity in accordance with paragraph 
1.5.1.3 of API 2000 (incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 39.1005). 
The test must be carried out with a flame screen fitted at the vacuum 
relief opening and at the discharge opening if the pressure-vacuum 
relief valve is not designed to ensure a minimum vapor discharge 
velocity of 30 meters (98.4 feet) per second; and
    (3) If installed after July 23, 1991, have a mechanism to check 
that it operates freely and does not remain in the open position.
    (c) A liquid filled pressure-vacuum breaker may be used for vapor 
overpressure and vacuum protection subject to Commandant approval.
    (d) Vapor growth must be calculated using a method approved by the 
Marine Safety Center.


Sec.  39.2013  High and low vapor pressure protection for tankships--T/
ALL.

    Each tankship with a vapor collection system must be fitted with a 
pressure-sensing device, located as close as practicable to the vessel 
vapor connection, that measures the pressure in the main vapor 
collection line, which--
    (a) Has a pressure indicator located on the tankship where the 
cargo transfer is controlled; and
    (b) Has a high-pressure and a low-pressure alarm that--
    (1) Gives an audible and a visible warning on the vessel where the 
cargo transfer is controlled;
    (2) Activates an alarm when the pressure-sensing device measures a 
high pressure of not more than 90 percent of the lowest pressure relief 
valve setting in the cargo tank venting system; and
    (3) Activates an alarm when the pressure-sensing device measures a 
low pressure of not less than 0.144 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) 
for an inerted tankship, or the lowest vacuum relief valve setting in 
the cargo tank venting system for a non-inerted tankship.


Sec.  39.2014  Polymerizing cargoes safety--TB/ALL.

    (a) Common vapor headers for polymerizing cargoes must be 
constructed with adequate means to permit internal examination of vent 
headers.
    (b) Vapor piping systems and pressure-vacuum valves that are used 
for polymerizing cargoes must be inspected internally at least 
annually.
    (c) Pressure-vacuum valves and spill valves which are used for 
polymerizing cargoes must be tested for proper movement prior to each 
transfer.


Sec.  39.2015  Tank barge pressure-vacuum indicating device--B/ALL.

    A fixed pressure-indicating device must be installed as close as 
practicable to the vessel vapor connection on a tank barge with a vapor 
collection system. The indicating device must measure the pressure 
vacuum in the main vapor collection line and have a pressure indicator 
located where the cargo transfer is controlled.

Subpart 39.3000--Vapor Collection Operations During Cargo Transfer


Sec.  39.3001  Operational requirements for vapor control systems 
during cargo transfer--TB/ALL.

    (a) Vapor from a tank vessel may not be transferred to a facility 
in the United States, or vapor from a facility storage tank may not be 
transferred to a tank vessel, unless the facility's marine vapor 
control system (VCS) is certified by a certifying entity as meeting the 
requirements of 33 CFR part 154, subpart P and the facility's facility 
operations manual is marked by the local Coast Guard Captain of the 
Port (COTP) as required by 33 CFR 154.325(d).
    (b) Vapor from a tank vessel may not be transferred to a vessel 
that does not have its certificate of inspection or certificate of 
compliance endorsed as meeting the requirements of this part and for 
controlling vapor of the cargo being transferred.
    (c) For each cargo transferred using a vapor collection system, the 
pressure drop through the vapor collection system from the most remote 
cargo tank to the vessel vapor connection, including vapor hoses if 
used by the vessel, must be--
    (1) Calculated at the maximum transfer rate and at lesser transfer 
rates;
    (2) Calculated using a density estimate for the cargo vapor and air 
mixture, or vapor and inert gas mixture, based on a partial pressure 
(partial molar volumes) method for the mixture, assuming ideal gas law 
conditions;
    (3) Calculated using a vapor growth rate as stated in 46 CFR 
39.2011(d) for the cargo being transferred; and
    (4) Included in the vessel's transfer procedures as a table or 
graph, showing the liquid transfer rate versus the pressure drop.
    (d) The rate of cargo transfer must not exceed the maximum 
allowable transfer rate as determined by the lesser of the following:
    (1) 80 percent of the total venting capacity of the pressure relief 
valves in the cargo tank venting system when relieving at the set 
pressure;
    (2) The total vacuum relieving capacity of the vacuum relief valves 
in the cargo tank venting system when relieving at the set pressure; 
and
    (3) For a given pressure at the facility vapor connection, or if 
vessel-to-vessel transfer at the vapor connection of the service 
vessel, then the rate based on

[[Page 65192]]

pressure drop calculations at which the pressure in any cargo tank 
connected to the vapor collection system exceeds 80 percent of the 
setting of any pressure relief valve in the cargo tank venting system.
    (e) Cargo tanks must not be filled higher than--
    (1) 98.5 percent of the cargo tank volume; or
    (2) The level at which an overfill alarm complying with 46 CFR 
39.2007 or 39.2009(a)(2) is set.
    (f) A cargo tank should remain sealed from the atmosphere during 
cargo transfer operations. The cargo tank may only be opened 
temporarily for gauging or sampling while the tank vessel is connected 
to a VCS as long as the following conditions are met:
    (1) The cargo tank is not being filled or no vapor is being 
transferred into the cargo tank;
    (2) For cargo loading, any pressure in the cargo tank vapor space 
is first reduced to atmospheric pressure by the VCS, except when the 
tank is inerted;
    (3) The cargo is not required to be closed or restricted gauged by 
46 CFR part 151, Table 151.05 or part 153, Table 1; and
    (4) For static accumulating cargo, all metallic equipment used in 
sampling or gauging must be electrically bonded to the vessel and 
remain bonded to the vessel until it is removed from the tank, and if 
the tank is not inerted, 30 minutes must have elapsed after any cargo 
transfer to the tank is stopped, before the equipment is put into the 
tank.
    (g) For static accumulating cargo, the initial transfer rate must 
be controlled in accordance with OCIMF ISGOTT Section 11.1.7 
(incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 39.1005), in order to minimize 
the development of a static electrical charge.
    (h) If cargo vapor is collected by a facility that requires the 
vapor from the vessel to be inerted in accordance with 33 CFR 154.2105, 
the oxygen content in the vapor space of each cargo tank connected to 
the vapor collection system must not exceed 60 percent by volume of the 
cargo's minimum oxygen concentration for combustion (MOCC), or 8 
percent by volume for vapor of crude oil, gasoline blends, or benzene, 
at the start of cargo transfer. The oxygen content of each tank, or 
each area of a tank formed by each partial bulkhead, must be measured 
at a point 1.0 meter (3.28 feet) below the tank top and at a point 
equal to one-half of the ullage.
    (i) If the vessel is equipped with an inert gas system, the 
isolation valve required by 46 CFR 39.2001(e) must remain closed during 
vapor transfer.
    (j) Unless equipped with an automatic self-test and circuit-
monitoring feature, each high-level alarm and tank overfill alarm on a 
cargo tank being loaded, required by 46 CFR 39.2007 or 39.2009, must be 
tested at the tank for proper operation within 24 hours prior to the 
start of cargo transfer.

Subpart 39.4000--Vessel-to-Vessel Transfers Using Vapor Balancing


Sec.  39.4001  General requirements for vapor balancing--TB/ALL.

    (a) Vessels using vapor balancing while conducting a vessel-to-
vessel transfer operation, directly or through a shore loop, must meet 
the requirements of this subpart in addition to the requirements of 46 
CFR part 39, subparts 39.1000, 39.2000, and 39.3000. Arrangements other 
than vapor balancing used to control vapor emissions during a vessel-
to-vessel transfer operation must receive approval from the Commandant.
    (b) A vapor balancing operation must receive approval from the 
Commandant to use a compressor or blower to assist vapor transfer.
    (c) Vapor balancing is prohibited when the cargo tanks on a vessel 
discharging cargo are inerted and the cargo tanks on a vessel receiving 
cargo are not inerted.
    (d) A vessel that intends to collect vapors (during a vessel-to-
vessel transfer operation) from cargoes not previously approved must 
receive specific approval from the Commandant before beginning transfer 
operations.


Sec.  39.4003  Design and equipment for vapor balancing--TB/ALL.

    (a) During transfer operations, if the cargo tanks are inerted on a 
vessel discharging cargo to a receiving vessel with inerted cargo 
tanks, the service vessel must--
    (1) Inert the vapor transfer hose prior to transferring cargo 
vapor; and
    (2) Have an oxygen analyzer with a sensor or sampling connection 
fitted within 3 meters (9.74 feet) of the vessel vapor connection 
that--
    (i) Activates a visible and an audible alarm on the service vessel 
where cargo transfer is controlled when the oxygen content in the vapor 
collection system exceeds 60 percent by volume of the cargo's minimum 
oxygen concentration for combustion (MOCC), or 8 percent by volume for 
vapor of crude oil, gasoline blends, or benzene;
    (ii) Has an oxygen concentration indicator located on the service 
vessel where the cargo transfer is controlled; and
    (iii) Has a connection for injecting a span gas of known 
concentration for calibration and testing of the oxygen analyzer.
    (b) If the cargo tanks are not inerted on a vessel discharging 
cargo during transfer operations, and the cargo is flammable or 
combustible, the vapor collection line on the service vessel must be 
fitted with a detonation arrester that meets the requirements of 33 CFR 
154.2106, and be located within 3 meters (9.74 feet) of the vessel 
vapor connection.
    (c) An electrical insulating flange or one length of non-conductive 
hose must be provided between the vessel vapor connection on each 
vessel operating a vessel-to-vessel cargo transfer.


Sec.  39.4005  Operational requirements for vapor balancing--TB/ALL.

    (a) During a vessel-to-vessel transfer operation, each cargo tank 
being loaded must be connected by the vapor collection system to a 
cargo tank that is being discharged.
    (b) If the cargo tanks on both the vessel discharging cargo and the 
vessel receiving cargo are inerted, the following requirements must be 
met:
    (1) Each tank on a vessel receiving cargo, which is connected to 
the vapor collection system, must be tested prior to cargo transfer to 
ensure that the oxygen content in the vapor space does not exceed 60 
percent by volume of the cargo's minimum oxygen concentration for 
combustion (MOCC), or 8 percent by volume for vapor of crude oil, 
gasoline blends, or benzene. The oxygen content of each tank, or each 
area of a tank formed by each partial bulkhead, must be measured at a 
point 1 meter (3.28 feet) below the tank top and at a point equal to 
one-half of the ullage;
    (2) Prior to starting transfer operations, the oxygen analyzer 
required by 46 CFR 39.4003(a) must be tested for proper operation;
    (3) During transfer operations the oxygen content of vapors being 
transferred must be continuously monitored;
    (4) Cargo transfer must be terminated if the oxygen content exceeds 
60 percent by volume of the cargo's MOCC, or 8 percent by volume for 
vapor of crude oil, gasoline blends, or benzene;
    (5) Transfer operations may resume once the oxygen content in the 
tanks of the vessel receiving cargo is reduced to 60 percent by volume 
or less of the cargo's MOCC, or 8 percent by volume or less for vapor 
of crude oil, gasoline blends, or benzene; and
    (6) Prior to starting vapor transfer operations, the vapor transfer 
hose must be purged of air and inerted.
    (c) The isolation valve located on the service vessel required by 
46 CFR

[[Page 65193]]

39.2001(g) must not be opened until the pressure in the vapor 
collection system on the vessel receiving cargo exceeds the pressure in 
the vapor collection system on the vessel discharging cargo.
    (d) The vessel discharging cargo must control the cargo transfer 
rate so that the transfer rate does not exceed--
    (1) The authorized maximum discharge rate of the vessel discharging 
cargo;
    (2) The authorized maximum loading rate of the vessel receiving 
cargo; or
    (3) The processing rate of the approved vessel vapor processing 
system, if one is used to process the vapor collected during the 
transfer operations.
    (e) The pressure in the vapor space of any cargo tank connected to 
the vapor collection line on either the vessel receiving cargo or the 
vessel discharging cargo must not exceed 80 percent of the lowest 
setting of any pressure relief valve during ballasting or cargo 
transfer.
    (f) Impressed current cathodic protection systems must be de-
energized during cargo transfer operations.
    (g) Tank washing is prohibited unless the cargo tanks on both the 
vessel discharging cargo and the vessel receiving cargo are inerted, or 
the tank is isolated from the vapor collection line.

Subpart 39.5000--Multi-breasted Loading Using a Single Facility 
Vapor Connection


Sec.  39.5001  General requirements for multi-breasted loading--B/CLBR.

    (a) Each barge must be owned and operated by the same entity and 
must have an approved vapor control system (VCS).
    (b) The crossover vapor hose must--
    (1) Be marked in accordance with 46 CFR 39.2001(h);
    (2) Meet the qualifications of 46 CFR 39.2001(i);
    (3) Not extend more than 7.62 meters (25 feet) between two barges 
during transfer operations; and
    (4) Have a diameter at least as large as the diameter of the 
largest pipe in the VCS on the outboard barge.
    (c) The hazards associated with barge-to-barge or barge-to-shore 
electric currents must be controlled in accordance with sections 11.9 
or 17.5 of OCIMF ISGOTT (incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 
39.1005).
    (d) The cargo transfer procedures must reflect the procedures to 
align and disconnect a facility VCS to and from an inboard barge, and 
alternately, to and from an outboard barge through the vapor cross-over 
hose and the inboard barge's vapor header, or ``dummy'' header. This 
must include proper connections for the facility VCS's alarm/shutdown 
system to the alarm/shutdown system of the barge being loaded at the 
time.
    (e) Barge owners and operators must comply with any additional 
operational requirements imposed by the local Captain of the Port 
(COTP) in whose zone the shore facility is located. The barge owner or 
operator must identify the specific facilities at which a multi-
breasted loading operation will be conducted and provide the Commandant 
with a list of these facilities. These facilities must be certified for 
conducting such an operation.


Sec.  39.5003  Additional requirements for multi-breasted loading using 
an inboard barge vapor collection system--B/CLBR.

    (a) Each barge must have at least one liquid overfill protection 
system that fulfills the requirements of 46 CFR 39.2009.
    (b) The vapor header of an inboard barge that is used during 
outboard barge loading must--
    (1) Be aligned with the vapor header of the outboard barge;
    (2) Have a diameter at least as large as the diameter of the 
largest pipe in the vapor collection system of the outboard barge; and
    (3) Be marked in accordance with 46 CFR 39.2001(h).
    (c) A licensed tankerman, trained in and familiar with multi-
breasted loading operations, must be onboard each barge during transfer 
operations. The tankerman serves as the barge person-in-charge (PIC). 
During transfer operations, the barge PICs must maintain constant 
communication with each other as well as with the facility PIC.
    (d) If multi-breasted loading will be conducted using more than one 
liquid transfer hose from the shore facility, the facility must be 
capable of activating the emergency shutdown system required by 33 CFR 
154.550. This will automatically stop the cargo flow to each transfer 
hose simultaneously, in the event an upset condition occurs that closes 
the remotely operated cargo vapor shutoff valve in the facility's vapor 
control system. Multi-breasted loading is prohibited unless the shore 
facility can comply with this requirement.


Sec.  39.5005  Additional requirements for multi-breasted loading using 
a ``dummy'' vapor header-B/CLBR.

    (a) Each inboard barge ``dummy'' header used during outboard barge 
loading must--
    (1) Be aligned with the vapor header of the outboard barge;
    (2) Have a diameter at least as large as the diameter of the 
largest pipe in the vapor collection system of the outboard barge;
    (3) Be marked in accordance with 46 CFR 39.2001(h); and
    (4) Meet the same design and installation requirements for the 
vapor collection piping onboard the same barge.
    (b) Flanges must meet the same design and installation requirements 
for flanges in the vapor collection system onboard the same barge.
    (c) A stud must be permanently attached, as required in 46 CFR 
39.2001(j), to the vapor connection flange on the ``dummy'' header.

Subpart 39.6000--Tank Barge Cleaning Operations with Vapor 
Collection


Sec.  39.6001  Design and equipment of vapor collection and stripping 
systems--B/ALL.

    (a) Each barge engaged in cleaning operations at an approved 
cleaning facility must have a conductive fixed stripping line installed 
in each cargo tank. The line must extend to the low point of each cargo 
tank, extend through and be welded to the top of the cargo tank, and 
terminate above deck with a full port valve plugged at the open end.
    (b) An existing fixed stripping system may be used instead of the 
stripping line required in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) Each stripping line must be labeled at an on-deck location with 
the words ``Stripping Line-Tank,'' followed by the tank's number, name, 
or location.
    (d) Vapors may be collected from the barge's cargo tanks through a 
common fixed vapor header, through the fixed liquid cargo header, or 
through flanged flexible hoses located at the top of each cargo tank.
    (e) The vapor collection system must not interfere with the proper 
operation of the cargo tank venting system.
    (f) A barge being gas-freed by a fluid displacement system must 
fulfill the following requirements:
    (1) If the fluid medium is a compressible fluid, such as inert gas, 
it must be injected into the barge's cargo tanks through a common fixed 
vapor header, through the fixed liquid cargo header, or through flanged 
flexible hoses located at the top of each cargo tank;
    (2) If the fluid medium is a non-compressible fluid, such as water, 
it must be injected into the barge's cargo tanks through the fixed 
liquid cargo header only; and
    (3) If the fluid medium is a non-compressible fluid, such as water, 
the barge must be equipped with a liquid

[[Page 65194]]

overfill protection arrangement and fulfill the requirements for tank 
barge liquid overfill protection contained in 46 CFR 39.2009.
    (g) The barge vapor connection must be electrically insulated from 
the facility vapor connection and the fluid injection connection must 
be electrically insulated from the fluid injection source, if fitted, 
in accordance with OCIMF ISGOTT section 17.5 (incorporated by 
reference, see 46 CFR 39.1005).
    (h) Vapor collection piping must be electrically bonded to the 
barge hull and must be electrically continuous.
    (i) All equipment used on the barge during cleaning operations must 
be electrically bonded to the barge and tested to ensure electrical 
continuity prior to each use.
    (j) Hoses used for the transfer of vapors during cleaning 
operations must meet the requirements of 46 CFR 39.2001(i) and have 
markings as required in 46 CFR 39.2001(h).
    (k) Hoses used for the transfer of liquids during cleaning 
operations must--
    (1) Have a designed burst pressure of at least 600 pounds per 
square inch gauge (psig);
    (2) Have a maximum allowable working pressure of at least 150 psig;
    (3) Be capable of withstanding at least the maximum vacuum rating 
of the cleaning facility's vapor-moving device without collapsing or 
constricting;
    (4) Be electrically continuous with a maximum resistance of 10,000 
ohms;
    (5) Have flanges with a bolthole arrangement complying with the 
requirements for 150 pound class ANSI B16.5 flanges (incorporated by 
reference, see 46 CFR 39.1005); and
    (6) Be abrasion and kinking resistant and compatible with the 
liquids being transferred.
    (l) If a hose is used to transfer either vapor or liquid from the 
barge during cleaning operations, hose saddles that provide adequate 
support to prevent the collapse or kinking of hoses must accompany hose 
handling equipment.


Sec.  39.6003  Underpressure protection during stripping and gas-
freeing operations-- B/ALL.

    (a) The cargo tank venting system required by 46 CFR 32.55 must not 
exceed the maximum design working pressure or the maximum design vacuum 
for the cargo tank.
    (b) Each barge must be fitted with a means for connecting the 
pressure-sensing and pressure-indicating devices required by 33 CFR 
154.2203 on each cargo tank top. The valve connection point must be 
labeled ``Pressure Sensor Connection''.
    (c) For stripping operations with closed cargo tanks, the maximum 
stripping rate must not exceed the volumetric flow capacity of the 
vacuum relief valve protecting the cargo tank.


Sec.  39.6005  Inspection prior to conducting gas-freeing operations--
B/ALL.

    (a) The following inspections must be conducted by the barge person 
in charge prior to commencing gas-freeing operations, and show that--
    (1) Each part of the barge's vapor collection system is aligned to 
allow vapor to flow to a cleaning facility's vapor control system 
(VCS);
    (2) If a fluid displacement system is used to conduct gas-freeing 
operations--
    (i) The fluid supply line is connected to the fluid injection 
connection; and
    (ii) The maximum fluid injection rate is determined in accordance 
with 46 CFR 39.6007(c)(2);
    (3) The maximum stripping or gas-freeing rate is determined in 
accordance with 46 CFR 39.6003(c) or 39.6007(c), respectively, and 
adequate openings required by 46 CFR 39.6007(c)(1) are available and 
identified;
    (4) The pressure-sensing and pressure-indicating devices required 
by 33 CFR 154.2203 are connected as required by 46 CFR 39.6003(b);
    (5) The maximum and minimum operating pressures of the barge being 
cleaned are determined;
    (6) Unrepaired loose covers, kinks, bulges, gouges, cuts, slashes, 
soft spots, or any other defects which would permit the discharge of 
vapors through the vapor recovery hose material must be detected during 
inspection and repaired prior to operation;
    (7) The facility vapor connection is electrically insulated from 
the barge vapor connection and the fluid injection connection is 
electrically insulated from the fluid injection source, if fitted, in 
accordance with OCIMF ISGOTT section 17.5 (incorporated by reference, 
see 46 CFR 39.1005); and
    (8) All equipment is bonded in accordance with 46 CFR 39.6001(h).


Sec.  39.6007  Operational requirements for tank barge cleaning--B/ALL.

    (a) During cleaning operations, vapors from a tank barge cannot be 
transferred to a cleaning facility which does not have a marine vapor 
control system (VCS) certified by a certifying entity, and its facility 
operations manual endorsed by the Captain of the Port (COTP) as meeting 
the requirements of 33 CFR part 154, subpart P.
    (b) Prior to commencing stripping operations, the maximum allowable 
stripping rate must be determined. The maximum allowable stripping rate 
must not exceed the volumetric flow capacity of the vacuum relief valve 
protecting the cargo tank.
    (c) The maximum gas-freeing rate is determined by the following:
    (1) For a vacuum displacement system:
    (i) The maximum allowable gas-freeing rate is a function of the 
area open to the atmosphere for the cargo tank being gas-freed. The 
area open to the atmosphere must be large enough to maintain the 
pressure in the cargo tank being gas-freed at or above 14.5 pounds per 
square inch absolute (psia) (-0.2 pounds per square inch gauge (psig));
    (ii) The maximum allowable gas-freeing rate must be calculated from 
Table 1 of this section, using the area open to the atmosphere for the 
cargo tank being gas-freed as the entering determination;
    (2) For a fluid displacement system, the maximum allowable gas-
freeing rate is determined by the lesser of the following:
    (i) Eighty percent of the total venting capacity of the pressure 
relief valve in the cargo tank venting system when relieving at its set 
pressure;
    (ii) Eighty percent of the total vacuum relieving capacity of the 
vacuum relief valve in the cargo tank venting system when relieving at 
its set pressure; or
    (iii) The rate based on pressure drop calculations at which, for a 
given pressure at the facility vapor connection, the pressure in the 
cargo tank being gas-freed exceeds 80 percent of the setting of any 
pressure relief valve in the cargo tank venting system.
    (d) Any hatch and/or fitting used to calculate the minimum area 
required to be open to the atmosphere must be opened and secured in 
such a manner as to prevent accidental closure during gas freeing. All 
flame screens for the hatch and/or fitting opened must be removed in 
order to allow for maximum airflow. The hatch and/or fitting must be 
secured open before the pressure in the cargo tank falls below 10 
percent of the highest setting of any of the barge's vacuum relief 
valves.
    (e) ``Do Not Close Hatch/Fitting'' signs must be conspicuously 
posted near the hatch and/or fitting opened during gas-freeing 
operations.
    (f) To minimize the dangers of static electricity, all equipment 
used on the barge during gas-freeing and cleaning operations must be 
electrically bonded to the barge and tested to ensure electrical 
continuity before each use.
    (g) If the barge is equipped with an inert gas system, the inert 
gas main isolation valve must remain closed during cleaning operations.

[[Page 65195]]

    (h) Vapors from incompatible cargoes that are collected 
simultaneously must be kept separated throughout the barge's entire 
vapor collection system. Chemical compatibility must be determined in 
accordance with the procedures contained in 46 CFR 150, part A.

                     Table 1 to Sec.   39.6007--Minimum Open Area for Barge Cleaning Hatches
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Air flow  (CFS)
Air flow  (CFM)  (cubic feet/minute)     (cubic feet/        Open area       Diameter opening    Square opening
                                           second)        (square inches)        (inches)           (inches)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
500.................................                8.3               10.7                3.7                3.3
600.................................               10.0               12.8                4.0                3.6
700.................................               11.7               15.0                4.4                3.9
800.................................               13.3               17.1                4.7                4.1
900.................................               15.0               19.3                5.0                4.4
1000................................               16.7               21.4                5.2                4.6
1100................................               18.3               23.6                5.5                4.9
1200................................               20.0               25.7                5.7                5.1
1300................................               21.7               27.8                6.0                5.3
1400................................               23.3               30.0                6.2                5.5
1500................................               25.0               32.1                6.4                5.7
1600................................               26.7               34.3                6.6                5.9
1700................................               28.3               36.4                6.8                6.0
1800................................               30.0               38.5                7.0                6.2
1900................................               31.7               40.7                7.2                6.4
2000................................               33.3               42.8                7.4                6.5
2100................................               35.0               45.0                7.6                6.7
2200................................               36.7               47.1                7.7                6.9
2300................................               38.3               49.3                7.9                7.0
2400................................               40.0               51.4                8.1                7.2
2500................................               41.7               53.5                8.3                7.3
2600................................               43.3               55.7                8.4                7.5
2700................................               45.0               57.8                8.6                7.6
2800................................               46.7               60.0                8.7                7.7
2900................................               48.3               62.1                8.9                7.9
3000................................               50.0               64.2                9.0                8.0
3100................................               51.7               66.4                9.2                8.1
3200................................               53.3               68.5                9.3                8.3
3300................................               55.0               70.7                9.5                8.4
3400................................               56.7               72.8                9.6                8.5
3500................................               58.3               75.0                9.8                8.7
3600................................               60.0               77.1                9.9                8.8
3700................................               61.7               79.2               10.0                8.9
3800................................               63.3               81.4               10.2                9.0
3900................................               65.0               83.5               10.3                9.1
4000................................               66.7               85.7               10.4                9.3
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Sec.  39.6009  Barge person in charge: Designation and qualifications--
B/ALL.

    The designation and qualification requirements contained in 33 CFR 
155.700 and 33 CFR 155.710(a)(2) apply to the barge person in charge.

    Dated: October 4, 2010.
J.G. Lantz,
Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 2010-25384 Filed 10-20-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P