1. (a) The master/pilot of inbound tankers shall confirm by VHF contact with the required escort tugs(s), that the tug(s) is/are stationed at the seaward limit of the applicable tank vessel escort zone (as described in Section 851.22(c)) prior to the tankers reaching the seaward limit of the applicable tank vessel escort zone.

2. (b) Tanker Crew Requirements.

   1. (1) a tanker shall have:

      1. (A) sufficient and qualified line handling capable crew members standing by and available to immediately receive lines from each escort tug. The crew shall not be assigned duties that would interfere with their ability to immediately respond to an emergency situation;
      2. (B) its anchors ready for letting go prior to entering the applicable tank vessel escort zone (inbound tankers only);
      3. (C) sufficient and qualified supervisors to provide direct supervision of line handling crew operations for tankers. Supervisors shall have direct radio communication capability with the bridge of the tanker.

3. (c) Tanker Equipment Requirements:

   1. (1) each tanker shall have appropriate and suitably maintained bitts and chocks that are of sufficient size, strength, and number to accommodate the anticipated forces of the escort tug(s);
   2. (2) the tanker owner/operator shall indicate the location of the appropriate bitts and chocks, as well as the safe working loads, on the ship's general arrangement plan for each tanker. This information shall also be communicated to the pilot during the pre-escort conference required by Section 851.24 of this subchapter.

4. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter:

   1. (1) any additional requirements for tug escort as deemed necessary by the U.S. Coast Guard shall supersede the requirements of this subchapter;
   2. (2) during a non-emergency situation the master/pilot, may only adjust the minimum escort requirements contained in this subchapter with the concurrence of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 8670.17.2 and 8670.23.1, Government Code. Reference: Section 8670.17.2, Government Code.

History

1. New section filed 7-28-94; operative 8-29-94 (Register 94, No. 30).

2. Repealer of former section 851.26 and renumbering of former section 851.25 to section 851.26, including amendment of section heading, section and Note filed 8-19-98; operative 9-18-98 (Register 98, No. 34).

3. Amendment of section heading and section filed 7-16-2001; operative 8-15-2001 (Register 2001, No. 29).

4. Renumbering of former subsection (a) to new subsection 851.27(e), subsection relettering and amendment of newly designated subsections (a), (b)(1)(B) and (d)(2) filed 7-12-2012; operative 8-11-2012 (Register 2012, No. 28).