1. (a) The tug(s) used to escort a tank barge must be able to provide sufficient braking force to stop the tank barge.

   1. (1) The braking force shall be measured either as:

      1. (A) the escort tug's ahead static bollard pull for tractor tugs using stern lines (VSP); or
      2. (B) astern static bollard pull for tractor tugs using headlines (ASD); or
      3. (C) astern static bollard pull for conventional tugs;

   2. (2) At the appropriate seabouy:

      1. (A) tethered escort tug(s) are required for all tank barges and their primary towing vessels whose aggregate displacement tonnage exceeds 20,000;

      2. (B) the escort tug(s) shall have the minimum individual or aggregate braking force, when tethered or untethered, as specified in Subsection (3) A. and B. below:

         (3)

         Total Displacement Tonnage of the Barge and the Primary Towing Tug in Metric Tons

         Minimum Required Escort Tug(s) Static Bollard Pull in Short Tons

         Tethered Escort Tug(s)

         Untethered Escort Tug(s)

2. A. 0 to 20,000 metric tons

   10 short tons

   15 short tons

   Tethered Escort Tug(s)

3. B. >20,000 metric tons

   1. (4) A tank barge must be accompanied by a sufficient number, but no more than two tugs to provide the braking force specified in this section.

   2. (5) The towing tug which provides the power to push or tow a tank barge shall not become an escort tug during the course of a transit unless the towing tug has been relieved of its duties as the primary towing vessel, and replaced with another tug that serves as the primary towing vessel.

      1. (A) Any towing tug that does become the escort tug after being relieved of all towing duties must meet all the requirements for escort tugs as specified in this subchapter.
   3. (6) The primary towing vessels for tank barges transiting between the seaward limits of the pilot operating areas and anywhere inside the Federal Breakwater shall restrict their speed to four (4) knots.

   A total astern static bollard pull (in pounds) equal to or greater than the sum of both the primary towing tug's and barge's total displacement tonnage in metric tons. (E.g., where the total towing tug and barge displacement is 25,000 metric tons, the escort tug(s)' astern static bollard pull shall be at least 25,000 pounds or 12.5 short tons.)

4. (b) Stationing Requirements.

   1. (1) The primary towing tug master or mate shall confirm by VHF contact with the required escort tug(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 tank barge reaching the seaward limit of the applicable tank vessel escort zone.

5. (c) Equipment Requirements.

   1. (1) Each tank barge shall have deck chocks and bitts that are of sufficient size, strength and number to accommodate the anticipated forces of the escort tug(s) as stated in subsection (a)(3) above;
   2. (2) The tank barge owner/operator shall illustrate the location of the bitts and chocks, and any other locations on the hull, which are capable of withstanding the forces exerted by the escort tug(s), within documentation kept on file with the Marine Exchange, and onboard the towing tug.

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 7-16-2001; operative 8-15-2001 (Register 2001, No. 29).

2. Amendment of section and Note filed 7-12-2012; operative 8-11-2012 (Register 2012, No. 28).