- (a) Only tugs meeting the requirements set forth in this subchapter shall be allowed to provide escort services.
- (b) The owner/operator of any tug offering escort services to tank vessels shall submit the tug to bollard pull testing before providing escort services. See Section 852.3 of this subchapter for testing requirements.
- (c) A tug must demonstrate a minimum ahead bollard pull of 10 tons to qualify for escort service.
- (d) In order to escort tankers over 20,000 deadweight tons, a tug must demonstrate a minimum ahead bollard pull of 18 tons.
- (e) The tug(s) assigned to a tank vessel shall be capable of providing a combined total ahead bollard pull of no less than 2 pounds of thrust per deadweight ton of assigned tank vessel.
- (f) An escort tug's primary assist lines must have a specified breaking strength not less than 1.5 times the tug's maximum bollard pull.
- (g) For any transit between Ballast Point and sea that requires an escort tug(s), a tank vessel shall have at least one escort tug which is adequately equipped to perform in open ocean conditions.
- (h) Escort tugs must have the capability to communicate with the tank vessel by primary and secondary VHF-FM radios.
- (i) Escort tugs shall be fendered as appropriate to absorb the impact of normal skin-to-skin operations, protecting both the tank vessel and the escort tug from metal to metal contact. To the extent possible, the fendering shall have a surface which minimizes sliding when the escort tug is working at an angle to the tank vessel.
- (j) Any tugs working beyond the Line of Demarcation must have crews that are certified in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 95 (STCW)
Note: Authority cited: Sections 8670.17.2 and 8670.23.1, Government Code. Reference: Sections 8670.17.2 and 8670.23.1, Government Code.
History
1. New section filed 1-23-97; operative 2-22-97 (Register 97, No. 4).
2. Amendment of subsections (b) and (f), new subsection (j) and amendment of Note filed 3-30-2005; operative 4-29-2005 (Register 2005, No. 13).