Title 46ShippingRelease 119-73

§3708 Self-propelled tank vessel minimum standards

Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle II— - Vessels and Seamen › Part Part B— - Inspection and Regulation of Vessels › Chapter CHAPTER 37— - CARRIAGE OF LIQUID BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES › § 3708

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Self-propelled tank vessels of at least 10,000 gross tons, or alternate tonnage prescribed by the Secretary, must have: dual short/long-range true‑north radars; an electronic relative‑motion analyzer; electronic position‑fixing; communications; a sonic depth finder; a gyrocompass; and up‑to‑date charts.

Full Legal Text

Title 46, §3708

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A self-propelled tank vessel of at least 10,000 gross tons as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title shall be equipped with—
(1)a dual radar system with short-range and long-range capabilities, each with true-north features;
(2)an electronic relative motion analyzer that is at least functionally equivalent to equipment complying with specifications established by the Secretary of Transportation;
(3)an electronic position-fixing device;
(4)adequate communications equipment;
(5)a sonic depth finder;
(6)a gyrocompass; and
(7)up-to-date charts.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 370846:391a(7)(J) section 3708 requires compliance with certain minimum standards by a self-propelled tank vessel. These requirements apply to any tank vessel of 10,000 gross tons or above with no distinction being made as to whether or not the vessel is “primarily” constructed or adapted to carry oil or hazardous material in bulk in the cargo spaces. These vessels are required to be equipped with a dual radar system, a computerized relative motion analyzer, an electronic position fixing device, adequate communications equipment, a sonic depth finder, a gyrocompass, and up-to-date charts.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–324 inserted “as measured under section 14502 of this title, or an alternate tonnage measured under section 14302 of this title as prescribed by the Secretary under section 14104 of this title” after “10,000 gross tons”.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

46 U.S.C. § 3708

Title 46Shipping

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73