Chapter 21M

Section 1. As used in this chapter, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:— ''AIS'', automatic identification system. ''ARPA'', automatic radar plotting aid. ''Area of special interest'', any water of the commonwealt…

Section 2. (a)(1) The commissioner shall negotiate an agreement with the United States Coast Guard, United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Massachusetts pilot commissioner for any relevant district or districts, appropriate port agencies, or appropriate organizations by Ja…

Section 3. Personnel employed by tank vessels operating within the waters of the commonwealth shall be subject to this section. An owner or operator of a tank vessel shall have policies, procedures and practices for alcohol and drug testing that comply with 33 CFR Part 95 and 46 …

Section 4. (a) A tank vessel operating within the waters of the commonwealth shall be subject to this section. The navigation watch on all tow vessels transiting Buzzards bay and carrying 6,000 or more barrels of oil shall consist of at least 1 licensed deck officer or tow vessel…

Section 5. When operating in the waters of the commonwealth, a tank vessel shall travel only within a recommended vessel route designated by the United States Coast Guard, unless no such recommended vessel route has been designated or unless special circumstances make travel outs…

Section 6. (a) Effective January 1, 2005, no tank vessel carrying 6,000 or more barrels of oil shall enter or transit any area of special interest within the waters of the commonwealth unless the tank vessel is accompanied by a tugboat escort. (b) This section shall not apply to …

Section 7. A vessel that is not in compliance with the time schedules and requirements relating to double hulls set forth in the federal Oil Pollution Prevention, Response, Liability and Compensation Act of 1990 shall be prohibited from docking, loading or unloading at any marine…

Section 8. (a) There shall be an Oil Spill Prevention and Response Trust Fund to provide emergency loans and to support the development, training and equipping of safety committees, response teams, rescue tugs dispatched under section 9 and other discreet units whose activities w…

Section 9. (a) An owner or operator of a tank vessel carrying 6,000 or more barrels of oil may provide 24–hour notice to the department, in a manner to be determined by the department, of the owner or operator's intent to enter or operate such vessel in Buzzard's bay. (b) If noti…