46 U.S.C. § 8703: Tankermen on tank vessels

Summary

If a vessel covered by chapter 37 carries oil or hazardous material in bulk as cargo or cargo residue, it must have the number of crew who are certified tankermen that the Secretary requires. The ship’s certificate of inspection will show that requirement. A vessel covered by section 3702(b) must have a crewmember in charge of transfer operations who is a certified tankerman qualified for the grade of fuel being transferred, unless a master, mate, pilot, engineer, or operator licensed under section 7101 is in charge. If no such person is on board, the vessel is subject to chapter 37.

Title 46, §8703

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(a)A vessel of the United States to which chapter 37 of this title applies, that has on board oil or hazardous material in bulk as cargo or cargo residue, shall have a specified number of the crew certified as tankermen as required by the Secretary. This requirement shall be noted on the certificate of inspection issued to the vessel.

(b)A vessel to which section 3702(b) of this title applies shall have on board as a crewmember in charge of the transfer operation an individual certified as a tankerman (qualified for the grade of fuel transferred), unless a master, mate, pilot, engineer, or operator licensed under section 7101 of this title is present in charge of the transfer. If the vessel does not have that individual on board, chapter 37 of this title applies to the vessel.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code) 8703(a)46:391a(10)(A) 8703(b)46:391a(10)(C) 8703(c)46:391a(4)(B) section 8703 sets requirements for tankermen on board vessels carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk as cargo or cargo residue. Subsection (a) requires a specified number of the crew certified as tankermen on board these vessels and a notation be made to that effect on the vessel’s certificate of inspection. A tankerman is an individual who is experienced and trained in the procedures for transferring oil or hazardous material to or from a vessel and is responsible for carrying out these duties and responsibilities. Subsection (b) authorizes the Secretary to regulate tankermen and restrict the types of oil or hazardous materials on the basis of safety to the vessel and the marine environment. Subsection (c) requires a tankerman or licensed master, pilot, engineer, or operator to be present and in charge of a transfer of oil or hazardous material on certain vessels in the service of oil exploitation. If this individual is not on board, then the tank vessel requirements of chapter 37 apply to the vessel.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 115–232 redesignated subsec. (c) as (b). 1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–557 struck out subsec. (b) which contained duplicate tankerman manning requirements. See section 7317(a) of this title.

§8703 Tankermen on Tank Vessels