(a) Each towing vessel must be operated in compliance with:

(1) Applicable sections of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, including section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1321);

(2) Applicable sections of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (33 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.); and

(3) Parts 151, 155, and 156, of 33 CFR, as applicable.

(b) Each towing vessel must be capable of preventing all oil spills from reaching the water during transfers by:

(1) Pre-closing the scuppers/freeing ports, if the towing vessel is so equipped;

(2) Using fixed or portable containment of sufficient capacity to contain the most likely spill, if 33 CFR 155.320 does not apply; or

(3) Pre-deploying sorbent material on the deck around vents and fills.

(c) No person may intentionally drain oil or hazardous material into the bilge of a towing vessel from any source. For purposes of this section, “oil” has the same meaning as “oil” defined in 33 U.S.C. 1321.


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