The use of a vessel/shore bonding cable or wire is permissible only if operationally necessary and only in compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

(a) A switch on the jetty that is in series with the bonding cable must be provided. The switch must be listed or certified by a Coast Guard accepted independent laboratory and approved for use in a Class I Zone 1 or Class I, Division 1 location, and the appropriate Gas Group of the cargo authorized for the vessel.

(b) The connection point for the bonding cable system must be at least 20 feet from the cargo manifold area, the cargo hose string, or the vapor recovery connection. The switch must be in the off position before connecting or disconnecting the bonding cable. The bonding cable must be attached before the cargo hoses or arms, or the vapor recovery connections are connected. The bonding cable must be removed only after the cargo hoses or arms, or the vapor recovery connections have been disconnected.

[USCG-1999-5150, 78 FR 42642, July 16, 2013]