Cargo, Passenger, and Fishing Vessels

The following links provide access to requirements for cargo, passenger, and fishing vessels operating in Washington State waters.

• "Cargo vessel" means a self-propelled ship in commerce, other than a tank vessel or a passenger vessel, of three hundred or more gross tons, including but not limited to, commercial fish processing vessels and freighters [RCW 88.46.010(3)].
• "Passenger vessel" means a ship of three hundred or more gross tons with a fuel capacity of at least six thousand gallons carrying passengers for compensation [RCW 88.46.010(16)].

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Oil Transfer Requirements

Oil transfer requirements refer to the procedures and equipment necessary for safe oil transfers.  This includes pre-booming measures, alternative measures, and equivalent compliance.  You'll want to look at this if you're a:

• Vessel delivering oil as cargo.
• Vessel delivering oil as part of a bunkering operation.
• Vessel receiving oil at a facility, unless you're just bunkering then see below.

Bunkering Requirements (if you're receiving oil as fuel)

These apply to all bunkering operations to refuel a self-propelled covered vessel 300 gross tons or more, and to all owners, operators, persons-in-charge, and other personnel involved in bunkering in State waters.

Accepted Industry Standards/Substantial Risk

These implement the cargo and passenger vessel screening and boarding program to:

• Protect the state's natural resources.
• Provide for safe marine transportation in state waters.
• Determine whether cargo and passenger vessels entering or operating in state waters pose a substantial risk of harm to the public health and safety and to the environment.

Contingency Plans

Each company is required to develop, maintain and practice their contingency plan. All plans are reviewed and approved by Ecology on a five-year cycle.

Drill Program

Tank and other covered vessels are currently required under federal standards to participate in the National Preparedness and Response Program drill program (PREP). Under state rules you must demonstrate your ability to effectively implement your plan in an event of a spill.

Ecology inspectors regularly conduct notification drills to test the ability of vessel personnel to notify authorities of an oil spill as required by their contingency plan.