Spills > Vessel Technical Assistance > Tank Vessels

Tank Vessels

The following links provide access to requirements for tank vessels operating in Washington State waters.

 

• A "tank vessel" is defined as any ship that is constructed or adapted to carry, or that carries, oil in bulk as cargo or cargo residue [RCW 88.46.010(20)].

 

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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.

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.

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Get your company recognized for its commitment to safe and environmentally sound tank vessel operations! The following link provides access to a voluntary program for tank vessels operating in Washington State waters.  If you have any questions please contact Captain Laura Stratton.

Voluntary Best Achievable Protection (VBAP) and Exceptional Compliance (ECOPRO) Program