33 CFR § 156.320 - Maximum operating conditions.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s156.320"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 156.320 - Maximum operating conditions."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "156.320"
section_name: "Maximum operating conditions."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "O"
subchapter_name: "POLLUTION"
part_number: "156"
part_name: "OIL AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TRANSFER OPERATIONS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3703, 3703a, 3715, 70011, 70034; E.O. 11735, 3 CFR 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.2."
cfr_part: "156"
---


# 156.320 Maximum operating conditions.

Unless otherwise specified, the maximum operating conditions in this section apply to tank vessels operating within the lightering zones designated in this subpart.

(a) A tank vessel shall not attempt to moor alongside another vessel when either of the following conditions exist:

(1) The wind velocity is 56 km/hr (30 knots) or more; or

(2) The wave height is 3 meters (10 feet) or more.

(b) Cargo transfer operations shall cease and transfer hoses shall be drained when—

(1) The wind velocity exceeds 82 km/hr (44 knots); or

(2) Wave heights exceed 5 meters (16 feet).