33 CFR § 157.435 - Vital systems surveys.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s157.435"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 157.435 - Vital systems surveys."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "157.435"
section_name: "Vital systems surveys."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "O"
subchapter_name: "POLLUTION"
part_number: "157"
part_name: "RULES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT RELATING TO TANK VESSELS CARRYING OIL IN BULK"
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. 1903; 46 U.S.C. 3703, 3703a (note); Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Subparts G, H, and I are also issued under section 4115(b), Pub. L. 101-380, 104 Stat. 520; Pub. L. 104-55, 109 Stat. 546."
regulatory_source: "CGD 74-32, 40 FR 48283, Oct. 14, 1975, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "157"
---


# 157.435 Vital systems surveys.

(a) A tank vessel owner or operator shall ensure that surveys of the following systems are conducted:

(1) *Cargo systems.* The survey must include the examination and testing of the items listed in chapters 6, 7, and 10 of the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals, if applicable, prior to cargo transfer operations.

(2) *Mooring systems.* The survey must include a visual examination of the emergency towline, the anchor releasing mechanism, and mooring lines prior to entering the port or place of destination, if weather permits, or prior to getting underway.

(b) Surveys must be conducted by company management personnel, company designated individuals, or vessel officers knowledgeable about the equipment operating parameters and having the authority, capability, and responsibility to initiate corrective action when the equipment is not functioning properly.

(c) The results of the survey required in paragraph (a) of this section, including the material condition of each system, must be recorded in the tank vessel's deck log or other onboard documentation.

[CGD 91-045, 61 FR 39789, July 30, 1996; 61 FR 41685, Aug. 9, 1996]