Regulations last checked for updates: Dec 19, 2025

Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Waters last revised: Dec 12, 2025
§ 127.315 - Preliminary transfer inspection.

Before transferring LNG, the person in charge of shoreside transfer operations must-

(a) Inspect the transfer piping and equipment to be used during the transfer and replace any worn or inoperable parts;

(b) For each of the vessel's cargo tanks from which cargo will be transferred, note the pressure, temperature, and volume to ensure they are safe for transfer;

(c) Review and agree with the person in charge of cargo transfer on the vessel to-

(1) The sequence of transfer operations;

(2) The transfer rate;

(3) The duties, location, and watches of each person assigned for transfer operations; and

(4) Emergency procedures from the examined Emergency Manual;

(d) Ensure that transfer connections allow the vessel to move to the limits of its moorings without placing strain on the loading arm or transfer piping system;

(e) Ensure that each part of the transfer system is aligned to allow the flow of LNG to the desired location;

(f) Ensure that warning signs that warn that LNG is being transferred, are displayed;

(g) Eliminate all ignition sources in the marine transfer area for LNG;

(h) Ensure that personnel are on duty in accordance with the examined Operations Manual; and

(i) Test the following to determine that they are operable:

(1) The sensing and alarm systems.

(2) The emergency shutdown system.

(3) The communication systems.

[CGD 78-038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, as amended by CGD 88-049, 60 FR 39796, Aug. 3, 1995; USCG-2019-0444, 87 FR 5691, Feb. 2, 2022]
authority: 33 U.S.C. 1504(j)(2); 46 U.S.C. 70011 and 70034; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.2, paragraph (II)(92)(a)
source: CGD 78-038, 53 FR 3376, Feb. 7, 1988, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 33 CFR 127.315