5706.4.7.1 Transferring approvals.

Handling packaged cargo of liquids, including full and empty drums, bulk fuel and stores, over a wharf during cargo transfer shall be subject to the approval and under the personal supervision of the bulk plant or terminal certificate of fitness holder and the senior deck officer on duty.

5706.4.7.2 Transferring location.

Wharves at which liquid cargoes are to be transferred in bulk quantities to or from marine vessels and watercraft shall be at least 100 feet (30 480 mm) from any bridge over a navigable waterway; or from any entrance to, or superstructure of, any vehicular or railroad tunnel under a waterway. The termination of the fixed piping used for loading or unloading at a wharf shall be at least 200 feet (60 960 mm) from a bridge or from an entrance to, or superstructures of, a tunnel.

5706.4.7.3 Superstructure and decking material.

Superstructure and decking shall be designed for the intended use. Decking shall be constructed of materials that will afford the desired combination of flexibility, resistance to shock, durability, strength and fire resistance.

5706.4.7.4 Wharf tanks prohibited.

It shall be unlawful to install, operate or maintain on wharfs any tanks containing flammable and combustible liquids.

5706.4.7.5 Transferring equipment.

Loading pumps capable of building up pressures in excess of the safe working pressure of cargo hose or loading arms shall be provided with bypasses, relief valves or other arrangements to protect the loading facilities against excessive pressure. Relief devices shall be tested at least annually to determine that they function satisfactorily at their set pressure.

5706.4.7.6 Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment.

Piping systems shall be in accordance with FC 5703.6 except as otherwise provided as follows:

   1.   Piping systems shall be designed to protect against physical damage resulting from the motion of the wharf from wave action, currents, tides or the mooring of marine vessels and watercraft.

   2.   Pipe joints that depend on the friction characteristics of combustible materials or on the grooving of pipe ends for mechanical continuity of piping shall not be used.

   3.   Swivel joints may be used in piping to which hoses are connected and for articulated, swivel-joint transfer systems, provided that the design of the swivel joints is such that the mechanical strength of the joint will not be impaired if the packing materials fail such as by exposure to fire.

   4.   Each pipe used to convey Class I or II liquids leading to a wharf shall be provided with a readily accessible block valve located on shore near the approach to the wharf and outside of any diked area. Where more than one line is used to convey liquid, the valves shall be grouped in one location.

   5.   Means shall be provided for ready access to cargo line valves located below the wharf deck.

   6.   Piping systems shall contain a sufficient number of valves to operate the system properly and to control the flow of liquid both during normal operation and in the event of physical damage.

   7.   Piping on wharves shall be bonded and grounded where Class I and II liquids are transported. If excessive stray current conditions exist, insulating joints shall be installed. Bonding and grounding connections on piping shall be located on the wharf side of hose riser insulating flanges, where used, and shall be accessible for inspection.

   8.   Hose or articulated swivel-joint pipe connections used for cargo transfer shall be capable of accommodating the combined effects of change in draft and maximum tidal range, and mooring lines shall be kept adjusted to prevent surge of the marine vessel or watercraft from placing stress on the cargo transfer system.

   9.   Hoses shall be supported to avoid kinking and physical damage, including damage from chafing.

   10.   Piping, hoses, valves and fittings shall be constructed of steel. Valves shall be rated for not less than 150 pounds per square inch (psig) (1034 kPa).

5706.4.7.7 Loading and unloading.

Loading or unloading shall not commence until the bulk plant or terminal certificate of fitness holder and officer in charge of the marine vessel or watercraft agree that the marine vessel or watercraft has been properly moored and connections have been properly made.