§ 138.15 - Applicability.

§ 138.15 Applicability.

(a) This subpart applies to the operator as defined herein of -

(1) A tank vessel of any size, and a foreign-flag vessel of any size, using the waters of the exclusive economic zone to transship or lighter oil (whether delivering or receiving) destined for a place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; and

(2) Any vessel using the navigable waters of the United States or any port or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including a vessel using an offshore facility subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, except -

(i) A vessel that is 300 gross tons or less; or

(ii) A non-self-propelled barge that does not carry oil as cargo or fuel and does not carry hazardous substances as cargo.

(b) For the purposes of financial responsibility under OPA 90, a mobile offshore drilling unit is treated as a tank vessel when it is being used as an offshore facility and there is a discharge, or a substantial threat of a discharge, of oil on or above the surface of the water. A mobile offshore drilling unit is treated as a vessel other than a tank vessel when it is not being used as an offshore facility.

(c) In addition to a non-self-propelled barge over 300 gross tons that carries hazardous substances as cargo, for the purposes of financial responsibility under CERCLA, this subpart applies to a self-propelled vessel over 300 gross tons, even if it does not carry hazardous substances.

(d) This subpart does not apply to operators of public vessels.