Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Code of Federal Regulations Title 33. Navigation and Navigable Waters § 33.157.455 Minimum under-keel clearance

Current as of January 02, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) The owner or operator of a tankship, that is not fitted with a double bottom that covers the entire cargo tank length, shall provide the tankship master with written under-keel clearance guidance that includes—

(1) Factors to consider when calculating the ship's deepest navigational draft;

(2) Factors to consider when calculating the anticipated controlling depth;

(3) Consideration of weather or environmental conditions;  and

(4) Conditions which mandate when the tankship owner or operator shall be contacted prior to port entry or getting underway;  if no such conditions exist, the guidance must contain a statement to that effect.

(b) Prior to entering the port or place of destination and prior to getting underway, the master of a tankship that is not fitted with the double bottom that covers the entire cargo tank length shall plan the ship's passage using guidance issued under paragraph (a) of this section and estimate the anticipated under-keel clearance. The tankship master and the pilot shall discuss the ship's planned transit including the anticipated under-keel clearance. An entry must be made in the tankship's official log or in other onboard documentation reflecting discussion of the ship's anticipated passage.

(c) The owner or operator of a tank barge, that is not fitted with a double bottom that covers the entire cargo tank length, shall not permit the barge to be towed unless the primary towing vessel master or operator has been provided with written under-keel clearance guidance that includes—

(1) Factors to consider when calculating the tank barge's deepest navigational draft;

(2) Factors to consider when calculating the anticipated controlling depth;

(3) Consideration of weather or environmental conditions;  and

(4) Conditions which mandate when the tank barge owner or operator shall be contacted prior to port entry or getting underway;  if no such conditions exist, the guidance must contain a statement to that effect.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Code of Federal Regulations Title 33. Navigation and Navigable Waters § 33.157.455 Minimum under-keel clearance - last updated January 02, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/cfr/title-33-navigation-and-navigable-waters/cfr-sect-33-157-455/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard