Code of Federal Regulations Title 46. Shipping § 46.31.10–21a Periodic gauging of tank vessel midbodies more than 30 years old that carry certain oil cargoes—TB/ALL

(a) As used in this section, the term “midbody” means the 40–percent midship length (0.40L) of the tank vessel. The age of the midbody is determined from its year of original construction.

(b) Midbodies of all tank vessels certificated to carry a pollution category I oil cargo listed in 46 CFR Table 30.25–1 must undergo an initial gauging survey and periodic regauging surveys as follows:

(c) The midbody gauging survey must be comprised of at least three transverse (girth) belts of deck, bottom, side, inner hull, trunk, and longitudinal bulkhead plating and attached longitudinal members. The number and specific locations of the gauging points shall be to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection (OCMI).

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, within 60 days of the vessel's required compliance date the owner or operator shall submit the following to the OCMI that issued the vessel's current Certificate of Inspection:

(e) The vessel owner or operator shall keep a permanent copy of the Coast Guard-approved gauging report available for inspection by the OCMI.

(f) Instead of the submittals required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, current classification with the American Bureau of Shipping or another recognized classification society, or a load line certificate issued in accordance with the International Convention on Load Lines or the International Voyage Load Line Act, may be submitted as evidence of compliance with the requirements of this section.