Tank washings

U.S.C. Title 46 - SHIPPING 46 U.S.C. United States Code, 2023 Edition Title 46 - SHIPPING Subtitle II - Vessels and Seamen Part B - Inspection and Regulation of Vessels CHAPTER 37 - CARRIAGE OF LIQUID BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES Sec. 3716 - Tank washings From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov

§3716. Tank washings

(a) A vessel may not transfer cargo in a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States if, before arriving, the vessel has discharged tank washings containing oil or hazardous material in preparation for loading at that port or place in violation of the laws of the United States or in a manner or quantities inconsistent with a treaty to which the United States is a party. (b) The Secretary shall establish effective control and supervisory measures to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 527.)

Historical and Revision Notes Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code)

3716 46:391a(18)

Section 3716 requires the Secretary to establish effective control and supervisory measures to prohibit the discharge of tank washings by dumping at sea. The section also prohibits the dumping vessel from subsequently loading any cargo at a port or terminal subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. This section is intended to prohibit the practice of discharging a cargo of oil or hazardous substance, then going to sea to clean tanks by pumping tank washing mixtures overboard, and then returning to a port or terminal subject to the jurisdiction of the United States for the purpose of loading a cargo that was incompatible with the prior cargo.