# Maximum operating conditions.

**Citation:** 33 CFR 156.320  
**Type / status:** regulation / current  
**Agency:** United States Coast Guard  
**Effective:** 2026-08-18  
**Published:** Not stated

Unless otherwise specified, the maximum operating conditions in this section apply to tank vessels operating within the lightering zones designated in this subpart.

(a) A tank vessel shall not attempt to moor alongside another vessel when either of the following conditions exist:

(1) The wind velo

## Document text

Unless otherwise specified, the maximum operating conditions in this section apply to tank vessels operating within the lightering zones designated in this subpart.

(a) A tank vessel shall not attempt to moor alongside another vessel when either of the following conditions exist:

(1) The wind velocity is 56 km/hr (30 knots) or more; or

(2) The wave height is 3 meters (10 feet) or more.

(b) Cargo transfer operations shall cease and transfer hoses shall be drained when—

(1) The wind velocity exceeds 82 km/hr (44 knots); or

(2) Wave heights exceed 5 meters (16 feet).

## Provenance

- Official: Yes
- Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/on/2026-08-18/title-33/section-156.320>
- Source ID: `ecfr`
- SHA-256: `f155c6cd6ea38b1c99bcd48df0ea4854ba5df332d15e77351b794ee6cc9b7bb7`
- Retrieved: 2026-08-20T06:28:21.529Z
- Exported: 2026-08-23T16:01:13.176Z
- Document slug: `33-cfr-156-320`

### Source metadata

```json
{
  "cfrTitle": 33,
  "part": "156",
  "section": "156.320",
  "subpart": "Subpart C—Lightering Zones and Operational Requirements for the Gulf of America",
  "corpusVersion": "2026-08-18",
  "jurisdiction": "US"
}
```