# Maximum operating conditions.

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** 33 CFR 156.320
- **title:** Maximum operating conditions.
- **source type:** regulation
- **agency:** United States Coast Guard
- **status:** current
- **official:** true
- **published on:** Not available
- **effective on:** 2026-08-18
- **summary:** 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
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- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/33-cfr-156-320.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/33-cfr-156-320
- **source url:** https://www.ecfr.gov/on/2026-08-18/title-33/section-156.320
**body:**

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).
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- **body characters:** 576