33 CFR 155.1015: Applicability of vessel response plan subpart

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section says which vessels this subpart covers: vessels constructed or adapted to carry, or that carry, oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue, that are U.S. vessels, operate on U.S. navigable waters, or transfer oil in a U.S. port or place. It applies this scope except as provided in paragraph (c), which lists excluded vessels. It also relaxes some requirements for covered vessels outside U.S. navigable waters and the exclusive economic zone.

Applies toEach vessel constructed or adapted to carry, or that carries, oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue, and that is a vessel of the United States, operates on the navigable waters of the United States, or transfers oil in a port or place subject to U.S. jurisdiction, except as provided in paragraph (c).

What it says

Except as provided in paragraph (c), this subpart applies to each vessel constructed or adapted to carry, or that carries, oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue, if the vessel is a vessel of the United States, operates on U.S. navigable waters, or transfers oil in a port or place subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
33 CFR 155.1015(a)“Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, this subpart applies to each vessel that is constructed or adapted to carry, or that carries, oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue, and that—”
This subpart also applies to vessels that engage in oil lightering operations beyond the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured, when the cargo lightered is destined for a port or place subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
33 CFR 155.1015(b)“when the cargo lightered is destined for a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.”
This subpart does not apply to vessels that are constructed or adapted to carry oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue but are not storing or carrying oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue.
33 CFR 155.1015(c)(2)“Vessels that, although constructed or adapted to carry oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue, are not storing or carrying oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue.”
This subpart does not apply to fishing or fishing tender vessels, as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101, of not more than 750 gross tons when engaged only in the fishing industry.
33 CFR 155.1015(c)(6)“Fishing or fishing tender vessels as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101 of not more than 750 gross tons when engaged only in the fishing industry.”
This subpart does not apply to foreign-flag vessels engaged in innocent passage through the territorial sea or transit passage through a strait used for international navigation, unless they are bound for or departing from a port or place of the United States.
33 CFR 155.1015(c)(7)“Foreign-flag vessels engaged in innocent passage through the territorial sea or transit passage through a strait used for international navigation, unless bound for or departing from a port or place of the United States.”
This subpart does not apply to vessels carrying oil as a secondary cargo and measuring 400 gross tons or greater.
33 CFR 155.1015(c)(8)“Vessels carrying oil as a secondary cargo and measuring 400 gross tons or greater.”
Covered vessels not operating within U.S. navigable waters or the exclusive economic zone must meet all requirements of this subpart except three items: identifying and ensuring response resources, providing the geographic-specific appendices, and designating a qualified individual and alternate.
33 CFR 155.1015(d)“Vessels covered by this subpart that are not operating within the navigable waters or the exclusive economic zone of the United States must meet all requirements of this subpart except for—”

Common questions

Does this subpart apply to offshore supply vessels?

No. Offshore supply vessels as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101 are among the vessels this subpart does not apply to.

“Offshore supply vessels as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101.”

Where are response plan requirements for nontank vessels found?

The note says response plan requirements for nontank vessels are found in subpart J of this part.

“Response plan requirements for nontank vessels are found in subpart J of this part.”

Does this subpart apply to a vessel built to carry oil in bulk that is not carrying any?

No. This subpart does not apply to a vessel constructed or adapted to carry oil in bulk that is not storing or carrying oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue.

“Vessels that, although constructed or adapted to carry oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue, are not storing or carrying oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue.”

Does this subpart apply to lightering beyond the territorial sea baseline?

Yes, when the cargo lightered is destined for a port or place subject to U.S. jurisdiction.

“when the cargo lightered is destined for a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.”

The text of 33 CFR 155.1015

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR

Applicability

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, this subpart applies to each vessel that is constructed or adapted to carry, or that carries, oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue, and that—

(1) Is a vessel of the United States;

(2) Operates on the navigable waters of the United States; or

(3) Transfers oil in a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(b) This subpart also applies to vessels which engage in oil lightering operations in the marine environment beyond the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured, when the cargo lightered is destined for a port or place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

(1) Public vessels and vessels deemed public vessels under 14 U.S.C. 3908.

(2) Vessels that, although constructed or adapted to carry oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue, are not storing or carrying oil in bulk as cargo or oil cargo residue.

(3) Dedicated response vessels when conducting response operations.

(4) Vessels of opportunity when conducting response operations in a response area.

(5) Offshore supply vessels as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101.

(6) Fishing or fishing tender vessels as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101 of not more than 750 gross tons when engaged only in the fishing industry.

(7) Foreign-flag vessels engaged in innocent passage through the territorial sea or transit passage through a strait used for international navigation, unless bound for or departing from a port or place of the United States.

(8) Vessels carrying oil as a secondary cargo and measuring 400 gross tons or greater.

(d) Vessels covered by this subpart that are not operating within the navigable waters or the exclusive economic zone of the United States must meet all requirements of this subpart except for—

(1) Identifying and ensuring, through contract or other approved means, the availability of response resources including the shore-based spill management team;

(2) Providing the geographic-specific appendices required in § 155.1035, 155.1040, or 155.1045, as appropriate; and

(3) Identifying and designating a qualified individual and alternate qualified individual required in § 155.1026.

Note to § 155.1015: Response plan requirements for nontank vessels are found in subpart J of this part.

Sections it refers to

The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.