33 CFR 155.4055: Temporary waivers from required response times
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section lets you request a temporary waiver of a specific response time requirement if you cannot identify a resource provider who can meet it. The request goes to the Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R) via the local COTP. A table lists the maximum waiver period for each service.
What it says
You may request a temporary waiver of a specific response time requirement if you cannot identify a resource provider who can meet that response time.
33 CFR 155.4055(a)“You may submit a request for a temporary waiver of a specific response time requirement, if you are unable to identify a resource provider who can meet the response time.”
Your request must be specific as to the COTP zone, operating environment, salvage or marine firefighting service, and response time.
33 CFR 155.4055(b)“Your request must be specific as to the COTP zone, operating environment, salvage or marine firefighting service, and response time.”
The emergency lightering requirements set forth in § 155.4030(b) are not subject to the waiver provisions of this subpart.
33 CFR 155.4055(c)“Emergency lightering requirements set forth in § 155.4030(b) will not be subject to the waiver provisions of this subpart.”
You must submit your request to the Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R) via the local COTP. The local COTP will evaluate and comment on it, then forward it via the District to the Assistant Commandant (CG-5R) for final approval.
33 CFR 155.4055(d)“The local COTP will evaluate and comment on the waiver before forwarding the waiver request, via the District, to the Assistant Commandant (CG-5R) for final approval.”
Your request must include why you cannot meet the time requirements, how you intend to correct the shortfall, the time it will take, and what arrangements have been made to provide the required response resources and their estimated response times.
33 CFR 155.4055(e)“It must also include how you intend to correct the shortfall, the time it will take to do so, and what arrangements have been made to provide the required response resources and their estimated response times.”
The Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R) will only approve waiver requests up to a specified time period, which depends on the service, the operating environment, and other relevant factors. Table 155.4055(g) lists these periods.
33 CFR 155.4055(f)“will only approve waiver requests up to a specified time period, depending on the service addressed in the waiver request, the operating environment, and other relevant factors.”
You must submit your waiver request 30 days prior to any plan submission deadlines identified in this or any other subpart of part 155 in order for your vessel to continue oil transport or transfer operations.
33 CFR 155.4055(h)“You must submit your waiver request 30 days prior to any plan submission deadlines identified in this or any other subpart of part 155”
Common questions
When can I ask for a waiver of a response time?
You may request a temporary waiver of a specific response time requirement if you are unable to identify a resource provider who can meet that response time.
“You may submit a request for a temporary waiver of a specific response time requirement, if you are unable to identify a resource provider who can meet the response time.”
Who approves a response time waiver request?
The Assistant Commandant (CG-5R) gives final approval. The local COTP evaluates and comments, then forwards the request via the District.
“The local COTP will evaluate and comment on the waiver before forwarding the waiver request, via the District, to the Assistant Commandant (CG-5R) for final approval.”
How far ahead of a plan deadline must I submit a waiver request?
You must submit your waiver request 30 days prior to any plan submission deadlines identified in this or any other subpart of part 155, in order for your vessel to continue oil transport or transfer operations.
“You must submit your waiver request 30 days prior to any plan submission deadlines identified in this or any other subpart of part 155”
Do waivers cover emergency lightering?
No. Emergency lightering requirements set forth in § 155.4030(b) are not subject to the waiver provisions of this subpart.
“Emergency lightering requirements set forth in § 155.4030(b) will not be subject to the waiver provisions of this subpart.”
The text of 33 CFR 155.4055
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of March 31, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Temporary waivers from meeting one or more of the specified response times
(a) You may submit a request for a temporary waiver of a specific response time requirement, if you are unable to identify a resource provider who can meet the response time.
(b) Your request must be specific as to the COTP zone, operating environment, salvage or marine firefighting service, and response time.
(c) Emergency lightering requirements set forth in § 155.4030(b) will not be subject to the waiver provisions of this subpart.
(d) You must submit your request to the Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R), via the local COTP for final approval. The local COTP will evaluate and comment on the waiver before forwarding the waiver request, via the District, to the Assistant Commandant (CG-5R) for final approval.
(e) Your request must include the reason why you are unable to meet the time requirements. It must also include how you intend to correct the shortfall, the time it will take to do so, and what arrangements have been made to provide the required response resources and their estimated response times.
(f) Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R), will only approve waiver requests up to a specified time period, depending on the service addressed in the waiver request, the operating environment, and other relevant factors. These time periods are listed in Table 155.4055(g).
(g) Table 155.4055(g) lists the service waiver time periods.
Table 155.4055(g)—Service Waiver Time Periods Service Maximum waiver timeperiod(years) (1) Remote salvage assessment & consultation 0 (2) Remote firefighting assessment & consultation 0 (3) On-site salvage & firefighting assessment 1 (4) Hull and bottom survey 2 (5) Salvage stabilization services 3 (6) Fire suppression services 4 (7) Specialized salvage operations 5
(h) You must submit your waiver request 30 days prior to any plan submission deadlines identified in this or any other subpart of part 155 in order for your vessel to continue oil transport or transfer operations.
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 March 31, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.