33 CFR 155.790: Deck lighting for oil transfer operations

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section sets deck lighting rules for certain self-propelled vessels conducting transfer operations between sunset and sunrise. Transfer operations work areas and transfer connection points in use must be adequately illuminated. The OCMI or COTP may require instrument verification, and lighting must not mislead or interfere with navigation.

Applies toA self-propelled vessel with a capacity of 250 or more barrels of oil or hazardous material that is conducting transfer operations between sunset and sunrise.

What it says

  1. A self-propelled vessel with a capacity of 250 or more barrels of oil or hazardous material that is conducting transfer operations between sunset and sunrise must have deck lighting that adequately illuminates specified areas.

    33 CFR 155.790(a)“A self-propelled vessel with a capacity of 250 or more barrels of oil or hazardous material that is conducting transfer operations between sunset and sunrise must have deck lighting that adequately illuminates—”

  2. The deck lighting must adequately illuminate each transfer operations work area and each transfer connection point in use on the vessel.

    33 CFR 155.790(a)(1)“Each transfer operations work area and each transfer connection point in use on the vessel; and”

  3. The deck lighting must also adequately illuminate each transfer operations work area and each transfer connection point in use on each barge, if any, moored to the vessel to or from which oil or hazardous material is being transferred.

    33 CFR 155.790(a)(2)“Each transfer operations work area and each transfer connection point in use on each barge, if any, moored to the vessel to or from which oil or hazardous material is being transferred;”

  4. Where the illumination is apparently inadequate, the OCMI or COTP may require verification of the illumination levels by instrument.

    33 CFR 155.790(b)“Where the illumination is apparently inadequate the OCMI or COTP may require verification by instrument of the levels of illumination.”

  5. Measured on a horizontal plane 3 feet above the deck, illumination must be at least 5.0 foot candles at transfer connection points.

    33 CFR 155.790(b)(1)“5.0 foot candles at transfer connection points; and”

  6. Measured on a horizontal plane 3 feet above the deck, illumination must be at least 1.0 foot candle in transfer operations work areas.

    33 CFR 155.790(b)(2)“1.0 foot candle in transfer operations work areas.”

  7. Lighting must be located or shielded so that it does not mislead or otherwise interfere with navigation on the adjacent waterways.

    33 CFR 155.790(c)“Lighting must be located or shielded so as not to mislead or otherwise interfere with navigation on the adjacent waterways.”

Common questions

Which vessels must have deck lighting during oil transfers?

A self-propelled vessel with a capacity of 250 or more barrels of oil or hazardous material must have it when conducting transfer operations between sunset and sunrise.

“A self-propelled vessel with a capacity of 250 or more barrels of oil or hazardous material that is conducting transfer operations between sunset and sunrise must have deck lighting that adequately illuminates—”

How many foot candles are required at transfer connection points?

Illumination must measure at least 5.0 foot candles at transfer connection points. It is measured on a horizontal plane 3 feet above the deck.

“5.0 foot candles at transfer connection points; and”

Can the OCMI or COTP require lighting measurements?

Yes. Where the illumination is apparently inadequate, the OCMI or COTP may require verification by instrument of the levels of illumination.

“Where the illumination is apparently inadequate the OCMI or COTP may require verification by instrument of the levels of illumination.”

The text of 33 CFR 155.790

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

Deck lighting

(a) A self-propelled vessel with a capacity of 250 or more barrels of oil or hazardous material that is conducting transfer operations between sunset and sunrise must have deck lighting that adequately illuminates—

(1) Each transfer operations work area and each transfer connection point in use on the vessel; and

(2) Each transfer operations work area and each transfer connection point in use on each barge, if any, moored to the vessel to or from which oil or hazardous material is being transferred;

(b) Where the illumination is apparently inadequate the OCMI or COTP may require verification by instrument of the levels of illumination. On a horizontal plane 3 feet above the deck the illumination must measure at least:

(1) 5.0 foot candles at transfer connection points; and

(2) 1.0 foot candle in transfer operations work areas.

(c) Lighting must be located or shielded so as not to mislead or otherwise interfere with navigation on the adjacent waterways.

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.