(a) Prohibitions. Cleaning and gas freeing of tanks shall not take place:
(1) In a canal or a lock;
(2) In an area that is not clear of other vessels or structures; and
(3) Before gas freeing and tank cleaning has been reported to the nearest Seaway station.
(b) Hot Work Permission. Permission is granted under the following conditions:
(1) Copy of ship's “Hot Work Permit” provided to SLSMC at ([email protected] & [email protected]) before welding commences;
(2) Name of company performing the hot work;
(3) Effective fire watch is maintained;
(4) Welding operations shall temporarily cease during ship meets and lockages;
(5) Welding operations shall cease at the direction of a Traffic Controller; and
(6) All sparks and/or flames to be contained on the ship.
(c) Special requirements for tankers performing hot work. Prior to arriving at any SLSMC designated approach wall or wharf, a tanker must be gas free or have tanks inerted. The gas-free certificate must be sent to the SLSMC Traffic Control Center in order to obtain clearance for the vessel to commence hot work.
[78 FR 16182, Mar. 14, 2013, as amended at 87 FR 12591, Mar. 7, 2022]