Washington Administrative Code Title 317 - Ecology, Department of (Marine Safety, Office of)
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 317 – Department of Ecology (Office of Marine Safety)
WAC Title 317 contains rules adopted by the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Office of Marine Safety, focusing on marine safety and environmental protection, particularly related to oil transportation by vessels in Washington waters.
🔍 Purpose of Title 317
To prevent oil spills and protect Washington’s marine environment through regulations on:
Vessel safety
Oil spill contingency plans
Tank vessel operations
Reporting requirements
📘 Key Chapters in WAC Title 317
Here are the main chapters (some may be amended or repealed):
WAC 317-05 – Definitions
Provides definitions for terms like "bulk oil", "vessel", "tank vessel", "oil transfer", etc.
WAC 317-10 – Oil Spill Contingency Plans
Requirements for vessels transporting oil in bulk to have Ecology-approved contingency plans.
Includes planning standards, equipment, personnel, and drills.
WAC 317-21 – Barge Rules
Requirements for tank barges, including tug escort, navigation safety, and notification.
WAC 317-30 – Oil Transfer Operations
Sets procedures for oil transfer operations over water.
Includes pre-booming, safe transfer practices, and notification rules.
WAC 317-31 – Advance Notice of Oil Transfer
Requires vessels to give advance notice to Ecology before transferring oil.
Timeframes vary depending on the type and volume of oil.
WAC 317-40 – Vessel Emergency Response Tug Escort Rules
Applies to large tank vessels and barges operating in Puget Sound and Grays Harbor.
Describes tug escort requirements and vessel risk profiles.
🛡️ Who Must Comply?
Tank vessels (including barges) delivering oil in bulk over water.
Companies involved in oil transfer operations.
Oil spill response organizations (OSROs).
📝 Enforcement and Penalties
The Department of Ecology may:
Deny operating approval.
Impose penalties for noncompliance.
Issue stop-transfer orders in case of safety risks.
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