The US Office of Port and Facility Compliance published the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 06-17: “Pipeline and Hose Testing Guidance for Marine Transportation Related Facilities Handling Oil or Hazardous Material in Bulk.”
NVIC 06-17 replaces the guidance published in August 3, 1994, in COMDT letter 16451, and provides more information regarding pipeline and hose testing guidance at facilities that transfer oil or hazardous materials in bulk, to or from a vessel.
This guidance complies with existing regulations, and it provides expanded information and recommendations for the Captain of the Port (COTP) and Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) to consider when evaluating the acceptability of proposed alternative test methods for jurisdictional facility pipe and hose tests and inspections.
Captains of the Port and Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection are also encouraged to bring this circular to the attention of Coast Guard facility inspectors and waterfront facility owners and operators within their areas of responsibility.
Existing approved alternative test methods should not be cancelled if they are not mentioned in this NVIC. The COTP should review approved alternatives for pipeline and hose testing against current guidelines and industry best practices, on a regular basis, to determine the suitability and continued acceptance of those alternatives.
Furthermore, after a delegation established from the US Secretary of Homeland Security, the USCG has exercised this authority by disseminating regulations (References (b) and (c)) that require, among other things, waterfront marine transfer piping and hose systems to be tested at regular intervals. These tests can either be conducted by facility personnel or a third party entity. The USCG also verifies that required tests are conducted via on-site records checks.
To see the full Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 06-17: “Pipeline and Hose Testing Guidance for Marine Transportation Related Facilities Handling Oil or Hazardous Material in Bulk,” click below
