Which vessels must establish oil transfer procedures according to regulations?

Vessels with a capacity of 250 barrels or more must establish oil transfer procedures according to regulations. This requirement is based on the need to mitigate the risk of oil spills and ensure the safe handling of oil during transfers. The rationale behind setting the threshold at 250 barrels is to focus regulatory oversight on vessels that pose a more significant environmental risk due to their larger capacity for carrying oil.

By mandating that only those vessels with the potential to transfer significant quantities of oil establish and adhere to specific procedures, regulatory authorities can focus resources and enforcement efforts on the vessels that are most likely to cause substantial environmental harm in the event of an incident. In contrast, smaller vessels or certain types of vessels that do not transport oil would not be subjected to the same stringent requirements, as their capacity and the associated risks are comparatively lower.

This distinction reflects an understanding of risk management in marine operations, streamlining regulatory compliance while addressing the primary concerns related to oil transfer activities.