(a) The oil in an SPM-OTS must be displaced with water, and the valve at the pipeline end manifold must be closed whenever:
(1) A storm warning forecasts weather conditions that will exceed the design operating criteria listed in the operations manual for the SPM-OTS;
(2) A vessel is about to depart the SPM because of storm conditions; or
(3) The SPM is not scheduled for use in an oil transfer operation within the next 7 days.
(b) The requirement in paragraph (a) of this section is waived if port officials can demonstrate to the Sector Commander, or MSU Commander, with COTP and OCMI authority that a satisfactory alternative means of safely securing all cargo transfer hoses can be implemented in the event of severe weather conditions. [USCG-1998-3884, 71 FR 57651, Sept. 29, 2006, as amended by USCG-2013-0397, 78 FR 39182, July 1, 2013]