Regulations last checked for updates: Oct 17, 2024

Title 46 - Shipping last revised: Oct 15, 2024
§ 153.955 - Warning signs during cargo transfer.

(a) When transferring cargo while fast to a dock or at anchor in port, the master shall ensure that the tankship displays a warning sign at the gangway facing the shore so that it may be seen from the shore and another warning sign facing outboard toward the water so that it may be seen from the water. (See figure 1).

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each warning sign must have the following legends:

(1) Warning.

(2) Dangerous Cargo.

(3) No Visitors.

(4) No Smoking.

(5) No Open Lights.

(c) Each letter must be block style, black on a white background.

(d) Each letter must:

(1) Be 7.5 cm (approx. 3 in.) high;

(2) Be 5 cm (approx. 2 in.) wide except for “M” and “W” which must be 7.5 cm (approx. 3 in.) wide and the letter “I” which may be 1.3 cm (approx. 1/2 in.) wide; and

(3) Have 1.3 cm (approx. 1/2 in.) stroke width.

(e) The spacing must be:

(1) 1.3 cm (approx. 1/2 in.) between letters of the same word;

(2) 5 cm (approx. 2 in.) between words;

(3) 5 cm (approx. 2 in.) between lines; and

(4) 5 cm (approx. 2 in.) at the borders of the sign.

(f) Except as described in § 153.1045, the legends “No Smoking” and “No Open Lights” are not required when the cargoes on board the tankship are neither flammable nor combustible.

authority: 46 U.S.C. 3703; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Section 153.40 issued under 49 U.S.C. 5103. Sections 153.470 through 153.491, 153.1100 through 153.1132, and 153.1600 through 153.1608 also issued under 33 U.S.C. 1903 (b)
source: CGD 73-96, 42 FR 49027, Sept. 26, 1977, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 46 CFR 153.955