33 CFR 151.09 – Applicability
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, §§ 151.09 through 151.25 apply to each ship that—
(1) Is operated under the authority of the United States and engages in international voyages;
(2) Is operated under the authority of the United States and is certificated for ocean service;
(3) Is operated under the authority of the United States and is certificated for coastwise service beyond three nautical miles from land;
(4) Is operated under the authority of the United States and operates at any time seaward of the outermost boundary of the territorial sea of the United States as defined in § 2.22(a)(2) of this chapter; or
(5) Is operated under the authority of a country other than the United States while in the navigable waters of the United States, or while at a port or terminal under the jurisdiction of the United States.
(b) Sections 151.09 through 151.25 do not apply to—
(1) A warship, naval auxiliary, or other ship owned or operated by a country when engaged in noncommercial service;
(2) A Canadian or U.S. ship being operated exclusively on the Great Lakes of North America or their connecting and tributary waters;
(3) A Canadian or U.S. ship being operated exclusively on the internal waters of the United States and Canada; or
(4) Any other ship specifically excluded by MARPOL 73/78.
The term “internal waters” is defined in § 2.24 of this chapter.
(c) Sections 151.26 through 151.28 apply to each United States oceangoing ship specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) of this section which is—
(1) An oil tanker of 150 gross tons and above or other ship of 400 gross tons and above; or
(2) A fixed or floating drilling rig or other platform, when not engaged in the exploration, exploitation, or associated offshore processing of seabed mineral resources.
(d) The requirements of §§ 151.26 through 151.28—
(1) Do not apply to—
(i) The ships specified in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(ii) Any barge or other ship, which is constructed or operated in such a manner that no oil in any form can be carried aboard.
(2) Are considered to be met if a U.S.-flag vessel holds a USCG-approved vessel response plan and provides evidence of compliance with 33 CFR part 155, subpart D or J requirements.
(e) Section 151.26(b)(5) applies to all vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and operating in Antarctica.