1 The regulations contained
in this chapter apply to oil tankers of 150 gross tonnage and above
engaged in the transfer of oil cargo between oil tankers at sea (STS
operations) and their STS operations conducted on or after 1 April
2012. However, STS operations conducted before that date but after
the approval of the Administration of STS operations Plan required
under regulation 41.1 shall
be in accordance with the STS operations Plan as far as possible.
2 The regulations contained
in this chapter shall not apply to oil transfer operations associated
with fixed or floating platforms including drilling rigs; floating
production, storage and offloading facilities (FPSOs) used for the
offshore production and storage of oil; and floating storage units
(FSUs) used for the offshore storage of produced oilfootnote.
3 The regulations contained
in this chapter shall not apply to bunkering operations.
4 The regulations contained
in this chapter shall not apply to STS operations necessary for the
purpose of securing the safety of a ship or saving life at sea, or
for combating specific pollution incidents in order to minimize the
damage from pollution.
5 The regulations contained
in this chapter shall not apply to STS operations where either of
the ships involved is a warship, naval auxiliary or other ship owned
or operated by a State and used, for the time being, only on government
non-commercial service. However, each State shall ensure, by the adoption
of appropriate measures not impairing operations or operational capabilities
of such ships that the STS operations are conducted in a manner consistent,
so far as is reasonable and practicable, with this chapter.