USA Barge Operations: Guidelines and Best Practices for Liquid Hydrocarbon Barges and Associated Tugs

This best practice guide to barge operations in U.S. waters covers all aspects of the management and operation of ocean and inland barges, towboats and tugs that carry and transport crude oil and petroleum products in bulk. Topics covered include:

Safety management
certification and documentation
crew management
navigation
cargo, ballast systems and bunkering operations
ship to ship transfers
pollution prevention and response.
It is designed to support national and international regulations and recommendations and industry guidelines. Although the focus is on operations within the USA, much of the guidance included may be relevant to barge operations in other regions.