Oil Spill -- Transfer Hose (A Reissuance)
Effective Date: 9/5/1978
 | Minerals Management Service Gulf of Mexico OCS Region |
Notice No. 074
September 5, 1978
OCS Operations Safety Alert
Oil Spill -- Transfer Hose (A Reissuance)
Since the issuance of Notice No. 063, May 4, 1977, there have been fourteen (14) oil spills reported by Gulf of Mexico OCS area operators that were the direct result of transferring fuel oil and oil phase drilling fluids. Approximately 50 percent of the incidents were caused by the transfer hose failing, and the other 50 percent were caused by inattentive personnel.
All transfer hoses should be inspected as soon as possible and replaced if defective. They should be stored properly and not subjected to sharp bends which may cause weakening. Coast Guard Regulations, CFR Title 33, Subpart C--Equipment Requirements, Part 154.500 and Part 156.170, specifies the procedures to be used in the inspection of transfer hoses that are larger than 3 inches inside diameter.
All transfer operations should be visually monitored at both the pumping and receiving stations until transfer operations have been completed.
[signed] D.W. Solanas
Oil and Gas Supervisor
Field Operations
Gulf of Mexico Area