The bill amends RCW 88.16.190 to establish new operational requirements for oil tankers in restricted waters of Washington State. It prohibits oil tankers over 125,000 deadweight tons from proceeding beyond a specified line unless authorized by the U.S. Coast Guard. Additionally, it allows oil tankers between 40,000 and 125,000 deadweight tons to operate in certain waters only if they are escorted by tugs with a minimum aggregate shaft horsepower of either 3,000 or five percent of the tanker’s deadweight tons, whichever is greater. The bill also specifies that oil tankers between 5,000 and 40,000 deadweight tons can operate in Rosario Strait under similar escort requirements.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that vessels in ballast or unladen do not require tug escorts and exempts tankers with a deadweight of less than 40,000 tons from certain provisions. It also updates definitions related to articulated tug barges, oil tankers, towed general cargo deck barges, and waterborne vessels. The amendments aim to enhance safety and environmental protection in Washington's navigable waters while accommodating the operational needs of various types of vessels.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 88.16.190
Bill as passed Legislature: 88.16.190
Session law: 88.16.190