(1) All hoses or piping used in an oil transfer operation must meet the following criteria:

(a) Hoses or piping must be supported so as to avoid crushing or excessive strain. Flanges, joints, hoses, and piping must be visually checked prior to the transfer for cracks and signs of leakage.

(b) All hoses and loading arms are long enough to allow the vessel to move to the limits of its moorings without placing strain on any component of the oil transfer equipment.

(c) Each hose must have no unrepaired loose covers, kinks, bulges, soft spots, or any other defect which would permit the discharge of oil or hazardous material through the hose material and no gouges, cuts, or slashes that penetrate the first layer of hose reinforcement ("reinforcement" means the strength members of the hose, consisting of fabric, cord and/or metal).

(d) Hoses or piping must not be permitted to chafe on the dock or vessel or be in contact with any source that might affect the integrity of the hoses.

(e) Hose ends must be blanked tightly when hoses are moved into position for connection, also immediately after they are disconnected, and residue drained either into the vessel tanks or into suitable shore receptacles before they are moved away from their connections.

(2) Testing of all oil transfer equipment, including, but not limited to, pumps, valves, piping, manifolds, connections, and hoses, must be done annually, and must be conducted by using one of the following methods:

(a) In accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and industrial standards; or

(b) Procedures identified in 33 C.F.R. 156.170.