(1) Before the start of an oil transfer operation, the PICs must hold a face-to-face pretransfer conference. If the PICs determine weather conditions prevent safe access, PICs may communicate via radio.

(2) The PICs must discuss and agree upon:

(a) The preloading or cargo plan;

(b) The contents of the declaration of inspection (DOI) required under 33 C.F.R. 156.150;

(c) Procedures for communicating soundings, changing over tanks, and beginning topping off;

(d) Shift change procedures;

(e) Emergency shutdown procedures and identify all means to shut down the oil transfer operation in an emergency; and

(f) Expected weather and/or sea conditions and threshold values for weather and sea conditions above which oil transfer operations must cease.

(3) During a pretransfer conference that involves a covered vessel, the point-of-transfer watch and deck-rover watch must be identified to PICs.

(4) An oil transfer operation will not begin unless a person proficient in both English and a language common to the vessel's officers and crew is present at the pretransfer conference.