Portable fuel containers are commonly found on towing vessels. They are routinely used for fueling auxiliary equipment such as dewatering pumps, fire pumps, and auxiliary boats.
Subchapter M § 142.225 discusses the storage of flammable or combustible products, but there are other considerations in Part 147 of Subchapter N, which is probably the best place to start evaluating the question above.
Subchapter N: 46 CFR §147.1(b) – Applicability for Part 147 (Hazardous Ships’ Stores) indicates “This part applies to all vessels listed in 46 U.S.C. 3301…”. The U.S.C. 3301 includes “(15) towing vessels”. So, we know it is appropriate and acceptable to apply the requirements of § 147.45 (Flammable and combustible liquids) to a Subchapter M towing vessel.
46 CFR §147.45(f) specifies that fuel may be stored in a portable safety container meeting UL 30, UL 1313, or UL 1314. Standard plastic consumer-use fuel containers are not allowed.
You may store portable safety container(s) in any of the three locations:
- A storage cabinet meeting UL 1275 or FM 6050; and
- A storage room (i.e., paint locker) that is free of ignition sources; and
- An open location designated by the master (see § 147.45(g))
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
- A location designated by the master should be identifiable through signage, TSMS reference(s), and crew knowledge. It is also advisable to ensure the designated storage location adequately secures the portable safety containers from movement due to vessel maneuvers and environmental conditions.
- Refilling portable safety containers onboard the vessel requires a drip pan of adequate size and that a 10-B:C (former B-I) fire extinguisher be within 9.75 feet of the refilling location (see § 147.45(i)).