🔍 Key Concepts

• Gas-freeing requirements for tank vessels and tank barges in 46 CFR (tank vessel safety before repair or hot work) • Difference between gas free certificate, hot work permit, and Permit to Proceed • When a Certificate of Inspection (COI) is required for a barge vs when the barge might be uninspected

💭 Think About

• Ask: What is the minimum safety documentation specifically required to certify that a tank barge is safe to enter or work in for repairs? • Consider whether a Permit to Proceed and Hot Work Permit apply to every repair move to dry dock, or only when certain types of work will be performed. • Think about whether all tank barges are inspected vessels that must always carry a valid Certificate of Inspection, or if some may be uninspected.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which document actually certifies the tank spaces as safe (gas-free) for men to enter and for work to be done. • Check whether a Permit to Proceed is only for a damaged inspected vessel temporarily allowed to sail to a repair facility. • Confirm if a Hot Work Permit is always required just to shift a barge to dry dock, or only when cutting/welding or similar work will be carried out.