46 CFR 98.30-27: -27 Connections.

(a) Each person who makes a connection for a transfer operation must—

(1) Use suitable material in joints and couplings to make a tight seal;

(2) Use a bolt in at least every other hole and in no case less than four bolts in each temporary connection utilizing an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard flange coupling;

(3) Use a bolt in each hole of couplings other than ANSI standard flange couplings;

(4) Use a bolt in each hole of each permanently connected flange coupling;

(5) Use bolts of the same size in each bolted coupling; and

(6) Tighten each bolt and nut uniformly to distribute the load.

(b) No person who makes a connection for a transfer operation may use any bolt that shows signs of strain or is elongated or deteriorated.

(c) No person may use a connection for transfer operations unless it is—

(1) A bolted or full threaded connection; or

(2) A quick-connect coupling accepted by the Coast Guard.