Section 5. When operating in the waters of the commonwealth, a tank vessel shall travel only within a recommended vessel route designated by the United States Coast Guard, unless no such recommended vessel route has been designated or unless special circumstances make travel outside a recommended vessel route necessary in order to avoid an imminent navigational hazard. When operating in the waters of Buzzards bay, a tank vessel shall travel only within the designated vessel route as appearing on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chart for Buzzards bay, or as designated by the United States Coast Guard or unless special circumstances make travel outside a recommended vessel route necessary in order to avoid and imminent navigational hazard. Any person who violates this section, or an order or regulation issued or adopted hereunder, shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 for each such violation.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth
Chapter 21m - Vessel Traffic Service
Section 2 - Vessel Traffic Service System
Section 3 - Tank Vessel; Owner and Operator; Chemical Testing
Section 4 - Tank Vessel; Requirements
Section 5 - Recommended Vessel Route; Penalties
Section 6 - Tugboat Escorts; Regulations
Section 7 - Vessels Prohibited From Commonwealth Marine Terminals
Section 8 - Oil Spill Prevention and Response Trust Fund; Source of Revenue; Use; Purpose