Concerning requirements of oil tankers operating in restricted waters.

SB 6238 regulates oil tanker operations in Washington waters by setting size-based requirements. Tankers over 125,000 deadweight tons are prohibited east of a specified line without U.S. Coast Guard authorization. Tankers between 40,000 and 125,000 tons must operate under escort by tugs with at least 3,000 horsepower or 5% of the tanker's deadweight tonnage (whichever is greater) in Puget Sound. Smaller tankers (5,000-40,000 tons) require similar escorts only in Rosario Strait, with exemptions for bunkering vessels, ballast tankers, and general cargo barges.