A new rule adopted by the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners, in consultation with the Washington Department of Ecology, will require tug escorts for a wider range of oil tankers as they transit Puget Sound.
Under the regulation, oil tankers between 5,000 and 40,000 deadweight tons and barges and articulated tug barges greater than 5,000 deadweight tons will be required to be escorted by a tug, providing a safety net if the vessels lose power or run into trouble. This class of vessels did not require tug escorts prior to 2020, when the Legislature enacted the initial rules for these vessels in response to the 2019 Safety of Oil Transportation Act, which required the Board and Ecology to take a number of actions to strengthen the state’s spill prevention and response programs.
To strengthen protections against oil spills the rule also expands the zone where tug escorts are required and adds measures to improve tug effectiveness.
The new tug escort requirements close critical safety gaps for vessels carrying oil in bulk, reducing the risk of a catastrophic oil spill in Puget Sound and helping to protect wildlife, fisheries, public health, and Washington’s economy.
“This rule is the result of strong collaboration and a shared commitment to preventing oil spills before they happen,” said Jaimie Bever, Executive Director of the Board of Pilotage Commissioners. “Together, we’re taking meaningful action to protect our waterways, coastal economies, and endangered species like the Southern Resident killer whales.”
The Board determined that the rule meets the standard of “best achievable protection,” striking a balance between strong environmental safeguards, technical feasibility, and minimizing economic impacts from the changes.
Input provided
Meetings and workshops for Tribal governments and stakeholders were held throughout the rulemaking process. Formal public hearings were held in July 2025.
The public can review the meeting materials and public comments at Ecology’s Board of Pilotage Commissioners Tug Escort Rulemaking (Chapter 363-116 WAC) or the Board of Pilotage Commissioners webpage.