API RP 5LW:2009(R2015)

The recommendations in this document apply to transportation of API Specification 5L steel line pipe by ship or barge on both inland and marine waterways, unless the specific requirement of a paragraph in this document references only marine or only inland waterway transport. Inland waterways are defined as those waterways with various degrees of protection, such as rivers, canals, intracoastal waterways, and sheltered bays. These waterways can be fresh or saltwater but are usually traversed by barges. Marine waterways are defined as waterways over open seas with limited or no protection from wind, current, waves, and the like. These areas are normally traversed by sea-going vessels. These recommendations apply to steel line pipe that has 2 3/8-in. outside diameter (OD) and larger. These recommendations cover coated or uncoated pipe, but they do not encompass loading practices designed to protect pipe coating from damage. These recommendations are not applicable to pipe-laying vessels or supply vessels. They must be considered as supplementary to the existing rules of governing agencies. These recommendations are supplemental to shipping rules for the convenience of purchasers and manufacturers in the specification of loading and shipping practices and are not intended to inhibit purchasers and manufacturers from using other supplemental loading and shipping practices by mutual agreement.