33 CFR 164.01: Applicability of navigation safety regulations
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section says which vessels the navigation safety rules in this part cover. The main rule is that this part applies to self-propelled vessels of 1600 or more gross tons in the navigable waters of the United States, except the St. Lawrence Seaway. Sections 164.70 through 164.82 cover towing vessels of 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length, with some exemptions.
Applies toSelf-propelled vessels of 1600 or more gross tons, and towing vessels of 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length for §§ 164.70 through 164.82, operating in the navigable waters of the United States other than the St. Lawrence Seaway.
What it says
This part applies to each self-propelled vessel of 1600 or more gross tons operating in the navigable waters of the United States except the St. Lawrence Seaway, subject to the exceptions in paragraphs (c) and (d) and for foreign vessels described in § 164.02.
33 CFR 164.01(a)“This part (except as specifically limited by this section) applies to each self-propelled vessel of 1600 or more gross tons”
Sections 164.70 through 164.82 apply to each towing vessel of 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length operating in the navigable waters of the United States other than the St. Lawrence Seaway.
33 CFR 164.01(b)“Sections 164.70 through 164.82 of this part apply to each towing vessel of 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length”
A towing vessel is exempt from the requirements of § 164.72 if it is used solely within a limited geographic area, such as a fleeting-area for barges or a commercial facility, and used solely for restricted service, such as making up or breaking up larger tows.
33 CFR 164.01(b)(1)“Used solely within a limited geographic area, such as a fleeting-area for barges or a commercial facility, and used solely for restricted service, such as making up or breaking up larger tows;”
A towing vessel used solely for assistance towing as defined by 46 CFR 10.107 is exempt from § 164.72.
33 CFR 164.01(b)(2)“Used solely for assistance towing as defined by 46 CFR 10.107;”
A towing vessel used solely for pollution response is exempt from § 164.72.
33 CFR 164.01(b)(3)“Used solely for pollution response; or”
Upon written request, the Captain of the Port (COTP) may, in writing, exempt a vessel from § 164.72 for a specified route if the COTP decides the exemption would not allow its unsafe navigation under anticipated conditions.
33 CFR 164.01(b)(4)“The COTP, upon written request, may, in writing, exempt a vessel from § 164.72 for a specified route”
Sections 164.11(a)(2) and (c), 164.30, 164.33, and 164.46 do not apply to warships or other government vessels used only in government noncommercial service when they have electronic navigation systems that have met the applicable agency regulations regarding navigation safety.
33 CFR 164.01(c)“do not apply to warships or other vessels owned, leased, or operated by the United States Government and used only in government noncommercial service”
Section 164.46 applies to some self-propelled vessels of less than 1600 gross tonnage.
33 CFR 164.01(d)“Provisions of § 164.46 apply to some self-propelled vessels of less than 1600 gross tonnage.”
Common questions
Does 33 CFR part 164 apply to the St. Lawrence Seaway?
No. The general applicability in paragraph (a) covers the navigable waters of the United States except the St. Lawrence Seaway, and paragraph (b) for towing vessels likewise excludes it.
“when it is operating in the navigable waters of the United States except the St. Lawrence Seaway.”
Which towing vessels must meet sections 164.70 through 164.82?
Each towing vessel of 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length operating in the navigable waters of the United States other than the St. Lawrence Seaway. Some are exempt from § 164.72.
“Sections 164.70 through 164.82 of this part apply to each towing vessel of 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length”
Can the Captain of the Port exempt a towing vessel from § 164.72?
Yes. Upon written request, the COTP may exempt a vessel in writing for a specified route if the exemption would not allow unsafe navigation under anticipated conditions.
“The COTP, upon written request, may, in writing, exempt a vessel from § 164.72 for a specified route”
Do any vessels under 1600 gross tons have to follow this part?
Yes. Provisions of § 164.46 apply to some self-propelled vessels of less than 1600 gross tonnage.
“Provisions of § 164.46 apply to some self-propelled vessels of less than 1600 gross tonnage.”
The text of 33 CFR 164.01
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Applicability
(a) This part (except as specifically limited by this section) applies to each self-propelled vessel of 1600 or more gross tons (except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, or for foreign vessels described in § 164.02) when it is operating in the navigable waters of the United States except the St. Lawrence Seaway.
(b) Sections 164.70 through 164.82 of this part apply to each towing vessel of 12 meters (39.4 feet) or more in length operating in the navigable waters of the United States other than the St. Lawrence Seaway; except that a towing vessel is exempt from the requirements of § 164.72 if it is—
(1) Used solely within a limited geographic area, such as a fleeting-area for barges or a commercial facility, and used solely for restricted service, such as making up or breaking up larger tows;
(2) Used solely for assistance towing as defined by 46 CFR 10.107;
(3) Used solely for pollution response; or
(4) Any other vessel exempted by the Captain of the Port (COTP). The COTP, upon written request, may, in writing, exempt a vessel from § 164.72 for a specified route if he or she decides that exempting it would not allow its unsafe navigation under anticipated conditions.
(c) Provisions of §§ 164.11(a)(2) and (c), 164.30, 164.33, and 164.46 do not apply to warships or other vessels owned, leased, or operated by the United States Government and used only in government noncommercial service when these vessels are equipped with electronic navigation systems that have met the applicable agency regulations regarding navigation safety.
(d) Provisions of § 164.46 apply to some self-propelled vessels of less than 1600 gross tonnage.
Sections it refers to
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.