33 CFR 164.15: Navigation bridge field of vision
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section limits how much cargo, cargo gear, and trim may block the view from the navigation bridge. It sets viewing arcs and blind-sector limits for the conning position, bridge wings, and main steering position. It also requires a clear view through at least two front windows at all times.
Applies toVessels entering or departing from U.S. ports.
What it says
The arrangement of cargo, cargo gear, and trim of all vessels entering or departing from U.S. ports must be such that the field of vision from the navigation bridge conforms as closely as possible to the listed requirements.
33 CFR 164.15(a)“The arrangement of cargo, cargo gear, and trim of all vessels entering or departing from U.S. ports must be such that the field of vision from the navigation bridge conforms as closely as possible”
From the conning position, the view of the sea surface must not be obscured by more than the lesser of two ship lengths or 500 meters (1640 feet) from dead ahead to 10 degrees on either side of the vessel.
33 CFR 164.15(a)(1)“the view of the sea surface must not be obscured by more than the lesser of two ship lengths or 500 meters (1640 feet) from dead ahead to 10 degrees on either side of the vessel”
Within that arc, any blind sector caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 5 degrees.
33 CFR 164.15(a)(1)“Within this arc of visibility any blind sector caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 5 degrees.”
From the conning position, the horizontal field of vision must extend from at least 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on one side, through dead ahead, to at least 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on the other side.
33 CFR 164.15(a)(2)“the horizontal field of vision must extend over an arc from at least 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on one side of the vessel, through dead ahead, to at least 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on the other side of the vessel”
Blind sectors forward of the beam caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 10 degrees each or total more than 20 degrees, including any blind sector within the arc described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
33 CFR 164.15(a)(2)“Blind sectors forward of the beam caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 10 degrees each, nor total more than 20 degrees”
From each bridge wing, the field of vision must extend from at least 45 degrees on the opposite bow, through dead ahead, to at least dead astern.
33 CFR 164.15(a)(3)“From each bridge wing, the field of vision must extend over an arc from at least 45 degrees on the opposite bow, through dead ahead, to at least dead astern.”
From the main steering position, the field of vision must extend from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.
33 CFR 164.15(a)(4)“From the main steering position, the field of vision must extend over an arc from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.”
A clear view must be provided through at least two front windows at all times, regardless of weather conditions.
33 CFR 164.15(b)“A clear view must be provided through at least two front windows at all times regardless of weather conditions.”
Common questions
How large can a blind sector be in the arc dead ahead of the conning position?
Within the arc from dead ahead to 10 degrees on either side, any blind sector caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 5 degrees.
“Within this arc of visibility any blind sector caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 5 degrees.”
How many front windows must give a clear view on the navigation bridge?
A clear view must be provided through at least two front windows at all times, regardless of weather conditions.
“A clear view must be provided through at least two front windows at all times regardless of weather conditions.”
What field of vision is required from the main steering position?
The field of vision must extend from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.
“From the main steering position, the field of vision must extend over an arc from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.”
What is the total limit on blind sectors forward of the beam?
Each blind sector forward of the beam must not exceed 10 degrees, and together they must not total more than 20 degrees, including any blind sector within the arc described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
“Blind sectors forward of the beam caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 10 degrees each, nor total more than 20 degrees”
The text of 33 CFR 164.15
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Navigation bridge visibility
(a) The arrangement of cargo, cargo gear, and trim of all vessels entering or departing from U.S. ports must be such that the field of vision from the navigation bridge conforms as closely as possible to the following requirements:
(1) From the conning position, the view of the sea surface must not be obscured by more than the lesser of two ship lengths or 500 meters (1640 feet) from dead ahead to 10 degrees on either side of the vessel. Within this arc of visibility any blind sector caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 5 degrees.
(2) From the conning position, the horizontal field of vision must extend over an arc from at least 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on one side of the vessel, through dead ahead, to at least 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on the other side of the vessel. Blind sectors forward of the beam caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 10 degrees each, nor total more than 20 degrees, including any blind sector within the arc of visibility described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(3) From each bridge wing, the field of vision must extend over an arc from at least 45 degrees on the opposite bow, through dead ahead, to at least dead astern.
(4) From the main steering position, the field of vision must extend over an arc from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.
(b) A clear view must be provided through at least two front windows at all times regardless of weather conditions.
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.