33 CFR 164.55: Captain of the Port deviations for continuing operations
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section lets the Captain of the Port authorize a deviation from any rule in this part. The Captain of the Port may do so only on written application and only after making two determinations about safe navigation and collision rules. The authorization may cover a continuing operation or a period of time the Captain of the Port specifies.
Applies toVessels operating in the waters under the jurisdiction of the Captain of the Port that apply in writing for a deviation from a rule in this part.
What it says
The Captain of the Port may authorize a deviation from any rule in this part, but only upon written application.
“The Captain of the Port, upon written application, may authorize a deviation from any rule in this part”
The Captain of the Port may authorize a deviation only if he determines that it does not impair the safe navigation of the vessel under anticipated conditions.
“if he determines that the deviation does not impair the safe navigation of the vessel under anticipated conditions”
The Captain of the Port may authorize a deviation only if he determines that it will not result in a violation of the rules for preventing collisions at sea.
“will not result in a violation of the rules for preventing collisions at sea”
The authorization may be issued for vessels operating in the waters under the jurisdiction of the Captain of the Port, for any continuing operation or period of time the Captain of the Port specifies.
“The authorization may be issued for vessels operating in the waters under the jurisdiction of the Captain of the Port for any continuing operation or period of time the Captain of the Port specifies.”
Common questions
Who can authorize a deviation from the rules in this part?
The Captain of the Port may authorize a deviation from any rule in this part. The application must be in writing.
“The Captain of the Port, upon written application, may authorize a deviation from any rule in this part”
What must the Captain of the Port determine before authorizing a deviation?
The Captain of the Port must determine that the deviation does not impair the safe navigation of the vessel under anticipated conditions. He must also determine that it will not result in a violation of the rules for preventing collisions at sea.
“if he determines that the deviation does not impair the safe navigation of the vessel under anticipated conditions”
How long can a deviation authorization last?
The authorization may cover any continuing operation or period of time the Captain of the Port specifies.
“for any continuing operation or period of time the Captain of the Port specifies”
The text of 33 CFR 164.55
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Deviations from rules: Continuing operation or period of time
The Captain of the Port, upon written application, may authorize a deviation from any rule in this part if he determines that the deviation does not impair the safe navigation of the vessel under anticipated conditions and will not result in a violation of the rules for preventing collisions at sea. The authorization may be issued for vessels operating in the waters under the jurisdiction of the Captain of the Port for any continuing operation or period of time the Captain of the Port specifies.
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.