46 CFR 140.205: General vessel operation requirements for towing vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets general operating rules for vessels. A vessel must be operated lawfully and so as to protect life, property, and the environment. It also covers TSMS operation, manning under the COI, and credentials or identification on board.
Applies toVessels, including towing vessels with a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) and the crewmembers and other individuals on board.
What it says
A vessel must be operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in a way that protects against hazards to life, property, and the environment.
46 CFR 140.205(a)“A vessel must be operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property, and the environment.”
A towing vessel with a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) must be operated in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel.
46 CFR 140.205(b)“Towing vessels with a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) must be operated in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel.”
Vessels must be manned in accordance with the COI.
46 CFR 140.205(c)“Vessels must be manned in accordance with the COI.”
The text says manning requirements are contained in part 15 of this chapter.
46 CFR 140.205(c)“Manning requirements are contained in part 15 of this chapter.”
Each crewmember who must hold a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) must have it on board and available for examination at all times when the vessel is operating.
46 CFR 140.205(d)“Each crewmember that is required to hold a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) must have the credential on board and available for examination at all times when the vessel is operating.”
Individuals permitted onboard who are not required to hold an MMC must have valid personal identification that meets the requirements in 33 CFR 101.515, and must present it on request.
46 CFR 140.205(e)“All individuals who are not required to hold an MMC permitted onboard the vessel must have and present on request a valid personal identification that meets the requirements set forth in 33 CFR 101.515.”
Common questions
Do towing vessels have to follow their Towing Safety Management System?
Yes. A towing vessel with a TSMS must be operated in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel.
“Towing vessels with a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) must be operated in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel.”
When must crewmembers have their Merchant Mariner Credential on board?
Each crewmember required to hold an MMC must have it on board and available for examination at all times when the vessel is operating.
“Each crewmember that is required to hold a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) must have the credential on board and available for examination at all times when the vessel is operating.”
What identification do people on board need if they don't need an MMC?
They must have and present on request a valid personal identification that meets the requirements set forth in 33 CFR 101.515.
“All individuals who are not required to hold an MMC permitted onboard the vessel must have and present on request a valid personal identification that meets the requirements set forth in 33 CFR 101.515.”
Where are vessel manning requirements found?
Vessels must be manned in accordance with the COI. The text says manning requirements are contained in part 15 of this chapter.
“Manning requirements are contained in part 15 of this chapter.”
The text of 46 CFR 140.205
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
General vessel operation
(a) A vessel must be operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property, and the environment.
(b) Towing vessels with a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) must be operated in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel.
(c) Vessels must be manned in accordance with the COI. Manning requirements are contained in part 15 of this chapter.
(d) Each crewmember that is required to hold a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) must have the credential on board and available for examination at all times when the vessel is operating.
(e) All individuals who are not required to hold an MMC permitted onboard the vessel must have and present on request a valid personal identification that meets the requirements set forth in 33 CFR 101.515.
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.