46 CFR 140.625: Navigation underway for towing vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section covers who controls a towing vessel and its tow while underway. A master or mate (pilot) properly licensed under subchapter B of this chapter must direct and control movement at all times. The master or officer in charge of a navigational watch must operate the vessel in accordance with the COI and TSMS conditions and restrictions.
What it says
At all times, a master or mate (pilot) properly licensed under subchapter B of this chapter must direct and control the movement of a towing vessel and its tow.
46 CFR 140.625(a)“At all times, the movement of a towing vessel and its tow must be under the direction and control of a master or mate (pilot) properly licensed under subchapter B of this chapter.”
The master or officer in charge of a navigational watch must operate the vessel in accordance with the conditions and restrictions stated on the COI and the TSMS applicable to the vessel.
46 CFR 140.625(b)“The master or officer in charge of a navigational watch must operate the vessel in accordance with the conditions and restrictions stated on the COI and the TSMS applicable to the vessel.”
The note says certain towing vessels subject to this section are also subject to the requirements of 33 CFR 164.78.
“Certain towing vessels subject to § 140.625 are also subject to the requirements of 33 CFR 164.78.”
Common questions
Who must control a towing vessel and its tow underway?
A master or mate (pilot) properly licensed under subchapter B of this chapter must direct and control the movement of the towing vessel and its tow at all times.
“At all times, the movement of a towing vessel and its tow must be under the direction and control of a master or mate (pilot) properly licensed under subchapter B of this chapter.”
What must the officer in charge of a navigational watch follow?
The master or officer in charge of a navigational watch must operate the vessel in accordance with the conditions and restrictions stated on the COI and the TSMS applicable to the vessel.
“The master or officer in charge of a navigational watch must operate the vessel in accordance with the conditions and restrictions stated on the COI and the TSMS applicable to the vessel.”
Do other navigation requirements apply to towing vessels under this section?
The note says certain towing vessels subject to this section are also subject to the requirements of 33 CFR 164.78.
“Certain towing vessels subject to § 140.625 are also subject to the requirements of 33 CFR 164.78.”
The text of 46 CFR 140.625
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Navigation underway
(a) At all times, the movement of a towing vessel and its tow must be under the direction and control of a master or mate (pilot) properly licensed under subchapter B of this chapter.
(b) The master or officer in charge of a navigational watch must operate the vessel in accordance with the conditions and restrictions stated on the COI and the TSMS applicable to the vessel.
Note to § 140.625. Certain towing vessels subject to § 140.625 are also subject to the requirements of 33 CFR 164.78.
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.