46 CFR 140.650: Readiness of lifesaving and fire equipment
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section covers the operational readiness of a towing vessel's lifesaving and fire suppression and detection equipment. The owner, managing operator, or master must ensure the equipment meets the applicable requirements of parts 141 and 142 of this subchapter. The equipment must also be in good working order.
Applies toThe section applies to the owner, managing operator, or master of a towing vessel.
What it says
The owner, managing operator, or master of a towing vessel must ensure that the vessel's lifesaving and fire suppression and detection equipment complies with the applicable requirements of parts 141 and 142 of this subchapter.
“must ensure that the vessel's lifesaving and fire suppression and detection equipment complies with the applicable requirements of parts 141 and 142 of this subchapter”
The owner, managing operator, or master of a towing vessel must ensure that the vessel's lifesaving and fire suppression and detection equipment is in good working order.
“and is in good working order”
Common questions
Who is responsible for keeping towing vessel lifesaving and fire equipment ready?
The owner, managing operator, or master of the towing vessel must ensure the equipment is compliant and in good working order.
“The owner, managing operator, or master of a towing vessel must ensure that the vessel's lifesaving and fire suppression and detection equipment complies”
Which parts set the requirements for towing vessel lifesaving and fire equipment?
The equipment must comply with the applicable requirements of parts 141 and 142 of this subchapter.
“complies with the applicable requirements of parts 141 and 142 of this subchapter and is in good working order”
The text of 46 CFR 140.650
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Operational readiness of lifesaving and fire suppression and detection equipment
The owner, managing operator, or master of a towing vessel must ensure that the vessel's lifesaving and fire suppression and detection equipment complies with the applicable requirements of parts 141 and 142 of this subchapter and is in good working order.
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.