46 CFR 141.105: Applicability and delayed implementation for existing towing vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section says this part applies to all towing vessels subject to this subchapter. Existing towing vessels get delayed implementation, but new towing vessels do not. It also addresses towing vessels on international voyages under SOLAS.
Applies toThis section applies to all towing vessels subject to this subchapter.
What it says
This part applies to all towing vessels that are subject to this subchapter.
46 CFR 141.105(a)“This part applies to all towing vessels subject to this subchapter.”
An existing towing vessel must comply with this part no later than July 20, 2018 or the date it obtains a Certificate of Inspection (COI), whichever is earlier.
46 CFR 141.105(a)(1)“An existing towing vessel must comply with the requirements in this part no later than either July 20, 2018 or the date the vessel obtains a Certificate of Inspection (COI), whichever date is earlier.”
The delayed implementation provisions in paragraph (a)(1) do not apply to a new towing vessel.
46 CFR 141.105(a)(2)“The delayed implementation provisions in paragraph (a)(1) of this section do not apply to a new towing vessel.”
A towing vessel on an international voyage that is subject to SOLAS must meet the applicable requirements in subchapter W of this chapter. The text points to § 136.112 of this subchapter for SOLAS incorporation by reference.
46 CFR 141.105(b)“A towing vessel on an international voyage, subject to SOLAS (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), must meet the applicable requirements in subchapter W of this chapter.”
Towing vessels in compliance with SOLAS Chapter III are deemed in compliance with this part.
46 CFR 141.105(c)“Towing vessels in compliance with SOLAS Chapter III will be deemed in compliance with this part.”
Common questions
When must an existing towing vessel comply with this part?
An existing towing vessel must comply no later than July 20, 2018 or the date it obtains a Certificate of Inspection (COI), whichever is earlier.
“An existing towing vessel must comply with the requirements in this part no later than either July 20, 2018 or the date the vessel obtains a Certificate of Inspection (COI), whichever date is earlier.”
Does the delayed implementation apply to new towing vessels?
No. The delayed implementation provisions in paragraph (a)(1) do not apply to a new towing vessel.
“The delayed implementation provisions in paragraph (a)(1) of this section do not apply to a new towing vessel.”
What applies to a towing vessel on an international voyage under SOLAS?
A towing vessel on an international voyage that is subject to SOLAS must meet the applicable requirements in subchapter W of this chapter.
“must meet the applicable requirements in subchapter W of this chapter.”
Does compliance with SOLAS Chapter III count as compliance with this part?
Yes. Towing vessels in compliance with SOLAS Chapter III are deemed in compliance with this part.
“Towing vessels in compliance with SOLAS Chapter III will be deemed in compliance with this part.”
The text of 46 CFR 141.105
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Applicability and delayed implementation for existing vessels
(a) This part applies to all towing vessels subject to this subchapter.
(1) An existing towing vessel must comply with the requirements in this part no later than either July 20, 2018 or the date the vessel obtains a Certificate of Inspection (COI), whichever date is earlier.
(2) The delayed implementation provisions in paragraph (a)(1) of this section do not apply to a new towing vessel.
(b) A towing vessel on an international voyage, subject to SOLAS (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), must meet the applicable requirements in subchapter W of this chapter.
(c) Towing vessels in compliance with SOLAS Chapter III will be deemed in compliance with this part.
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.