46 CFR 141.340: Lifejackets on towing vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets lifejacket rules for towing vessels. Each towing vessel must carry an appropriately-sized approved lifejacket for each person on board. Lifejackets must be readily accessible, marked, and fitted with a light and a whistle.
Applies toThis section applies to each towing vessel.
What it says
Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized lifejacket for each person on board, approved under one of the listed approval series.
46 CFR 141.340(a)“Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized lifejacket, approved under approval series 160.002, 160.005, 160.055, 160.155, 160.176, or 160.255 for each person on board.”
For towing vessels with berthing aboard, the vessel must carry enough additional lifejackets so that one is immediately available for persons at each normally manned watch station.
46 CFR 141.340(b)“For towing vessels with berthing aboard, a sufficient number of additional lifejackets must be carried so that a lifejacket is immediately available for persons at each normally manned watch station.”
Lifejackets must be readily accessible.
46 CFR 141.340(d)“Lifejackets must be readily accessible.”
If the towing vessel carries inflatable lifejackets, they must be of similar design to each other and have the same mode of operation.
46 CFR 141.340(e)“If the towing vessel carries inflatable lifejackets they must be of similar design to each other and have the same mode of operation.”
Each lifejacket must be marked in block capital letters with the name of the vessel.
46 CFR 141.340(f)(1)“In block capital letters with the name of the vessel; and”
Each lifejacket must have a lifejacket light approved under approval series 161.012 or 161.112 securely attached to the front shoulder area of the lifejacket.
46 CFR 141.340(g)(1)“Each lifejacket must have a lifejacket light approved under approval series 161.012 or 161.112 securely attached to the front shoulder area of the lifejacket.”
Each lifejacket must have a whistle firmly secured to it by a cord.
46 CFR 141.340(g)(2)“Each lifejacket must have a whistle firmly secured by a cord to the lifejacket.”
Additional wearable PFDs are not acceptable in place of any part of the required lifejackets.
46 CFR 141.340(i)“Additional equipment is not acceptable in lieu of any portion of the required lifejackets.”
Common questions
How many lifejackets must a towing vessel carry?
A towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized approved lifejacket for each person on board. A vessel with berthing aboard must also carry additional lifejackets for watch stations.
“Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized lifejacket, approved under approval series 160.002, 160.005, 160.055, 160.155, 160.176, or 160.255 for each person on board.”
Do towing vessel lifejackets need a light and a whistle?
Yes. Each lifejacket must have an approved light securely attached to the front shoulder area, and it must also have a whistle secured by a cord.
“Each lifejacket must have a lifejacket light approved under approval series 161.012 or 161.112 securely attached to the front shoulder area of the lifejacket.”
Can wearable PFDs replace required lifejackets on a towing vessel?
No. Listed wearable PFDs may be carried only as additional equipment, and they are not acceptable in place of any part of the required lifejackets.
“Additional equipment is not acceptable in lieu of any portion of the required lifejackets.”
How accessible must lifejackets be on a towing vessel?
Lifejackets must be readily accessible.
“Lifejackets must be readily accessible.”
The text of 46 CFR 141.340
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Lifejackets
(a) Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized lifejacket, approved under approval series 160.002, 160.005, 160.055, 160.155, 160.176, or 160.255 for each person on board.
(b) For towing vessels with berthing aboard, a sufficient number of additional lifejackets must be carried so that a lifejacket is immediately available for persons at each normally manned watch station.
(c) Where alternative means are used to meet the requirements of this section, as permitted by § 141.225, there must be at least one lifejacket for each person onboard. Any TSMS applicable to the towing vessel must specify the number and location of lifejackets in such a manner as to facilitate immediate accessibility at normally occupied spaces including, but not limited to, accommodation spaces and watch stations.
(d) Lifejackets must be readily accessible.
(e) If the towing vessel carries inflatable lifejackets they must be of similar design to each other and have the same mode of operation.
(f) Each lifejacket must be marked:
(1) In block capital letters with the name of the vessel; and
(2) With Type I retro-reflective material approved under approval series 164.018. The arrangement of the retro-reflective material must meet IMO Resolution A.658(16) (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter).
(g) Lifejackets must have the following attachments and fittings:
(1) Each lifejacket must have a lifejacket light approved under approval series 161.012 or 161.112 securely attached to the front shoulder area of the lifejacket.
(2) Each lifejacket must have a whistle firmly secured by a cord to the lifejacket.
(h) Stowage positions for lifejackets stowed in a berthing space or stateroom and all lifejacket containers must be marked in block capital letters and numbers with the minimum quantity, identity, and, if sizes other than adult or universal sizes are used on the vessel, the size of the lifejackets stowed inside the container. The equipment may be identified in words or with the appropriate symbol from IMO Resolution A.760(18) (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter).
(i) Wearable PFDs approved in accordance with §§ 160.064, 160.076, 160.264, or 160.276 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, may be carried as additional equipment. Additional equipment is not acceptable in lieu of any portion of the required lifejackets.
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.