46 CFR 143.215: Existing towing vessels built to class

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section covers existing towing vessels that are classed or built to a recognized classification society's rules. A classed vessel is considered in compliance with the machinery and electrical standards of this subpart. Both groups must also meet the requirements of §§ 143.245 and 143.450.

Applies toExisting towing vessels that are classed by a recognized classification society, or built and equipped to conform to its rules but not currently classed.

What it says

  1. An existing towing vessel classed by a recognized classification society, as appropriate for the intended service and routes, is considered in compliance with the machinery and electrical standards of this subpart.

    46 CFR 143.215(a)“An existing towing vessel classed by a recognized classification society, as appropriate for the intended service and routes, is considered in compliance with the machinery and electrical standards of this subpart.”

  2. The OCMI or TPO may deem an existing vessel built and equipped to a recognized classification society's rules, but not currently classed, to be in compliance with this part. The rules must be appropriate for the intended service and routes.

    46 CFR 143.215(b)“may be deemed by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), or third-party organization (TPO), to be in compliance with this part”

  3. The OCMI or TPO may deem an unclassed vessel compliant only if the towing vessel conforms to the class rules.

    46 CFR 143.215(b)“provided that the towing vessel conforms to the class rules”

  4. Existing vessels meeting paragraph (a) or (b) of this section must also meet the requirements of §§ 143.245 and 143.450.

    46 CFR 143.215(c)“Existing vessels meeting either paragraph (a) or (b) of this section must also meet the requirements of §§ 143.245 and 143.450.”

Common questions

Is a classed existing towing vessel considered compliant with Subchapter M machinery and electrical standards?

Yes. An existing towing vessel classed by a recognized classification society, as appropriate for the intended service and routes, is considered in compliance with the machinery and electrical standards of this subpart.

“is considered in compliance with the machinery and electrical standards of this subpart”

Can an existing towing vessel that is built to class rules but not classed be deemed compliant?

Yes, it may be. The OCMI or TPO may deem it in compliance with this part, provided the towing vessel conforms to the class rules.

“may be deemed by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), or third-party organization (TPO), to be in compliance with this part”

Do class-built existing vessels have any additional requirements?

Yes. Existing vessels meeting paragraph (a) or (b) must also meet the requirements of §§ 143.245 and 143.450.

“must also meet the requirements of §§ 143.245 and 143.450.”

The text of 46 CFR 143.215

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR

Existing vessels built to class

(a) An existing towing vessel classed by a recognized classification society, as appropriate for the intended service and routes, is considered in compliance with the machinery and electrical standards of this subpart.

(b) An existing vessel built and equipped to conform to a recognized classification society's rules, appropriate for the intended service and routes, but not currently classed, may be deemed by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), or third-party organization (TPO), to be in compliance with this part, provided that the towing vessel conforms to the class rules.

(c) Existing vessels meeting either paragraph (a) or (b) of this section must also meet the requirements of §§ 143.245 and 143.450.

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.