46 CFR 143.255: Fuel system requirements for towing vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets requirements for fuel systems on towing vessel main engines and generators. The systems need a documented maintenance plan and a continuous supply of clean fuel. They must include filters and/or purifiers, and only diesel fuel may be used unless another section permits otherwise.
Applies toFuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators, and main propulsion engines and generators.
What it says
Fuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators must have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the system.
46 CFR 143.255(a)“Fuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators must have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the system.”
A continuous supply of clean fuel must be provided to main propulsion engines and generators.
46 CFR 143.255(b)“A continuous supply of clean fuel must be provided to main propulsion engines and generators.”
The fuel system must include filters and/or purifiers.
46 CFR 143.255(c)“The fuel system must include filters and/or purifiers.”
Where filters are used, a supply of spare fuel filters must be provided onboard.
46 CFR 143.255(c)(1)“A supply of spare fuel filters must be provided onboard; and”
Where filters are used, fuel filters must be replaced in accordance with manufacturer's requirements or the vessel's TSMS, if applicable.
46 CFR 143.255(c)(2)“Fuel filters must be replaced in accordance with manufacturer's requirements or the vessel's TSMS, if applicable.”
No fuel other than diesel fuel may be used, except as otherwise permitted under § 143.210 or § 143.520.
46 CFR 143.255(d)“Except as otherwise permitted under § 143.210 or § 143.520, no fuel other than diesel fuel may be used.”
Common questions
Do towing vessel fuel systems need a maintenance plan?
Yes. Fuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators must have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the system.
“Fuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators must have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the system.”
When must towing vessel fuel filters be replaced?
Where filters are used, they must be replaced in accordance with manufacturer's requirements or the vessel's TSMS, if applicable.
“Fuel filters must be replaced in accordance with manufacturer's requirements or the vessel's TSMS, if applicable.”
Do I need spare fuel filters on a towing vessel?
Where filters are used, a supply of spare fuel filters must be provided onboard.
“A supply of spare fuel filters must be provided onboard; and”
Can a towing vessel use fuel other than diesel?
No, except as otherwise permitted under § 143.210 or § 143.520. Otherwise only diesel fuel may be used.
“Except as otherwise permitted under § 143.210 or § 143.520, no fuel other than diesel fuel may be used.”
The text of 46 CFR 143.255
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Fuel system requirements
(a) Fuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators must have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the system.
(b) A continuous supply of clean fuel must be provided to main propulsion engines and generators.
(c) The fuel system must include filters and/or purifiers. Where filters are used:
(1) A supply of spare fuel filters must be provided onboard; and
(2) Fuel filters must be replaced in accordance with manufacturer's requirements or the vessel's TSMS, if applicable.
(d) Except as otherwise permitted under § 143.210 or § 143.520, no fuel other than diesel fuel may be used.
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.