46 CFR 143.500: Applicability of new towing vessel requirements

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This subpart applies to a new towing vessel, as defined in § 136.110 of this subchapter, unless it is an excepted vessel. Machinery or electrical systems of a novel design, unusual form, or special material must meet § 143.210. New towing vessels must also meet subpart B of this part, unless §§ 143.515 and 143.520 note otherwise.

Applies toNew towing vessels, as defined in § 136.110 of this subchapter, that are not excepted vessels.

What it says

  1. This subpart applies to a new towing vessel, as defined in § 136.110 of this subchapter, unless the vessel is an excepted vessel.

    46 CFR 143.500(a)“This subpart applies to a new towing vessel, as defined in § 136.110 of this subchapter, unless it is an excepted vessel.”

  2. Machinery or electrical systems of a novel design, unusual form, or special material must meet § 143.210.

    46 CFR 143.500(b)“Machinery or electrical systems of a novel design, unusual form, or special material must meet section § 143.210.”

  3. New towing vessels must also meet the requirements of subpart B of this part, unless §§ 143.515 and 143.520 note otherwise.

    46 CFR 143.500(c)“Unless otherwise noted in §§ 143.515 and 143.520, new towing vessels must also meet the requirements of subpart B of this part.”

Common questions

Does 46 CFR 143.500 apply to excepted towing vessels?

No. This subpart applies to a new towing vessel unless it is an excepted vessel.

“This subpart applies to a new towing vessel, as defined in § 136.110 of this subchapter, unless it is an excepted vessel.”

What must novel machinery or electrical systems meet?

Machinery or electrical systems of a novel design, unusual form, or special material must meet § 143.210.

“Machinery or electrical systems of a novel design, unusual form, or special material must meet section § 143.210.”

Do new towing vessels have to meet subpart B of part 143?

Yes, new towing vessels must also meet subpart B of this part, unless otherwise noted in §§ 143.515 and 143.520.

“Unless otherwise noted in §§ 143.515 and 143.520, new towing vessels must also meet the requirements of subpart B of this part.”

The text of 46 CFR 143.500

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

Applicability

(a) This subpart applies to a new towing vessel, as defined in § 136.110 of this subchapter, unless it is an excepted vessel.

(b) Machinery or electrical systems of a novel design, unusual form, or special material must meet section § 143.210.

(c) Unless otherwise noted in §§ 143.515 and 143.520, new towing vessels must also meet the requirements of subpart B of 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.