46 CFR 143.520: Towing vessels built to ABYC standards

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section says a new towing vessel 65 feet (19.8 meters) or less in length that is built to the listed ABYC standards complies with this subpart. Exceptions apply under paragraphs (b) and (c). Vessels that move tank barges carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk must meet additional requirements.

Applies toNew towing vessels 65 feet (19.8 meters) or less in length built to conform with the listed American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards.

What it says

  1. Except as noted in paragraphs (b) and (c), a new towing vessel 65 feet (19.8 meters) or less in length that is built to conform with the listed ABYC standards complies with this subpart.

    46 CFR 143.520(a)“a new towing vessel 65 feet (19.8 meters) or less in length built to conform with the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards listed in this paragraph (a)”

  2. The listed ABYC standards are incorporated by reference, and the text directs the reader to § 136.112 of this subchapter.

    46 CFR 143.520(a)“(incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter)”

  3. The listed standards include E-11 (2003), AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats.

    46 CFR 143.520(a)(1)“E-11 (2003)—AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats;”

  4. The listed standards include P-4 (2004), Marine Inboard Engines and Transmissions.

    46 CFR 143.520(a)(8)“P-4 (2004)—Marine Inboard Engines and Transmissions.”

  5. New towing vessels 65 feet or less in length that are built to the ABYC standards specified in this section are considered compliant with subpart B of this part, except for the readiness and testing requirements of § 143.245.

    46 CFR 143.520(b)“are considered compliant with subpart B of this part except for the readiness and testing requirements of § 143.245.”

  6. If the vessel moves tank barges carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk, it must meet either the requirements in §§ 143.585 through 143.595 or the requirements in § 143.600.

    46 CFR 143.520(c)“it must meet either the requirements described in §§ 143.585 through 143.595 or the requirements described in § 143.600.”

Common questions

Does building to ABYC standards make a small towing vessel compliant?

Yes, with exceptions. A new towing vessel 65 feet (19.8 meters) or less in length built to the listed ABYC standards complies with this subpart, except as noted in paragraphs (b) and (c).

“Except as noted in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a new towing vessel 65 feet (19.8 meters) or less in length”

Are ABYC-built towing vessels exempt from the readiness and testing requirements?

No. They are considered compliant with subpart B of this part except for the readiness and testing requirements of § 143.245.

“are considered compliant with subpart B of this part except for the readiness and testing requirements of § 143.245.”

What applies if my towing vessel moves tank barges with oil or hazardous material?

It must meet either the requirements in §§ 143.585 through 143.595 or the requirements in § 143.600.

“If the vessel moves tank barges carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk, it must meet either the requirements described in §§ 143.585 through 143.595”

The text of 46 CFR 143.520

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

Towing vessels built to American Boat and Yacht Council standards

(a) Except as noted in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a new towing vessel 65 feet (19.8 meters) or less in length built to conform with the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards listed in this paragraph (a) (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), complies with this subpart:

(1) E-11 (2003)—AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats;

(2) H-2 (2002)—Ventilation of Boats Using Gasoline;

(2) H-22 (2005)—Electric Bilge Pump Systems;

(3) H-24 (2007)—Gasoline Fuel Systems;

(4) H-25 (2003)—Portable Gasoline Fuel Systems;

(5) H-32 (2004)—Ventilation of Boats Using Diesel Fuel;

(6) H-33 (2005)—Diesel Fuel Systems;

(7) P-1 (2002)—Installation of Exhaust Systems for Propulsion and Auxiliary Engines; and

(8) P-4 (2004)—Marine Inboard Engines and Transmissions.

(b) New towing vessels, 65 feet or less in length, built to the ABYC standards specified in this section are considered compliant with subpart B of this part except for the readiness and testing requirements of § 143.245.

(c) If the vessel moves tank barges carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk, it must meet either the requirements described in §§ 143.585 through 143.595 or the requirements described in § 143.600.

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.