46 CFR 143.550: Steering system standards for towing vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets the standard that steering systems on towing vessels must meet. The general rule is the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length. New towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may instead meet the ABS river rules.
Applies toSteering systems on towing vessels, with an alternative for new towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways.
What it says
Steering systems must meet Part 4, Chapter 3, Section 3 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length.
46 CFR 143.550(a)“Steering systems must meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length”
The ABS rules in paragraph (a) are incorporated by reference, and the text sends the reader to § 136.112 of this subchapter.
46 CFR 143.550(a)“(incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 3, Section 3.”
Steering systems on new towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways instead.
46 CFR 143.550(b)“Steering systems on new towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways”
The river rules in paragraph (b) are found in Part 4, Chapter 2, Section 3, and are incorporated by reference as described in § 136.112 of this subchapter.
46 CFR 143.550(b)“(incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 2, Section 3.”
Common questions
What standard must towing vessel steering systems meet?
Steering systems must meet the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length, Part 4, Chapter 3, Section 3.
“Steering systems must meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length”
Is there a different steering standard for river towing vessels?
Yes. New towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet the ABS rules for service on rivers and intracoastal waterways, Part 4, Chapter 2, Section 3.
“Steering systems on new towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways”
Where are the incorporated ABS rules for steering systems explained?
The text says the ABS rules are incorporated by reference and sends the reader to § 136.112 of this subchapter.
“(incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 3, Section 3.”
The text of 46 CFR 143.550
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Steering systems
(a) Steering systems must meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 3, Section 3.
(b) Steering systems on new towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 2, Section 3.
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.