46 CFR 143.590: Propulsor redundancy on towing vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets propulsor redundancy rules for a towing vessel. The vessel must have at least two independent propulsors unless the requirements of § 143.595 are met. Each propulsor needs independent controls at each operating station.
What it says
A towing vessel must have at least two independent propulsors, unless the requirements of § 143.595 are met.
46 CFR 143.590(a)“A towing vessel must be provided with at least two independent propulsors unless the requirements of § 143.595 are met.”
There must be independent controls for each propulsor at each operating station.
46 CFR 143.590(b)“There must be independent controls for each propulsor at each operating station.”
If a single propulsor fails, the remaining propulsor or propulsors must have enough power to maneuver the vessel to a safe location.
46 CFR 143.590(c)“In the event of a failure of a single propulsor, the remaining propulsor(s) must have sufficient power to maneuver the vessel to a safe location.”
Common questions
How many propulsors must a towing vessel have?
A towing vessel must have at least two independent propulsors. The exception is when the requirements of § 143.595 are met.
“A towing vessel must be provided with at least two independent propulsors unless the requirements of § 143.595 are met.”
Do propulsors need separate controls?
Yes. There must be independent controls for each propulsor at each operating station.
“There must be independent controls for each propulsor at each operating station.”
What power is needed if one propulsor fails?
The remaining propulsor or propulsors must have sufficient power to maneuver the vessel to a safe location.
“In the event of a failure of a single propulsor, the remaining propulsor(s) must have sufficient power to maneuver the vessel to a safe location.”
The text of 46 CFR 143.590
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Propulsor redundancy on vessels that move tank barges carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk
(a) A towing vessel must be provided with at least two independent propulsors unless the requirements of § 143.595 are met.
(b) There must be independent controls for each propulsor at each operating station.
(c) In the event of a failure of a single propulsor, the remaining propulsor(s) must have sufficient power to maneuver the vessel to a safe location.
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.