46 CFR 144.215: Special consideration for vessel structural requirements

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section lets the cognizant OCMI give special consideration to a vessel's structural requirements. It may do so for a vessel not greater than 65 feet in length, one operating exclusively within a limited geographic area, or one of an unusual design not contemplated by the rules of the American Bureau of Shipping or other recognized classification society.

Applies toIt applies to a vessel that is not greater than 65 feet in length, operates exclusively within a limited geographic area, or is of an unusual design not contemplated by the rules of the American Bureau of Shipping or other recognized classification society.

What it says

  1. The cognizant OCMI may give special consideration to the structural requirements for a vessel that meets one of the listed conditions.

    “The cognizant OCMI may give special consideration to the structural requirements for a vessel if that vessel is:”

  2. A vessel not greater than 65 feet in length may receive special consideration.

    46 CFR 144.215(a)“Not greater than 65 feet in length;”

  3. A vessel operating exclusively within a limited geographic area may receive special consideration.

    46 CFR 144.215(b)“Operating exclusively within a limited geographic area; or”

  4. A vessel of an unusual design not contemplated by the rules of the American Bureau of Shipping or other recognized classification society may receive special consideration.

    46 CFR 144.215(c)“Of an unusual design not contemplated by the rules of the American Bureau of Shipping or other recognized classification society.”

Common questions

Who can give special consideration to a vessel's structural requirements?

The cognizant OCMI may give special consideration to the structural requirements for a vessel that meets one of the listed conditions.

“The cognizant OCMI may give special consideration to the structural requirements for a vessel if that vessel is:”

Does a vessel of 65 feet or less get special structural consideration?

The cognizant OCMI may give special consideration to a vessel not greater than 65 feet in length. The text says "may," so it is permitted but not required.

“Not greater than 65 feet in length;”

Can an unusual vessel design qualify for special structural consideration?

Yes, if the design is not contemplated by the rules of the American Bureau of Shipping or other recognized classification society. The cognizant OCMI may then give special consideration to the vessel's structural requirements.

“Of an unusual design not contemplated by the rules of the American Bureau of Shipping or other recognized classification society.”

The text of 46 CFR 144.215

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

Special consideration

The cognizant OCMI may give special consideration to the structural requirements for a vessel if that vessel is:

(a) Not greater than 65 feet in length;

(b) Operating exclusively within a limited geographic area; or

(c) Of an unusual design not contemplated by the rules of the American Bureau of Shipping or other recognized classification society.

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.