46 CFR 144.905: Operating station visibility on towing vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets visibility requirements for the operating station. Windows and other openings must give a clear field of vision, and windows forward of the station in the pilothouse must allow adequate visibility in any weather. New vessels face added rules on field of vision, aft view and glazing.
What it says
Windows and other openings at the operating station must be large enough and properly located to give a clear field of vision for safe operation in any condition.
46 CFR 144.905(a)“Windows and other openings at the operating station must be of sufficient size and properly located to provide a clear field of vision for safe operation in any condition.”
Means must be provided so that windows immediately forward of the operating station in the pilothouse allow adequate visibility for safe navigation regardless of weather conditions.
46 CFR 144.905(b)“Means must be provided to ensure that windows immediately forward of the operating station in the pilothouse allow for adequate visibility to ensure safe navigation regardless of weather conditions.”
These means may include windshield wipers, defoggers, clear-view screens, or other such means, taking into consideration the intended route of the vessel.
46 CFR 144.905(b)“This may include mechanical means such as windshield wipers, defoggers, clear-view screens, or other such means, taking into consideration the intended route of the vessel.”
On a new vessel, the field of vision from the operating station must extend from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.
46 CFR 144.905(c)“The field of vision from the operating station on a new vessel must extend over an arc from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.”
If a new vessel is towing astern, its operating station must have a view aft.
46 CFR 144.905(d)“If a new vessel is towing astern, the operating station must be provided with a view aft.”
In a new vessel, glazing in operating station windows must have a light transmission of not less than 70 percent according to Test 2 of ANSI/SAE Z 26.1-1996.
46 CFR 144.905(e)“glass or other glazing material used in windows at the operating station must have a light transmission of not less than 70 percent according to Test 2 of ANSI/SAE Z 26.1-1996”
Common questions
How wide must the field of vision be from the operating station on a new vessel?
On a new vessel, the field of vision must extend from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.
“The field of vision from the operating station on a new vessel must extend over an arc from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.”
Does a new vessel towing astern need a view aft from the operating station?
Yes. If a new vessel is towing astern, the operating station must be provided with a view aft.
“If a new vessel is towing astern, the operating station must be provided with a view aft.”
What light transmission must new vessel operating station windows have?
In a new vessel, the glazing must have a light transmission of not less than 70 percent according to Test 2 of ANSI/SAE Z 26.1-1996.
“glass or other glazing material used in windows at the operating station must have a light transmission of not less than 70 percent according to Test 2 of ANSI/SAE Z 26.1-1996”
What can be used to keep forward pilothouse windows clear in bad weather?
The means may include windshield wipers, defoggers, clear-view screens, or other such means, taking into consideration the intended route of the vessel.
“This may include mechanical means such as windshield wipers, defoggers, clear-view screens, or other such means, taking into consideration the intended route of the vessel.”
The text of 46 CFR 144.905
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Operating station visibility
(a) Windows and other openings at the operating station must be of sufficient size and properly located to provide a clear field of vision for safe operation in any condition.
(b) Means must be provided to ensure that windows immediately forward of the operating station in the pilothouse allow for adequate visibility to ensure safe navigation regardless of weather conditions. This may include mechanical means such as windshield wipers, defoggers, clear-view screens, or other such means, taking into consideration the intended route of the vessel.
(c) The field of vision from the operating station on a new vessel must extend over an arc from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.
(d) If a new vessel is towing astern, the operating station must be provided with a view aft.
(e) In a new vessel, glass or other glazing material used in windows at the operating station must have a light transmission of not less than 70 percent according to Test 2 of ANSI/SAE Z 26.1-1996 (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) and must comply with Test 15 of ANSI/SAE Z 26.1-1996 for Class I Optical Deviation.
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.