46 CFR 15.1109: Master's duty to ensure STCW watchkeeping principles
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section covers watchkeeping on vessels that operate beyond the boundary line. Each Master must ensure observance of the watchkeeping principles in Regulation VIII/2 of the STCW Convention and section A-VIII/2 of the STCW Code. Those serving on vessels listed in § 15.105(f) and (g) are excepted.
Applies toEach Master of a vessel that operates beyond the boundary line, as described in part 7 of this chapter, except those serving on vessels listed in § 15.105(f) and (g).
What it says
Each Master of a vessel that operates beyond the boundary line must ensure observance of the watchkeeping principles in Regulation VIII/2 of the STCW Convention and section A-VIII/2 of the STCW Code.
“each Master of a vessel that operates beyond the boundary line, as described in part 7 of this chapter, must ensure observance of the principles concerning watchkeeping”
The requirement does not apply to those serving on vessels listed in § 15.105(f) and (g).
“Except those serving on vessels listed in § 15.105(f) and (g)”
The STCW Convention and STCW Code are incorporated by reference, and the text sends the reader to § 15.103 for that.
“(both incorporated by reference, see § 15.103)”
Common questions
Who must ensure watchkeeping principles are observed under 46 CFR 15.1109?
Each Master of a vessel that operates beyond the boundary line must ensure observance. Those serving on vessels listed in § 15.105(f) and (g) are excepted.
“each Master of a vessel that operates beyond the boundary line, as described in part 7 of this chapter, must ensure observance of the principles concerning watchkeeping”
Which watchkeeping standards does 46 CFR 15.1109 refer to?
It refers to Regulation VIII/2 of the STCW Convention and section A-VIII/2 of the STCW Code. Both are incorporated by reference, and the text says to see § 15.103.
“set out in Regulation VIII/2 of the STCW Convention and section A-VIII/2 of the STCW Code”
Where is the boundary line described for watchkeeping purposes?
The text says the boundary line is described in part 7 of this chapter.
“beyond the boundary line, as described in part 7 of this chapter”
The text of 46 CFR 15.1109
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Watches
Except those serving on vessels listed in § 15.105(f) and (g), each Master of a vessel that operates beyond the boundary line, as described in part 7 of this chapter, must ensure observance of the principles concerning watchkeeping set out in Regulation VIII/2 of the STCW Convention and section A-VIII/2 of the STCW Code (both incorporated by reference, see § 15.103).
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.