46 CFR 15.805: Master requirements for vessels

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section says which vessels must have an individual holding an appropriate valid MMC with endorsement as Master in command. Vessels subject to STCW also require an STCW endorsement as Master. Most U.S.-documented vessels must be commanded by a U.S. citizen.

Applies toApplies to the self-propelled, inspected, passenger and towing vessels listed in paragraph (a), vessels subject to STCW, and vessels documented under U.S. law.

What it says

  1. Every self-propelled, seagoing documented vessel of 200 GRT and over must have in command an individual holding an appropriate valid MMC with endorsement as Master.

    46 CFR 15.805(a)“There must be an individual holding an appropriate valid MMC with endorsement as Master in command of each of the following vessels:”

  2. Every self-propelled inspected vessel, every inspected passenger vessel, and every inspected small passenger vessel must have a Master in command.

    46 CFR 15.805(a)(2)“Every self-propelled inspected vessel;”

  3. A towing vessel of at least 8 meters (26 feet) or more in length must be commanded by a Master of Towing Vessels, or by a mariner holding an MMC endorsed as Master of inspected, self-propelled vessels greater than 200 GRT who holds a TOAR or a Master of Towing Vessels license or MMC endorsement.

    46 CFR 15.805(a)(5)“Every towing vessel of at least 8 meters (26 feet) or more in length must be in command of a Master of Towing Vessels,”

  4. A completed TOAR must bear the signature of a Designated Examiner and state that the Examiner found the candidate proficient.

    46 CFR 15.805(a)(5)(i)“A completed Towing Officer's Assessment Record (TOAR), bearing the signature of a Designated Examiner and stating that the Examiner found the candidate proficient; or”

  5. Every uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 GRT, and every uninspected passenger vessel engaged on an international voyage, must have a Master in command.

    46 CFR 15.805(a)(7)“Every uninspected passenger vessel engaged on an international voyage.”

  6. On vessels subject to STCW, the individual must also hold an STCW endorsement as Master with the appropriate tonnage, except as noted in § 15.105(g) for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.

    46 CFR 15.805(b)“must also hold an STCW endorsement as Master with the appropriate tonnage for the vessel which he or she is operating, except as noted in § 15.105(g) for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.”

  7. Every vessel documented under U.S. law, other than a vessel with only a recreational endorsement, must be under the command of a U.S. citizen.

    46 CFR 15.805(c)“Every vessel documented under the laws of the United States, other than a vessel with only a recreational endorsement, must be under the command of a U.S. citizen.”

Common questions

Does a documented vessel have to be commanded by a U.S. citizen?

Yes, every vessel documented under U.S. law must be under a U.S. citizen's command. A vessel with only a recreational endorsement is excepted.

“Every vessel documented under the laws of the United States, other than a vessel with only a recreational endorsement, must be under the command of a U.S. citizen.”

Do uninspected passenger vessels need a Master?

Yes, for an uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 GRT, and for one engaged on an international voyage.

“Every uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 GRT.”

Is an STCW Master endorsement also required?

On vessels subject to STCW, the individual must also hold an STCW endorsement as Master with the appropriate tonnage. Section 15.105(g) provides an exception for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.

“On vessels subject to STCW, the individual meeting the requirement of this section must also hold an STCW endorsement as Master”

The text of 46 CFR 15.805

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

Master

(a) There must be an individual holding an appropriate valid MMC with endorsement as Master in command of each of the following vessels:

(1) Every self-propelled, seagoing documented vessel of 200 GRT and over.

(2) Every self-propelled inspected vessel;

(3) Every inspected passenger vessel;

(4) Every inspected small passenger vessel; and

(5) Every towing vessel of at least 8 meters (26 feet) or more in length must be in command of a Master of Towing Vessels, or a mariner holding an MMC endorsed as Master of inspected, self-propelled vessels greater than 200 GRT holding either—

(i) A completed Towing Officer's Assessment Record (TOAR), bearing the signature of a Designated Examiner and stating that the Examiner found the candidate proficient; or

(ii) A License or MMC endorsed for Master of Towing Vessels.

(6) Every uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 GRT.

(7) Every uninspected passenger vessel engaged on an international voyage.

(b) On vessels subject to STCW, the individual meeting the requirement of this section must also hold an STCW endorsement as Master with the appropriate tonnage for the vessel which he or she is operating, except as noted in § 15.105(g) for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.

(c) Every vessel documented under the laws of the United States, other than a vessel with only a recreational endorsement, must be under the command of a U.S. citizen.

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.