46 CFR 15.820: Chief Engineer requirements on propelled vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section says which mechanically propelled vessels must have a Chief Engineer holding an appropriate MMC. Paragraph (a) lists the inspected vessels. Paragraph (b) adds an STCW endorsement for the individual on vessels subject to STCW. Paragraph (c) covers individuals serving as Chief Engineer on certain uninspected vessels.
Applies toMechanically propelled inspected vessels listed in paragraph (a), and individuals performing Chief Engineer duties on mechanically propelled, uninspected, seagoing, documented vessels of 200 GRT or more.
What it says
A person holding an MMC endorsed as Chief Engineer, or another credential authorizing service as Chief Engineer, must be employed onboard the mechanically propelled inspected vessels listed in paragraph (a).
46 CFR 15.820(a)“There must be an individual holding an MMC endorsed as Chief Engineer or other credential authorizing service as Chief Engineer employed onboard the following mechanically propelled inspected vessels:”
A mechanically propelled inspected seagoing or Great Lakes vessel of 200 GRT and over must have a Chief Engineer.
46 CFR 15.820(a)(1)“Seagoing or Great Lakes vessels of 200 GRT and over;”
A mechanically propelled inspected offshore supply vessel of more than 200 GRT must have a Chief Engineer.
46 CFR 15.820(a)(2)“Offshore supply vessels of more than 200 GRT;”
A mechanically propelled inspected inland vessel (other than Great Lakes) of 300 GRT or more must have a Chief Engineer if the OCMI determines that an individual with a license or the appropriate MMC officer endorsement responsible for the vessel's mechanical propulsion is necessary.
46 CFR 15.820(a)(3)“Inland (other than Great Lakes) vessels of 300 GRT or more, if the OCMI determines that an individual with a license or the appropriate MMC officer endorsement responsible for the vessel's mechanical propulsion is necessary.”
On vessels subject to STCW, the individual meeting the requirement of this section must also hold an STCW endorsement as Chief Engineer with the appropriate propulsion power for the vessel, except as noted in § 15.105(g) for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.
46 CFR 15.820(b)“the individual meeting the requirement of this section must also hold an STCW endorsement as Chief Engineer with the appropriate propulsion power for the vessel upon which they are operating, except as noted in § 15.105(g) for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.”
An individual engaged or employed to perform Chief Engineer duties on a mechanically propelled, uninspected, seagoing, documented vessel of 200 GRT or more must hold an appropriately endorsed MMC authorizing service as a Chief Engineer.
46 CFR 15.820(c)“must hold an appropriately endorsed MMC authorizing service as a Chief Engineer.”
Common questions
Does an offshore supply vessel need a Chief Engineer?
Yes, a mechanically propelled inspected offshore supply vessel of more than 200 GRT must have an individual serving as Chief Engineer.
“Offshore supply vessels of more than 200 GRT;”
When does an inland vessel need a Chief Engineer?
A mechanically propelled inspected inland vessel (other than Great Lakes) of 300 GRT or more needs one if the OCMI determines that an individual responsible for the vessel's mechanical propulsion is necessary.
“Inland (other than Great Lakes) vessels of 300 GRT or more, if the OCMI determines that an individual with a license or the appropriate MMC officer endorsement responsible for the vessel's mechanical propulsion is necessary.”
Is an STCW endorsement required for a Chief Engineer?
On vessels subject to STCW, the individual must also hold an STCW endorsement as Chief Engineer with the appropriate propulsion power. The exception is noted in § 15.105(g) for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.
“the individual meeting the requirement of this section must also hold an STCW endorsement as Chief Engineer with the appropriate propulsion power for the vessel upon which they are operating, except as noted in § 15.105(g) for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.”
Do uninspected vessels need a Chief Engineer with an MMC?
An individual performing Chief Engineer duties on a mechanically propelled, uninspected, seagoing, documented vessel of 200 GRT or more must hold an appropriately endorsed MMC.
“must hold an appropriately endorsed MMC authorizing service as a Chief Engineer.”
The text of 46 CFR 15.820
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Chief Engineer
(a) There must be an individual holding an MMC endorsed as Chief Engineer or other credential authorizing service as Chief Engineer employed onboard the following mechanically propelled inspected vessels:
(1) Seagoing or Great Lakes vessels of 200 GRT and over;
(2) Offshore supply vessels of more than 200 GRT;
(3) Inland (other than Great Lakes) vessels of 300 GRT or more, if the OCMI determines that an individual with a license or the appropriate MMC officer endorsement responsible for the vessel's mechanical propulsion is necessary.
(b) On vessels subject to STCW, the individual meeting the requirement of this section must also hold an STCW endorsement as Chief Engineer with the appropriate propulsion power for the vessel upon which they are operating, except as noted in § 15.105(g) for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.
(c) An individual engaged or employed to perform the duties of Chief Engineer on a mechanically propelled, uninspected, seagoing, documented vessel of 200 GRT or more must hold an appropriately endorsed MMC authorizing service as a Chief Engineer.
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.