46 CFR 180.210: Rescue boat requirements for small passenger vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section says when a vessel must carry a rescue boat. The rule depends on the vessel's length and on determinations by the cognizant OCMI. It also describes what a rescue boat must be like and which approved boats are acceptable.
Applies toVessels of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length and vessels of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length.
What it says
A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must carry at least one rescue boat, unless the cognizant OCMI makes the determinations listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3).
46 CFR 180.210(a)“A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must carry at least one rescue boat unless the cognizant OCMI determines that:”
The exception for a larger vessel requires the cognizant OCMI to determine that the vessel does not regularly engage in operations that restrict its maneuverability.
46 CFR 180.210(a)(3)“The vessel does not regularly engage in operations that restrict its maneuverability.”
A vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length does not have to carry a rescue boat, unless both conditions in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) are met.
46 CFR 180.210(b)“A vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length is not required to carry a rescue boat unless:”
One condition for a smaller vessel is that it carries passengers on an open or partially enclosed deck.
46 CFR 180.210(b)(1)“The vessel carries passengers on an open or partially enclosed deck; and”
The other condition is that the cognizant OCMI determines the vessel is designed, arranged, or involved in operations so that it cannot serve as an adequate rescue craft itself.
46 CFR 180.210(b)(2)“The cognizant OCMI determines that the vessel is designed, arranged, or involved in operations so that the vessel itself cannot serve as an adequate rescue craft.”
In general, a rescue boat must be small and lightweight, have built-in buoyancy, and be capable of being readily launched and easily maneuvered.
46 CFR 180.210(c)“In general, a rescue boat must be a small, lightweight boat with built-in buoyancy and capable of being readily launched and easily maneuvered.”
On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters operating on exposed or partially protected waters, a rescue boat approved under approval series 160.156 is acceptable in meeting the intent of this section.
46 CFR 180.210(d)“On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters operating on exposed or partially protected waters, a rescue boat approved under approval series 160.156 is acceptable in meeting the intent of this section.”
Common questions
Does a vessel over 19.8 meters have to carry a rescue boat?
Yes, it must carry at least one rescue boat. The exception applies only if the cognizant OCMI makes the determinations listed in paragraph (a).
“A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must carry at least one rescue boat unless the cognizant OCMI determines that:”
Does a vessel of 19.8 meters or less need a rescue boat?
Generally no. It needs one only if it carries passengers on an open or partially enclosed deck and the cognizant OCMI makes the determination in paragraph (b)(2).
“A vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length is not required to carry a rescue boat unless:”
What kind of boat can serve as a rescue boat?
It must be small and lightweight with built-in buoyancy, and capable of being readily launched and easily maneuvered. It must also be proportioned to take an unconscious person on board without capsizing.
“it must be of adequate proportion to permit taking an unconscious person on board without capsizing.”
Which rescue boat must a vessel of 19.8 meters or less carry?
A required rescue boat on such a vessel must be acceptable to the cognizant OCMI.
“On a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, a required rescue boat must be acceptable to the cognizant OCMI.”
The text of 46 CFR 180.210
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Rescue boats
(a) A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must carry at least one rescue boat unless the cognizant OCMI determines that:
(1) The vessel is sufficiently maneuverable, arranged, and equipped to allow the crew to recover a helpless person from the water;
(2) Recovery of a helpless person can be observed from the operating station; and
(3) The vessel does not regularly engage in operations that restrict its maneuverability.
(b) A vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length is not required to carry a rescue boat unless:
(1) The vessel carries passengers on an open or partially enclosed deck; and
(2) The cognizant OCMI determines that the vessel is designed, arranged, or involved in operations so that the vessel itself cannot serve as an adequate rescue craft.
(c) In general, a rescue boat must be a small, lightweight boat with built-in buoyancy and capable of being readily launched and easily maneuvered. In addition, it must be of adequate proportion to permit taking an unconscious person on board without capsizing.
(d) On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length operating on protected waters, a rescue boat approved under approval series 160.056 is acceptable in meeting the intent of this section. On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters operating on exposed or partially protected waters, a rescue boat approved under approval series 160.156 is acceptable in meeting the intent of this section. On a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, a required rescue boat must be acceptable to the cognizant OCMI.
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.