46 CFR 196.50-1: Master's responsibility for certificate of inspection
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section makes the master or other person in charge of the vessel responsible for strict adherence to the certificate of inspection. It also says this subpart does not limit the master from diverting from the prescribed route, at his own responsibility, to assist vessels in distress or in similar emergencies.
Applies toThe master or other person in charge of the vessel.
What it says
The master or other person in charge of the vessel must see that all provisions of the certificate of inspection are strictly adhered to.
46 CFR 196.50-1(a)“It shall be the duty of the master or other person in charge of the vessel to see that all of the provisions of the certificate of inspection are strictly adhered to.”
This subpart does not limit the master or other person in charge from diverting from the route prescribed in the certificate of inspection, at his own responsibility.
46 CFR 196.50-1(a)“Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as limiting the master or other person in charge of the vessel, at his own responsibility, from diverting from the route prescribed in the certificate of inspection”
The master or other person in charge may take other steps he deems necessary and prudent to assist vessels in distress or for other similar emergencies.
46 CFR 196.50-1(a)“taking such other steps as he deems necessary and prudent to assist vessels in distress or for other similar emergencies.”
Common questions
Who is responsible for following the certificate of inspection?
The master or other person in charge of the vessel has the duty to see that all provisions of the certificate of inspection are strictly adhered to.
“It shall be the duty of the master or other person in charge of the vessel to see that all of the provisions of the certificate of inspection are strictly adhered to.”
Can a master leave the route on the certificate of inspection to help a vessel in distress?
Yes. This subpart does not limit the master or other person in charge from diverting from the prescribed route at his own responsibility, or from taking other steps he deems necessary and prudent to assist vessels in distress.
“Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as limiting the master or other person in charge of the vessel, at his own responsibility, from diverting from the route prescribed in the certificate of inspection”
The text of 46 CFR 196.50-1
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Master or person in charge responsible
(a) It shall be the duty of the master or other person in charge of the vessel to see that all of the provisions of the certificate of inspection are strictly adhered to. Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as limiting the master or other person in charge of the vessel, at his own responsibility, from diverting from the route prescribed in the certificate of inspection or taking such other steps as he deems necessary and prudent to assist vessels in distress or for other similar emergencies.
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.