Subchapter M: Towing Vessels
46 CFR Parts 136 to 144: certificates of inspection, the Towing Safety Management System, third-party organizations, operations, lifesaving, fire protection, machinery and electrical systems for U.S. towing vessels.
46 CFR Part 136
- 46 CFR 136.105: Applicability of towing vessel requirementsSubchapter M applies to U.S.-flag towing vessels that push, pull, or haul alongside, with listed exceptions such as small vessels and public vessels.
- 46 CFR 136.110: Definitions for towing vessel subchapterDefines terms used in Subchapter M, including towing vessel, excepted vessel, new towing vessel, route terms, TSMS, audit and survey terms.
- 46 CFR 136.112: Incorporation by reference of standardsLists the industry standards incorporated by reference into Subchapter M, who publishes them, and where the public can inspect them.
- 46 CFR 136.115: Equivalents to Subchapter M requirementsThe Coast Guard may approve equivalent arrangements, equipment, or SOLAS compliance in place of specific Subchapter M requirements, via the cognizant OCMI.
- 46 CFR 136.120: Special consideration for departures from requirementsThe cognizant OCMI who issues the COI may authorize departures from specific requirements for unusual circumstances if equivalent safety is provided.
- 46 CFR 136.130: Options for documenting compliance for a COITowing vessels may document compliance for a COI under the Coast Guard option or the TSMS option, chosen per vessel on the inspection application.
- 46 CFR 136.175: Approved equipment requirements for towing vesselsEquipment required to be of an approved type under this subchapter needs the specific approval of the Coast Guard; a list is available online.
- 46 CFR 136.200: Certificate of inspection required for towing vesselsA towing vessel may not operate without a valid COI onboard and must comply with its terms; temporary COIs and limited foreign voyage allowances are covered.
- 46 CFR 136.202: Certificate of Inspection phase-in periodSets COI deadlines for existing towing vessels, staged by percentage for multi-vessel owners, one date for single-vessel owners, and COI before service for new vessels.
- 46 CFR 136.205: Contents of a towing vessel's COIDescribes what a towing vessel's COI contains, including routes, minimum manning, persons allowed onboard, required safety equipment and horsepower.
- 46 CFR 136.210: Applying for or renewing a COIOwners and managing operators must submit Form CG-3752 to the OCMI and provide extra information for initial, renewal, or TSMS certification.
- 46 CFR 136.212: Inspection of towing vessels for certificationTowing vessels get an OCMI inspection at least once every 5 years after the initial COI; the section covers what is inspected and when a new COI issues.
- 46 CFR 136.215: Period of validity of towing vessel COIA towing vessel COI is valid for 5 years from issue; TSMS option vessels face added invalidity rules, and the OCMI may suspend or revoke it.
- 46 CFR 136.220: Posting the COI on towing vesselsThe original COI must be framed and posted in a conspicuous place on a towing vessel, or kept in a weathertight container if posting is impracticable.
- 46 CFR 136.230: Permitted routes for towing vesselsThe cognizant OCMI sets each towing vessel's route and operating limits on its COI; lesser-severity routes are generally allowed unless prohibited.
- 46 CFR 136.235: Amending a towing vessel Certificate of InspectionExplains when the OCMI may issue an amended COI for a towing vessel, when owners must request one, and what evidence TSMS vessels must provide.
- 46 CFR 136.240: Permit to proceed for towing vessel repairsExplains when a towing vessel out of compliance with its COI may proceed to another port for repairs, and what notice or permission is required.
- 46 CFR 136.245: Excursion permits and temporary route changesA towing vessel needs approval to carry more persons than its COI allows or to temporarily extend or alter its route, by TSMS or by OCMI permit.
- 46 CFR 136.250: Load line requirements for towing vesselsExplains when towing vessels on the Great Lakes or outside the Boundary Lines are subject to load line requirements, by voyage type, length, tonnage and build date.
46 CFR Part 137
- 46 CFR 137.130: Vessel compliance program for the TSMS optionOwners or managing operators using the TSMS option must run an external or internal survey program for vessel compliance, with set program contents.
- 46 CFR 137.200: Annual Coast Guard inspection for towing vesselsTowing vessels on the Coast Guard inspection option must get an annual inspection within 3 months before or after the COI anniversary date.
- 46 CFR 137.202: Documenting compliance under the TSMS optionExplains how owners of towing vessels using the TSMS option document compliance before the first COI and when the COI is re-issued.
- 46 CFR 137.205: External survey program for towing vesselsSets what towing vessel owners using the TSMS option and an external survey program must do, including annual TPO surveys and TPO reports.
- 46 CFR 137.210: Internal survey program under the TSMSLists what a TSMS must include when a towing vessel owner uses an internal survey program, and allows surveys over time with intervals up to 1 year.
- 46 CFR 137.212: Coast Guard oversight of TSMS vessel surveysLists actions the cognizant OCMI may take when a vessel's survey program under the TSMS option is believed deficient, including removal from the option.
- 46 CFR 137.215: General conduct of towing vessel surveysExplains what a surveyor must determine and examine in a towing vessel survey, and when owners must notify the OCMI of unsafe conditions.
- 46 CFR 137.220: Examinations for towing vessels under TSMSLists the systems, equipment and procedures that a TSMS-option towing vessel owner or managing operator must examine to confirm suitability for service.
- 46 CFR 137.300: Drydock and internal structural examination intervalsSets how often towing vessels must have drydock and internal structural examinations after getting a COI, and when the OCMI may require more.
- 46 CFR 137.302: Coast Guard inspection option compliance documentationManaging owners or operators who choose the Coast Guard inspection option must make their towing vessel available for required Coast Guard examinations.
- 46 CFR 137.305: Documenting compliance under the TSMS optionOwners or managing operators who select the TSMS option must provide objective evidence of compliance, by survey program and drydock examination.
- 46 CFR 137.310: External survey program for towing vesselsSets duties for owners or managing operators of towing vessels using the TSMS option who show compliance through an external survey program.
- 46 CFR 137.315: Internal survey program under TSMS optionSets what a TSMS must include for an internal survey program, plus required notices to the TPO and OCMI and the limit on examination intervals.
- 46 CFR 137.317: Coast Guard oversight of drydock and structural examsLists actions the cognizant OCMI may take if a drydock and internal structural examination program appears deficient, including removal from the TSMS option.
- 46 CFR 137.325: General conduct of towing vessel examinationsExplains how a surveyor must conduct a towing vessel hull examination, what it must include, and when the owner must notify the OCMI.
- 46 CFR 137.330: Scope of towing vessel drydock examinationSets out what the Coast Guard drydock examination of a towing vessel covers and how the internal structural examination is done.
- 46 CFR 137.335: Underwater survey in lieu of drydockingSets eligibility, application contents and timing for an underwater survey in lieu of drydocking (UWILD) for towing vessels under this subchapter.
46 CFR Part 138
- 46 CFR 138.205: Purpose of a towing safety management systemExplains the purpose of a TSMS and lists the policies, procedures and third-party evaluation arrangements it must establish and maintain.
- 46 CFR 138.210: Objectives of a towing safety management systemLists what a TSMS must do through policies, procedures, and documentation, from management responsibility to recordkeeping, training, and resources.
- 46 CFR 138.215: Functional requirements of a TSMSLists the functional requirements of a TSMS, including safety policies, communication lines, emergency procedures, audits and management review.
- 46 CFR 138.220: Required elements of a TSMSLists the four elements a TSMS must include: administration, personnel, verification of vessel compliance, and compliance with this subchapter.
- 46 CFR 138.225: Existing safety management systems and TSMSExplains how an existing SMS may meet TSMS requirements, including ISM Code compliance, Coast Guard acceptance, documentation, and inspections.
- 46 CFR 138.305: TSMS certificate issuance, validity and recordsExplains how a TPO issues a TSMS certificate, how long it lasts, who can end it, and what copies and vessel lists the owner must keep.
- 46 CFR 138.310: Internal audits for a TSMS certificateRequires annual internal audits of the TSMS, keeps results for 5 years, and sets qualifications and independence rules for internal auditors.
- 46 CFR 138.315: External audits for a TSMS certificateSets out the external management and vessel audits, through a TPO, needed to obtain and renew a TSMS certificate, and how long audit records are kept.
- 46 CFR 138.405: Conduct of internal audits under the TSMSExplains who may conduct internal audits, how they may be scheduled, how deep they must go, and what authority the auditor must have.
- 46 CFR 138.410: Conduct of external audits under TSMSSets how a TPO auditor conducts external TSMS audits: scope, access, objective evidence, broader scope, and notice of major non-conformities.
- 46 CFR 138.500: Notifying the OCMI before an external auditThe owner or managing operator must notify the local OCMI at least 72 hours before an external audit; the Coast Guard may accompany or audit separately.
- 46 CFR 138.505: Submittal of external audit resultsSets where and when the TPO must submit external management and vessel audit results, and when electronic submission is allowed.
- 46 CFR 138.510: Required attendance for TSMS compliance questionsThe Coast Guard may require the TPO and owner or operator to explain a TSMS, and may require a third party to attend, at no Coast Guard cost.
46 CFR Part 139
- 46 CFR 139.100: Purpose of third-party organization requirements46 CFR 139.100 states the requirements for third-party organizations that conduct audits and surveys for towing vessels and delegates approval authority to TVNCOE.
- 46 CFR 139.110: Classification societies as approved TPOsRecognized and authorized classification societies meet TPO requirements under this part without further approval, but their employees must be qualified.
- 46 CFR 139.115: Third-party organization approval and functionsExplains how the Coast Guard approves TPOs to audit and survey towing vessels, and what evidence an organization must give to be approved.
- 46 CFR 139.120: Application for approval as a TPOAn organization seeking TPO approval must send a written request to the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise with the information listed in this section.
- 46 CFR 139.125: Coast Guard approval of a TPOExplains how the Coast Guard reviews and approves a TPO request, handles denials, and when an approval expires under this part.
- 46 CFR 139.130: Qualifications of auditors and surveyorsSets the skills, education, experience and training that auditors and surveyors must have under Subchapter M for towing vessels.
- 46 CFR 139.135: Adding and removing auditors and surveyorsA TPO must keep a list of current and former auditors and surveyors, submit qualifications to add one, and notify the TVNCOE when one is removed.
- 46 CFR 139.140: Renewal of TPO approvalA TPO renews its approval by sending a written request to the TVNCOE; the Coast Guard must be satisfied the applicant still fully meets approval criteria.
- 46 CFR 139.145: Suspension of third-party organization approvalThe Coast Guard may suspend or partially suspend a TPO's approval for noncompliance, after written notice and up to 60 days to correct the failure.
- 46 CFR 139.150: Revocation of third-party organization approvalExplains when the Coast Guard may revoke a TPO's approval and the written notice, details and appeal advice it must give the TPO.
- 46 CFR 139.160: Coast Guard oversight of towing safety organizationsExplains how the Coast Guard gives notice of site visits, what it may do during them, and when it may require a TSMS copy or revision.
- 46 CFR 139.165: Records a TPO must retainEach TPO must retain survey and audit results, results of Coast Guard audits of its organization, and keep records required by this part for 5 years.
46 CFR Part 140
- 46 CFR 140.105: Applicability and delayed implementation for existing vesselsApplies to towing vessels under this subchapter; existing vessels must comply by July 20, 2018 or their COI date, with an exception for § 140.500.
- 46 CFR 140.205: General vessel operation requirements for towing vesselsRequires towing vessels to operate lawfully and safely, follow any TSMS, meet COI manning, and keep MMCs or valid personal identification available.
- 46 CFR 140.210: Master and crew safety responsibilities on towing vesselsSets out the master's responsibility for towing vessel safety, the duty to stop when unsafe, and the crew's duties to comply and report.
- 46 CFR 140.400: Personnel records on towing vesselsThe master of a towing vessel must keep crew and additional-person lists, and watch start and relief times must be recorded.
- 46 CFR 140.405: Emergency duties and duty stations on towing vesselsTowing vessels with alternating watches or overnight accommodations must identify and post each person's emergency duties and duty stations.
- 46 CFR 140.410: Safety orientation for towing vessel crewmembersRequires each crewmember to get a safety orientation before first getting underway on a towing vessel, and requires the orientation to be documented.
- 46 CFR 140.415: Safety orientation for non-crewmembers on towing vesselsIndividuals who are not crewmembers on a towing vessel must receive a safety orientation before getting underway or as soon as practicable after.
- 46 CFR 140.420: Emergency drills and instruction on towing vesselsTowing vessel masters must ensure emergency drills and annual crew instruction are done and recorded as this section sets out.
- 46 CFR 140.425: Fall overboard prevention on towing vesselsTowing vessel owners or managing operators must set fall overboard prevention and recovery procedures, and everyone on board must follow them.
- 46 CFR 140.430: Wearing of work vestsPersonnel dispatched from the vessel or working on the exterior without rails and guards must wear a lifejacket, immersion suit, or approved work vest.
- 46 CFR 140.435: First aid equipment on towing vesselsTowing vessels must carry an industrial type first aid cabinet or kit, with added medical means on oceans, coastwise, or Great Lakes routes.
- 46 CFR 140.500: Health and safety plan for towing vesselsRequires the owner or managing operator to implement a health and safety plan and requires everyone on board a towing vessel to comply with it.
- 46 CFR 140.505: General health and safety requirements on towing vesselsSets health and safety duties for towing vessels: incident records, equipment use, faulty equipment, PPE, and sanitary conditions.
- 46 CFR 140.510: Identifying and mitigating health and safety hazardsOwners or managing operators must implement procedures to identify and mitigate listed health and safety hazards and use other controls before PPE.
- 46 CFR 140.515: Health and safety training for crewmembersCrewmembers must get health and safety training within 5 days of employment and refresher training annually; other individuals get hazard information.
- 46 CFR 140.605: Vessel stability on towing vesselsRequires the master or officer in charge of a navigational watch to check stability compliance and requires towing vessels to keep watertight integrity and stability.
- 46 CFR 140.610: Hatches and other openings on towing vesselsTowing vessels must be operated to minimize flooding risk, and hatches, doors and openings must work properly and be kept closed except in listed cases.
- 46 CFR 140.615: Pre-departure examinations and tests of towing vesselsRequires the master or officer in charge to examine and test key equipment before getting underway and to record the results.
- 46 CFR 140.620: Navigational safety equipment on towing vesselsTowing vessel owners, managing operators and masters must keep navigational safety equipment working, repair failures promptly, and record failures and repairs.
- 46 CFR 140.625: Navigation underway for towing vesselsTowing vessel and tow movement must be directed by a licensed master or mate (pilot) and follow the COI and TSMS conditions and restrictions.
- 46 CFR 140.630: Lookout assessment on towing vesselsRequires the master and officer in charge of the navigational watch to assess the need for a lookout throughout a trip or voyage.
- 46 CFR 140.635: Navigation assessment before getting underwayRequires the officer in charge of a navigational watch to conduct, update, communicate and record a navigation assessment before getting underway.
- 46 CFR 140.640: Pilothouse resource management on towing vesselsSets duties for the officer in charge of a navigational watch on towing vessels, including watch change checks and deferring relief during maneuvers.
- 46 CFR 140.645: Navigation safety training for towing vessel crewEach towing vessel crewmember must get navigation safety training before assuming duties, and the training must be recorded as this section directs.
- 46 CFR 140.650: Readiness of lifesaving and fire equipmentOwners, managing operators, and masters must ensure towing vessel lifesaving, fire suppression, and detection equipment meets parts 141 and 142 and works.
- 46 CFR 140.670: Use of automatic pilot on towing vesselsWhen an automatic pilot is used in high traffic, restricted visibility or hazardous situations, the master must ensure manual control and a ready steerer.
- 46 CFR 140.705: Charts and nautical publications for towing vesselsTowing vessels not covered by 33 CFR 164.72 must carry current charts, maps, a Coast Pilot or similar, and a light list for the voyage.
- 46 CFR 140.725: Additional navigation equipment on towing vesselsTowing vessels must carry a fathometer, search light, electronic position-fixing device and compass or swing-meter, as applicable to the area of operation.
- 46 CFR 140.801: Towing gear on towing vesselsTowing vessel owners, operators, masters and watch officers must ensure towing gear is strong and suitable, and that emergency procedures and training exist.
- 46 CFR 140.805: Towing safety checks before getting underwayBefore a towing vessel gets underway, the officer in charge of the navigational watch must ensure the tow, equipment, and towing vessel are ready.
- 46 CFR 140.820: Recordkeeping for towing gearRequires towing gear inspection results to be documented and towline, face wire and spring line records to be available for review.
- 46 CFR 140.905: Official logbooks on towing vesselsExplains when a towing vessel of the United States needs an official logbook, where to get it, and the master's duty to file it.
- 46 CFR 140.910: Towing vessel record or TSMS recordCertain towing vessels must keep a TVR or a record under their TSMS, keep records available to the Coast Guard, and retain them at least 1 year after the latest entry.
- 46 CFR 140.915: Items to be recorded in towing vessel recordsLists the items recorded in the TVR, official logbook, or per the TSMS, and sets rules for electronic entries and corrections.
- 46 CFR 140.1005: Suspension and revocation of mariner credentialsExplains when a mariner holding a license, certificate of registry, document or credential is subject to suspension or revocation proceedings.
46 CFR Part 141
- 46 CFR 141.105: Applicability and delayed implementation for existing towing vesselsExplains which towing vessels this part covers, the compliance deadline for existing vessels, and the SOLAS rules for international voyages.
- 46 CFR 141.200: General lifesaving equipment provisions for towing vesselsSets approval rules for lifesaving equipment on towing vessels and says requirements follow the operating area, not the certificated route.
- 46 CFR 141.225: Alternate arrangements and extra lifesaving equipmentCovers approval of alternate arrangements or equipment, novel lifesaving appliances, and the OCMI's authority to require extra lifesaving equipment.
- 46 CFR 141.235: Lifesaving equipment inspection, testing, and maintenanceLifesaving equipment on towing vessels must be tested and maintained as required, and inspections and tests must be recorded and records kept.
- 46 CFR 141.305: Survival craft requirements for towing vesselsSets functional and prescriptive survival craft requirements for towing vessels, including compliance options, substitutions and river exceptions.
- 46 CFR 141.325: Survival craft equipment on towing vesselsSets quality and securing rules for survival craft equipment and requires lifeboat and life float equipment on towing vessels.
- 46 CFR 141.330: Skiffs as survival craftA skiff may replace approved survival craft on towing vessels operating within 3 miles of shore if it meets six listed conditions.
- 46 CFR 141.340: Lifejackets on towing vesselsTowing vessels must carry approved, accessible, marked lifejackets with a light and whistle for each person on board, with added rules for berthing vessels.
- 46 CFR 141.350: Immersion suits on towing vesselsTowing vessels operating north of lat. 32° N. or south of lat. 32° S. must carry immersion suits for each person onboard, with exceptions.
- 46 CFR 141.360: Lifebuoys on towing vesselsSets how many lifebuoys a towing vessel must carry by length, and the approval, marking, lifeline and water light requirements for each.
- 46 CFR 141.370: Miscellaneous lifesaving equipment on towing vesselsSummarizes miscellaneous lifesaving equipment for towing vessels, including signals, EPIRBs and line throwing appliances, by area of operation.
- 46 CFR 141.375: Visual distress signals on towing vesselsTowing vessels must carry day and night visual distress signals per Table 141.370, with approved signal types and stowage rules.
- 46 CFR 141.380: EPIRB requirements for towing vesselsTowing vessels on oceans, coastwise, limited coastwise or beyond 3 nautical miles on the Great Lakes must carry a registered, marked Category 1 EPIRB.
- 46 CFR 141.385: Line throwing appliances on towing vesselsTowing vessels in oceans and coastwise service must carry an approved line throwing appliance, keep it accessible, and carry specified auxiliary line.
46 CFR Part 142
- 46 CFR 142.105: Applicability and delayed compliance for existing towing vesselsThis part applies to towing vessels subject to this subchapter; existing vessels must comply by July 20, 2018 or when they get a COI, whichever is earlier.
- 46 CFR 142.205: Alternate standards for fire safety complianceTowing vessels that meet SOLAS Chapter II-2 or other Commandant-approved equivalent standards are deemed in compliance with 46 CFR part 142.
- 46 CFR 142.210: Alternate fire safety arrangements or equipmentExplains how towing vessels may use approved alternate arrangements or equipment and when the OCMI may require additional fire protection equipment.
- 46 CFR 142.215: Approved fire-fighting equipment requirementsRequires Commandant approval of fire extinguishers and fire-extinguishing systems, and sets rules for extra or non-required equipment and existing installations.
- 46 CFR 142.220: Minimizing fire hazards on towing vesselsTowing vessels must be maintained and operated to minimize fire hazards, keeping bilges, void spaces and storage areas free of combustibles where practicable.
- 46 CFR 142.225: Storage of flammable or combustible productsTowing vessels must store paints and other flammable or combustible products in a designated room or cabinet, with a 40-B extinguisher nearby.
- 46 CFR 142.226: Firefighter's outfits on ocean towing vesselsTowing vessels 79 feet or more on oceans and coastwise routes without a fixed fire-extinguishing system must carry firefighter's outfits and breathing apparatus.
- 46 CFR 142.230: Portable fire extinguishers on towing vesselsSets minimum portable fire extinguisher numbers for towing vessels by length, plus engine room extinguishers and mounting of wheeled semi-portable units.
- 46 CFR 142.231: Existing towing vessel fire extinguisher exceptionLets previously installed smaller fire extinguishers stay in service if kept in good condition to the OCMI's satisfaction; new equipment must meet this part.
- 46 CFR 142.235: Fire equipment on vessels contracted before 1952Sets which equipment rules apply to towing vessels contracted for construction before November 19, 1952, and lets approved existing equipment stay in service.
- 46 CFR 142.240: Fire equipment inspection, testing, maintenance, recordsRequires towing vessel fire extinguishers and fire-detection and fire-extinguishing systems to be inspected or tested every 12 months, maintained, and recorded.
- 46 CFR 142.245: Fire-fighting drills and crew trainingTowing vessel masters must ensure each crewmember joins monthly fire-fighting drills and instruction, and that crewmembers who have not get a safety orientation.
- 46 CFR 142.315: Engine room fire-extinguishing systems on towing vesselsSets which towing vessels need a 160-B semi-portable system or a fixed system, or both, to protect the engine room.
- 46 CFR 142.325: Fire pumps, mains, and hoses on towing vesselsEach towing vessel must have a fixed fire pump with fire main, hoses and nozzles, or a portable pump with hoses and nozzles, as set out here.
- 46 CFR 142.330: Fire-detection system requirements for towing vesselsRequires towing vessels to have engine room fire detection, smoke detection in berthing spaces and lounges, and galley heat detection on new vessels.
46 CFR Part 143
- 46 CFR 143.115: Definitions for towing vessel partSays the definitions in 46 CFR 136.110 apply to this part and defines "independent" for equipment as used only in this part.
- 46 CFR 143.200: Applicability and implementation dates for towing vesselsSets which towing vessels this subpart covers and when existing vessels must comply, including later dates for pilothouse alerter and towing machinery.
- 46 CFR 143.205: General machinery and electrical system requirementsTowing vessel machinery and electrical systems must operate safely, crews must show they can run them, and propulsion machinery must be maintained.
- 46 CFR 143.210: Alternate design approval for machinery and electrical systemsNovel machinery or electrical systems may be approved by the Marine Safety Center if shown equally safe; alternate arrangements follow § 136.115.
- 46 CFR 143.215: Existing towing vessels built to classExisting towing vessels classed or built to class rules may be considered compliant with machinery and electrical standards, plus two required sections.
- 46 CFR 143.220: Machinery space fire preventionRequires maintained seals and gaskets, insulation of components above 220 °C (428 °F), and limits on storing flammable products in machinery spaces.
- 46 CFR 143.225: Thrust and rudder control and monitoringEach towing vessel must have a means to monitor and control thrust, rudder angle and, if applicable, direction of thrust; vessels with rudders also rudder position.
- 46 CFR 143.230: Alarms and gauges on towing vessels46 CFR 143.230 requires towing vessels to have listed alarms, alarms that meet set standards, and gauges at the machinery location.
- 46 CFR 143.235: General alarms on towing vesselsTowing vessels must have a general alarm that reaches all spaces, with flashing red lights in noisy areas; excepted vessels are exempt.
- 46 CFR 143.240: Pilothouse to engine room communicationTowing vessels must have two-way voice communication between pilothouse and engine room, with exceptions for excepted vessels and certain layouts.
- 46 CFR 143.245: Readiness and testing of essential systemsEssential systems and equipment on towing vessels must be regularly tested and examined, and the tests required by this section must be recorded.
- 46 CFR 143.250: System isolation devices and markingsRequires isolation devices and markings on electrical equipment, flammable liquid, seawater cooling, fire-fighting piping, and hull-penetrating piping.
- 46 CFR 143.255: Fuel system requirements for towing vesselsTowing vessel fuel systems need a documented maintenance plan, clean fuel supply, filters or purifiers, and diesel fuel only, with limited exceptions.
- 46 CFR 143.260: Remote fuel shutoff valves on towing vesselsRequires remote fuel shutoff valves on fuel lines to propulsion engines and generator prime movers, with set location, operation and marking rules.
- 46 CFR 143.265: Fuel systems on towing vessels built after 2000Sets fuel system rules for towing vessels built after January 18, 2000: portable systems, tank vents, fuel piping and alternative standards.
- 46 CFR 143.275: Bilge pumps and dewatering capabilityRequires an installed or portable bilge pump for emergency dewatering and a check/foot valve in each bilge suction of installed bilge piping.
- 46 CFR 143.300: Pressure vessels on towing vesselsSets gauge, relief valve, annual examination and MAWP marking rules for pressure vessels, and points to other sections for valve testing and new installations.
- 46 CFR 143.400: General electrical system requirements on towing vesselsSets general requirements for towing vessel electrical systems, including power capacity, ratings, labels, connections, protection and enclosures.
- 46 CFR 143.410: Shipboard lighting on towing vesselsRequires suitable lighting in crew areas, emergency lighting for egress, and two portable battery-powered lights on each towing vessel.
- 46 CFR 143.415: Navigation lights on towing vesselsTowing vessels over 65 feet must use navigation lights meeting UL 1104 or other Coast Guard-accepted standards; smaller vessels have another option.
- 46 CFR 143.450: Pilothouse alerter system on towing vesselsRequires a pilothouse alerter on towing vessels with overnight accommodations and shift work that detects an incapacitated master or mate; max interval 10 minutes.
- 46 CFR 143.460: Towing machinery design, safeguards and maintenanceTowing machinery must be designed to control the tow and suit its service; certain winches need a warning; owners must develop examination procedures.
- 46 CFR 143.500: Applicability of new towing vessel requirementsExplains that this subpart applies to new towing vessels that are not excepted vessels, and that certain novel systems and subpart B also apply.
- 46 CFR 143.515: Towing vessels built to classification society rulesExplains when a towing vessel classed or built to ABS rules, or other recognized society rules, is treated as complying with this subpart.
- 46 CFR 143.520: Towing vessels built to ABYC standardsNew towing vessels 65 feet or less built to listed ABYC standards comply with this subpart, with exceptions for testing and tank barge towing.
- 46 CFR 143.540: Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings for essential systemsPumps, pipes, valves, and fittings in essential systems must meet ABS rules; river and intracoastal towing vessels may use a different ABS standard.
- 46 CFR 143.545: Pressure vessels on new towing vesselsSets the alternative requirements for pressure vessels on new towing vessels, including ABS Rules for those over 5 cubic feet and above 15 psi.
- 46 CFR 143.550: Steering system standards for towing vesselsSteering systems must meet ABS Rules for steel vessels under 90 Meters; new river and intracoastal towing vessels may meet a different ABS standard.
- 46 CFR 143.555: Electrical power sources, generators, and motorsSets rules for towing vessel electrical power sources, backup power, generator and motor ratings, protection, installation, and battery backup.
- 46 CFR 143.560: Electrical distribution panels and switchboardsSets location, enclosure, shock-protection and insulation rules for distribution panels and switchboards on towing vessels.
- 46 CFR 143.565: Overcurrent protection for power and lighting circuitsTowing vessel power and lighting circuits need suitable overcurrent protection, with set trip points, ground-path rules, and transformer protection.
- 46 CFR 143.575: Electrical wiring and connections on towing vesselsSets installation, protection and connection rules for cables, wires, extension cords and power strips on towing vessels.
- 46 CFR 143.580: Alternative installations under ABS rulesA vessel may meet certain ABS rules instead of 46 CFR 143.555 through 143.575; one option applies only on rivers or intracoastal waterways.
- 46 CFR 143.585: Propulsion, steering, and related controls on towing vesselsSets rules for alternate controls, stop means, alarms, backup power, stored energy and single-failure design for towing vessel propulsion and steering.
- 46 CFR 143.590: Propulsor redundancy on towing vesselsTowing vessels must have at least two independent propulsors with separate controls, unless 143.595 is met, and enough power after one fails.
- 46 CFR 143.595: Duplicate vital auxiliaries on single-propulsor towing vesselsTowing vessels must have independent, duplicate vital auxiliaries so the propulsion engine keeps providing propulsion to control the tow if one fails.
- 46 CFR 143.600: Alternative standards for tank barge towing vesselsA towing vessel may meet certain ABS Rules instead of 46 CFR 143.585 through 143.595, with an exception for river and intracoastal vessels.
- 46 CFR 143.605: Compliance tests for towing vessel designOwners or managing operators must devise test procedures showing compliance with this subpart, have the tests witnessed, and keep a record of them.
46 CFR Part 144
- 46 CFR 144.105: Applicability and delayed compliance for towing vesselsExplains which towing vessels this part covers, the delayed compliance dates for existing vessels, and rules for conversions and repairs.
- 46 CFR 144.135: Verifying compliance with design standardsSets when compliance with construction and arrangement design standards must be verified for new vessels, major conversions and new installations.
- 46 CFR 144.140: Who may verify towing vessel design standardsLists who may verify compliance with design standards under 46 CFR 144.135: a licensed P.E., an authorized classification society, or the Coast Guard.
- 46 CFR 144.145: Verifying compliance with towing vessel design standardsExplains how design standard compliance is verified on towing vessels: who performs it, what it must include, and who receives the verified plans.
- 46 CFR 144.160: Marking of towing vessel hulls and spacesSets marking rules for towing vessel hulls, draft marks, load lines, watertight doors and hatches, and emergency exits and escape hatches.
- 46 CFR 144.200: Structural standards for existing vesselsAn existing vessel may be deemed to comply with this subpart if built to class society rules without being classed, or if it has satisfactory structural service.
- 46 CFR 144.205: Structural standards for a new vesselA new vessel must meet ABS structural standards by route, unless alternate design standards or another society's accepted standards are used.
- 46 CFR 144.215: Special consideration for vessel structural requirementsThe cognizant OCMI may give special consideration to structural requirements for small, limited-area, or unusually designed vessels.
- 46 CFR 144.300: Stability standards for existing towing vesselsOwners of existing vessels with a stability document must readily produce a copy; those without one must show satisfactory service, tests, or an assessment.
- 46 CFR 144.305: Stability standards for a new vesselEach new vessel must meet stability requirements of part 170 and, if applicable, part 173 subpart E, plus the table's rules by waters of operation.
- 46 CFR 144.315: Weight and moment history for approved lightweight vesselsRequires a weight and moment history of vessel changes, and sets when a deadweight survey or stability test must be done.
- 46 CFR 144.320: Freeing ports and closures for weathertight integrityVessels with bulwarks need enough freeing ports or scuppers to shed deck water, and openings that let water in need suitable closure devices.
- 46 CFR 144.330: Review of watertight and weathertight integrityThe cognizant OCMI may require a review of a vessel's watertight and weathertight integrity, which may include examining a plan of decks and bulkheads.
- 46 CFR 144.415: Insulating heated surfaces near combustible materialEngine exhaust ducts, galley exhaust ducts and similar ignition sources need noncombustible insulation if less than 450 mm (18 inches) from combustibles.
- 46 CFR 144.430: Mattress flammability standards on towing vesselsEach mattress must meet the CPSC flammability standard and contain no polyurethane foam, or meet IMO Resolution A.688(17), which allows polyurethane foam.
- 46 CFR 144.500: Means of escape from crew spacesEach space where crew may be quartered or normally employed must have at least two means of escape where practicable, except as § 144.515 provides.
- 46 CFR 144.510: Windows as a means of escapeA window or windshield on a vessel of 65 feet or less may serve as a required means of escape if it meets three conditions.
- 46 CFR 144.515: One means of escape from small spacesA space needs only one means of escape if it meets four conditions on deck area, fire sources, escape location, and accommodation space escape type.
- 46 CFR 144.610: Ventilation on vessels over 65 feetA vessel over 65 feet with overnight accommodations must have mechanical ventilation unless natural ventilation is adequate in ordinary weather.
- 46 CFR 144.700: General requirements for crew accommodation and work spacesCrew accommodation and work spaces must be suitably sized, built and equipped, and the deck above a crew space must sit above the deepest load waterline.
- 46 CFR 144.720: Crew rest in crew accommodationsCrew accommodations must consider crew rest, including vibrations, ambient light, noise levels and general comfort, and provide a suitable sleep environment.
- 46 CFR 144.800: Handrails and bulwarks on crew decksRequires rails or equivalent protection near the edge of all decks crew can reach, and allows hand grabs where space limits make deck rails impractical.
- 46 CFR 144.820: Guards on exposed hazards aboard towing vesselsExposed hazards such as gears and rotating machinery must be protected by a cover, guard or rail, without restricting access to towing equipment.
- 46 CFR 144.830: Protection against hot pipingExhaust pipes within reach of personnel must be insulated or guarded against burns; on a new vessel, so must certain pipes above 150 °F (65.5 °C).
- 46 CFR 144.905: Operating station visibility on towing vesselsRequires towing vessel operating station windows to give a clear field of vision, with added requirements for new vessels on arc, aft view and glazing.
- 46 CFR 144.920: Window and portlight strength requirementsWindows and portlights must withstand expected wind and wave loads, escape coverings must open from inside, and new towing vessel glazing must not shatter dangerously.