Federal regulations · Through 2026-08-25 · Newer source version available

46 CFR 121.602: Internal communications systems.

(a) A vessel equipped with pilothouse control must have a fixed means of two-way communications from the operating station to the location where the means of controlling the propulsion machinery, required by § 121.620(a), is located. Twin screw vessels with pilothouse control for both engines are not required to have a fixed communications system.
(b) A vessel equipped with auxiliary means of steering, required by § 119.600 of this chapter, must have a fixed means of two-way communications from the operating station to the location where the auxiliary means of steering is controlled.
(c) When the propulsion machinery of a vessel cannot be controlled from the operating station, an efficient communications system must be provided between the operating station and the propulsion machinery space.
(d) When the locations addressed in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section are sufficiently close together, direct voice communications satisfactory to the cognizant OCMI is acceptable instead of the required fixed means of communications.
(e) The OCMI may accept hand held portable radios as satisfying the communications system requirement of this section.

Where this section sits in the code

Title 46—Shipping
CHAPTER I—COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
SUBCHAPTER K—SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS CARRYING MORE THAN 150 PASSENGERS OR WITH OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MORE THAN 49 PASSENGERS
PART 121—VESSEL CONTROL AND MISCELLANEOUS SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
Subpart F—Control and Internal Communications Systems

(b) A vessel equipped with auxiliary means of steering, required by § 119.600 of this chapter, must have a fixed means of two-way communications from the operating station to the location where the auxiliary means of steering is controlled.

(c) When the propulsion machinery of a vessel cannot be controlled from the operating station, an efficient communications system must be provided between the operating station and the propulsion machinery space.

(d) When the locations addressed in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section are sufficiently close together, direct voice communications satisfactory to the cognizant OCMI is acceptable instead of the required fixed means of communications.

(e) The OCMI may accept hand held portable radios as satisfying the communications system requirement of this section.

Collected 2026-08-27T02:26:22Z. Source file · JSON

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