{"data":{"id":"us/46-cfr-143.245","jurisdiction":"us","citation":"46 CFR 143.245","heading":"Readiness and testing.","body":"(a) Essential systems or equipment must be regularly tested and examined. Tests and examinations must verify that the system or equipment functions as designed. If a component is found unsatisfactory, it must be repaired or replaced. Test and examination procedures must be in accordance with manufacturer's instructions or the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) applicable to the vessel, if the vessel has a TSMS.\n(b) Each towing vessel must perform the applicable tests in Table 143.245(b) of this section. The tests required by this section must be recorded in accordance with part 140 of this subchapter.\nTable 143.245(b)—Required Tests and Frequency\nTests of: Frequency:\nPropulsion controls; ahead and astern at the operating station Before the vessel gets underway, but no more than once in any 24 hour period.\nSteering controls at the operating station Before the vessel gets underway, but no more than once in any 24 hour period.\nPilothouse alerter system Weekly.\nAll alternate steering and propulsion controls At least once every 3 months.\nPower supply for alarm actuation circuits for alarms required by § 143.230 At least once every 3 months.\nCommunications required by § 143.240 Weekly.\nGeneral alarm if the vessel is so equipped Weekly.\nEmergency lighting and power if the vessel is so equipped At least once every 3 months.\nCharge of storage batteries if the vessel is so equipped, for emergency lighting and power At least once every 3 months.\nAlarm setpoints Twice every 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing since last test.\nPressure vessel relief valves Twice every 5 years, with no more than 3 years elapsing since last test.\nAll other essential systems At least once every 3 months.","path":["Title 46—Shipping","CHAPTER I—COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY","SUBCHAPTER M—TOWING VESSELS","PART 143—MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT","Subpart B—Requirements for All Towing Vessels"],"source_url":"https://www.ecfr.gov/api/versioner/v1/full/2026-08-25/title-46.xml","current_through":"2026-08-25","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T02:26:22Z","sha256":"97299d23078c28b58f8abc6cd3d226871f5f54c4b32ba04e903d43b774d77b44","source_id":"us-cfr","stale":true,"prev":"us/46-cfr-143.240","next":"us/46-cfr-143.250"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}