before alterations, repairs, or other operations involving riveting,
welding, burning, or other fire producing actions may be made aboard a
vessel.
    (b) Until an inspection has been made to determine that such
operation can be undertaken with safety, no alterations, repairs, or
other such operations involving riveting, welding, burning, or like
fire-producing actions must be made:
    (1) Within or on the boundaries of cargo tanks which have been used
to carry combustible liquid or chemicals in bulk;
    (2) Within or on the boundaries of fuel tanks; or,
    (3) To pipe lines, heating coils, pumps, fittings, or other
appurtenances connected to such cargo or fuel tanks.
    (c) Such inspections must be made and evidenced as follows:
    (1) In ports or places in the United States or its territories and
possessions the inspection must be made by a marine chemist
certificated by the National Fire Protection Association. However, if
the services of such certified marine chemist are not reasonably
available, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), upon the
recommendation of the vessel owner and his or her contractor or their
representative, must select a person who, in the case of an individual
vessel, must be authorized to make such inspection. If the inspection
indicated that such operations can be undertaken with safety, a
certificate setting forth the fact in writing and qualified as may be
required, must be issued by the certified marine chemist or the
authorized person before the work is started. Such qualifications must
include any requirements as may be deemed necessary to maintain the
safe conditions in the spaces certified throughout the operation and
must include such additional tests and certifications as considered
required. Such qualifications and requirements must include precautions
necessary to eliminate or minimize hazards that may be present from
protective coatings or residues from cargoes.
    (2) When not in such a port or place, and a marine chemist or such
person authorized by the OCMI, is not reasonably available, the
inspection must be made by the master or person in charge and a proper
entry must be made in the vessel's logbook.
    (d) The master or person in charge must secure copies of
certificates issued by the certified marine chemist or such person
authorized by the OCMI. The master or person in charge must maintain a
safe condition on the vessel by full observance of all qualifications
and requirements listed by the marine chemist or person authorized by
the OCMI in the certificate.

Sec.  140.670  Use of auto pilot.

    Except for towing vessels in compliance with requirements in 33 CFR
164.13(d), when an automatic pilot is used in areas of high traffic
density, conditions of restricted visibility, or any other hazardous
navigational situations, the master must ensure that:
    (a) It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the
ship's steering;
    (b) A competent person is ready at all times to take over steering
control; and
    (c) The changeover from automatic to manual steering and vice versa
is made by, or under, the supervision of the officer in charge of the
navigational watch.

Subpart G--Navigation and Communication Equipment

Sec.  140.700  Applicability.

    This subpart applies to all towing vessels unless otherwise
specified.

Certain towing vessels are also subject to the navigation safety
regulations in 33 CFR part 164.

Sec.  140.705  Charts and nautical publications.

    (a) This section applies to a towing vessel not subject to the
requirements of 33 CFR 164.72.
    (b) A towing vessel must carry adequate and up-to-date charts,
maps, and nautical publications for the intended voyage, including:
    (1) Charts, including electronic charts acceptable to the Coast
Guard, of appropriate scale to make safe navigation possible. Towing
vessels operating on the Western Rivers must have maps of appropriate
scale issued by the Army Corps of Engineers or a river authority;
    (2) ``U.S. Coast Pilot'' or similar publication;
    (3) Coast Guard light list; and
    (4) Towing vessels that operate the Western Rivers must have river
stage(s) or Water Surface Elevations as appropriate to the trip or
route, as published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or a river
authority, must be available to the person in charge of the navigation
watch.
    (c) Extracts or copies from the publications listed in paragraph
(b) of this section may be carried, so long as they are applicable to
the route.

Sec.  140.710  Marine radar.

    Requirements for marine radar are set forth in 33 CFR 164.72.

Sec.  140.715  Communications equipment.

    (a) Towing vessels must meet the communications requirements of 33
CFR part 26 and 33 CFR 164.72, as applicable.
    (b) Towing vessels not subject to the provisions of 33 CFR part 26
or 33 CFR 164.72 must have a Very High Frequency-Frequency Modulated
(VHF-FM) radio installed and capable of monitoring VHF-FM Channels 13
and 16, except when transmitting or receiving traffic on other VHF-FM
channels, when participating in a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), or when
monitoring a channel of a VTS. The VHF-FM radio must be installed at
each operating station and connected to a functioning battery backup.
    (c) All towing vessels must have at least one properly operating
handheld VHF-FM radio in addition to the radios otherwise required.

Sec.  140.720  Navigation lights, shapes, and sound signals.

    Each towing vessel must be equipped with navigation lights, shapes,
and sound signals in accordance with the International Regulations for
Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) or 33 CFR part 84 as
appropriate to its area of operation.

Sec.  140.725  Additional navigation equipment.

    Towing vessels must be equipped with the following equipment, as
applicable to the area of operation:
    (a) Fathometer (except Western Rivers).
    (b) Search light, controllable from the vessel's operating station
and capable of illuminating objects at a distance of at least two times
the length of the tow.
    (c) Electronic position-fixing device, satisfactory for the area in
which the vessel operates, if the towing vessel engages in towing
seaward of the navigable waters of the U.S. or more than 3 nautical
miles from shore on the Great Lakes.
    (d) Illuminated magnetic compass or an illuminated swing-meter
(Western Rivers vessels only). The compass or swing-meter must be
readable from each operating station.
    Note to Sec.  140.725. Certain towing vessels subject to Sec.
140.725 are also subject to the requirements of 33 CFR 164.72 and
Automatic Identification System requirements of 33 CFR 164.46.

Subpart H--Towing Safety

Sec.  140.800  Applicability.

    This subpart applies to all towing vessels unless otherwise
specified. Certain vessels are also subject to the navigation safety
regulations in 33 CFR parts 163 and 164.

Sec.  140.801  Towing gear.

    The owner, managing operator, master or officer in charge of a
navigational watch of a towing vessel must ensure the following:
    (a) The strength of each component used for securing the towing
vessel to the tow and for making up the tow is adequate for its
intended service.
    (b) The size, material, and condition of towlines, lines, wires,
push gear, cables, and other rigging used for making up a tow or
securing the towing vessel to a tow must be appropriate for:
    (1) The horsepower or bollard pull of the vessel;
    (2) The static loads and dynamic loads expected during the intended
service;
    (3) The environmental conditions expected during the intended
service; and
    (4) The likelihood of mechanical damage.
    (c) Emergency procedures related to the tow have been developed and
appropriate training provided to the crew for carrying out their
emergency duties.

Sec.  140.805  Towing safety.

    Prior to getting underway, and giving due consideration to the
prevailing and expected conditions of the trip or voyage, the officer
in charge of the navigational watch for a towing vessel must ensure
that:
    (a) The barges, vessels, or objects making up the tow are properly
configured and secured;
    (b) Equipment, cargo, and industrial components on board the tow
are properly secured and made ready for transit;
    (c) The towing vessel is safely and securely made up to the tow;
and
    (d) The towing vessel has appropriate horsepower or bollard pull
and is capable of safely maneuvering the tow.

Sec.  140.820  Recordkeeping for towing gear.

    (a) The results of the inspections required by 33 CFR 164.76 must
be documented in the TVR, official logbook, or in accordance with the
TSMS applicable to the vessel.
    (b) A record of the type, size, and service of each towline, face
wire, and spring line, used to make the towing vessel fast to her tow,
must be available to the Coast Guard or third-party auditor for review.
The following minimum information is required in the record: The dates
when examinations were performed, the identification of each item of
towing gear examined, and the name(s) of the person(s) conducting the
examinations.

Subpart I--Vessel Records

Sec.  140.900  Marine casualty reporting.

    Each towing vessel must comply with the requirements of part 4 of
this chapter for reporting marine casualties and retaining voyage
records.

Sec.  140.905  Official logbooks.

    (a) A towing vessel of the United States, except one on a voyage
from a port in the United States to a port in Canada, is required by 46
U.S.C. 11301 to have an official logbook if the vessel is:
    (1) On a voyage from a port in the United States to a foreign port;
or
    (2) Of at least 100 gross tons and on a voyage between a port in
the United States on the Atlantic Ocean and one on the Pacific Ocean.
    (b) The Coast Guard furnishes, without fee, to masters of vessels
of the United States, the official logbook as Form CG-706B or CG-706C,
depending on the number of persons employed as crew. The first several
pages of this logbook list various acts of Congress

governing logbooks and the entries required in them.
    (c) When a voyage is completed, or after a specified time has
elapsed, the master must file the official logbook containing required
entries with the cognizant OCMI at or nearest the port where the vessel
may be.

Sec.  140.910  Towing vessel record or record specified by TSMS.

    (a) This section applies to a towing vessel other than a vessel
operating only in a limited geographic area or a vessel required by
Sec.  140.905 to maintain an official logbook.
    (b) A towing vessel subject to this section must maintain a TVR or
in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the towing vessel.
    (c) The TVR must include a chronological record of events as
required by this subchapter. The TVR may be electronic or paper.
    (d) Except as required by Sec. Sec.  140.900 and 140.905, records
do not need to be filed with the Coast Guard, but must be kept
available for review by the Coast Guard upon request. Records, unless
required to be maintained for a longer period by statute or other
federal regulation, must be retained for at least 1 year after the date
of the latest entry.

Sec.  140.915  Items to be recorded.

    (a) The following list of items must be recorded in the TVR,
official logbook, or in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the
vessel:
    (1) Personnel records, in accordance with Sec.  140.400;
    (2) Safety orientation, in accordance with Sec.  140.410;
    (3) Record of drills and instruction, in accordance with Sec.
140.420;
    (4) Examinations and tests, in accordance with Sec.  140.615;
    (5) Operative navigational safety equipment, in accordance with
Sec.  140.620;
    (6) Navigation assessment, in accordance with Sec.  140.635;
    (7) Navigation safety training, in accordance with Sec.  140.645;
    (8) Oil residue discharges and disposals, in accordance with Sec.
140.655;
    (9) Record of inspection of towing gear, in accordance with Sec.
140.820; and
    (10) Fire-detection and fixed fire-extinguishing, in accordance
with Sec.  142.240.
    (b) For the purposes of this subchapter, if items are recorded
electronically in a TVR or other record as specified by the TSMS
applicable to the towing vessel, these electronic entries must include
the date and time of entry and name of the person making the entry. If
after an entry has been made, someone responsible for entries
determines there is an error in an entry, any entries to correct the
error must include the date and time of entry and name of the person
making the correction and must preserve a record of the original entry
being corrected.
    Note to Sec.  140.915. For towing vessels subject to 46 U.S.C.
11301, there are statutory requirements in that U.S. Code section for
additional items that must be entered in the official logbook.
Regarding requirements outside this subchapter, such as requirements in
33 CFR 151.25 to make entries in an oil record book, Sec.  140.915 does
not change those requirements.

Subpart J--Penalties

Sec.  140.1000  Statutory penalties.

    Violations of the provisions of this subchapter will subject the
violator to the applicable penalty provisions of Subtitle II of Title
46, and Title 18, United States Code.

Sec.  140.1005  Suspension and revocation.

    An individual is subject to proceedings under the provisions of 46
U.S.C. 7703 and 7704, and part 5 of this chapter with respect to
suspension or revocation of a license, certificate, document, or
credential if the individual holds a license, certificate of registry,
merchant mariner document, or merchant mariner credential and:
    (a) Commits an act of misconduct, negligence or incompetence;
    (b) Uses or is addicted to a dangerous drug; or
    (c) Violates or fails to comply with this subchapter or any other
law or regulation intended to promote marine safety; or
    (d) Becomes a security risk, as described in 46 U.S.C. 7703.

PART 141--LIFESAVING

Sec.
Subpart A--General
141.100 Purpose.
141.105 Applicability and delayed implementation for existing
vessels.
Subpart B--General Requirements for Towing Vessels
141.200 General provisions.
141.225 Alternate arrangements or equipment.
141.230 Readiness.
141.235 Inspection, testing, and maintenance.
141.240 Requirements for training crews.
Subpart C--Lifesaving Requirements for Towing Vessels
141.305 Survival craft requirements for towing vessels.
141.310 Stowage of survival craft.
141.315 Marking of survival craft and stowage locations.
141.320 Inflatable survival craft placards.
141.325 Survival craft equipment.
141.330 Skiffs as survival craft.
141.340 Lifejackets.
141.350 Immersion suits.
141.360 Lifebuoys.
141.370 Miscellaneous lifesaving requirements for towing vessels.
141.375 Visual distress signals.
141.380 Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB).
141.385 Line throwing appliance.

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904;
33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation 0170.1.

Subpart A--General

Sec.  141.100  Purpose.

    This part contains requirements for lifesaving equipment,
arrangements, systems, and procedures on towing vessels.

Sec.  141.105  Applicability and delayed implementation for existing
vessels.

    (a) This part applies to all towing vessels subject to this
subchapter.
    (1) An existing towing vessel must comply with the requirements in
this part no later than either July 20, 2018 or the date the vessel
obtains a Certificate of Inspection (COI), whichever date is earlier.
    (2) The delayed implementation provisions in paragraph (a)(1) of
this section do not apply to a new towing vessel.
    (b) A towing vessel on an international voyage, subject to SOLAS
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter), must
meet the applicable requirements in subchapter W of this chapter.
    (c) Towing vessels in compliance with SOLAS Chapter III will be
deemed in compliance with this part.

Subpart B--General Requirements for Towing Vessels

Sec.  141.200  General provisions.

    (a) Unless otherwise specified, all lifesaving equipment must be
approved by the Commandant under the approval series specified in each
section. Lifesaving equipment for personal use which is not required by
this part need not be approved by the Commandant.
    (b) A listing of approved equipment and materials may be found at
https://cgmix.uscg.mil/equipment. Each cognizant Officer in Charge,
Marine Inspection (OCMI) may be contacted for information concerning
approved equipment and materials.
    (c) Equipment requirements are based on the area in which a towing
vessel is operating, not the route for which it is

certificated. However, the towing vessel must be equipped per the
requirements of its certificated route at the time of certification.

Sec.  141.225  Alternate arrangements or equipment.

    (a) Alternate arrangements or equipment to comply with this part
may be approved in accordance with Sec.  136.115 of this subchapter.
    (b) If a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) is applicable to
the towing vessel, alternative means for complying with Sec. Sec.
141.340, 141.350, and 141.360 may be approved by a third-party
organization (TPO) and documented in the TSMS applicable to the vessel.
    (c) The Coast Guard may approve a novel lifesaving appliance or
arrangement as an equivalent if it has performance characteristics at
least equivalent to the appliance or arrangement required under this
subchapter, and if it has been evaluated and tested under IMO
Resolution A.520(13) (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of
this subchapter). Requests for evaluation of novel lifesaving
appliances must be sent to the Commandant (CG-ENG).
    (d) The cognizant OCMI may require a towing vessel to carry
specialized or additional lifesaving equipment if:
    (1) He or she determines that the conditions of the voyage render
the requirements of this part inadequate; or
    (2) The towing vessel is operated in globally remote areas or
severe environments not covered under this part. Such areas may
include, but are not limited to, polar regions, remote islands, areas
of extreme weather, and other remote areas where timely emergency
assistance cannot be anticipated.

Sec.  141.230  Readiness.

    The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly
maintained and ready for use at all times.

Sec.  141.235  Inspection, testing, and maintenance.

    (a) All lifesaving equipment must be tested and maintained in
accordance with the minimum requirements of Sec.  199.190 of this
chapter, as applicable, and the vessel's TSMS, if the vessel has a
TSMS.
    (b) Inspections and tests of lifesaving equipment must be recorded
in the TVR, official logbook, or in accordance with any TSMS applicable
to the vessel. The following minimum information is required:
    (1) The dates when inspections and tests were performed, the number
or other identification of each unit inspected and tested, the results
of the inspections and tests, and the name of the crewmember, surveyor
or auditor and any others conducting the inspections and tests; and
    (2) Receipts and other records documenting these inspections and
tests must be retained for at least 1 year after the expiration of the
COI and made available upon request.

Sec.  141.240  Requirements for training crews.

    Training requirements are contained in part 140 of this subchapter.

Subpart C--Lifesaving Requirements for Towing Vessels

Sec.  141.305  Survival craft requirements for towing vessels.

    (a) General purpose. Survival craft provide a means for survival
when evacuation from the towing vessel is necessary. The craft and
related equipment should be selected so as to provide for the basic
needs of the crew, such as shelter from life threatening elements,
until rescue resources are expected to arrive, taking into account the
scope and nature of the towing vessel's operations.
    (b) Functional requirements. A towing vessel's survival craft must
meet the functional requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) through (5) of
this section. Functional requirements describe the objectives of the
regulation. Survival craft must:
    (1) Be readily accessible;
    (2) Have an aggregate capacity sufficient to accommodate the total
number of individuals onboard, as specified in paragraph (c) of this
section;
    (3) Provide a means for sheltering its complement appropriate to
the route;
    (4) Provide minimum equipment for survival if recovery time is
expected to be greater than 24 hours; and
    (5) Be marked so that an individual not familiar with the operation
of the specific survival craft has sufficient guidance to utilize the
craft for its intended use.
    (c) Compliance options. A towing vessel must meet the applicable
functional requirements. Compliance with the functional requirements of
paragraph (b) of this section may be met by one of these two options:
    (1) A towing vessel that meets the prescriptive requirements of
paragraph (d) of this section will have complied with the functional
requirements; or
    (2) If an owner or managing operator chooses to meet the functional
requirement through means other than as specified in paragraph (c)(1)
of this section, the means must be accepted by the cognizant OCMI or,
if the vessel has a TSMS, then by a TPO and, in the latter case,
documented in the TSMS applicable to the vessel. The design, testing,
and examination scheme for meeting these functional requirements must
be included as part of the TSMS applicable to the vessel.
    (d) Prescriptive requirements. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs
(d)(2) through (4) of this section, each towing vessel must carry the
survival craft specified in Table 141.305 of this section, as
appropriate for the towing vessel, in an aggregate capacity to
accommodate the total number of individuals onboard.

                                                              Table 141.305--Survival Craft
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Area of operation
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Great Lakes and lakes,        Coastwise and ltd.
                                                                                bays, and sounds as              coastwise
      Equipment  (approval series)        Limited geographic area or                 defined in Sec.   136.110 ----------------------------
                                               protected waters          Rivers    ----------------------------                                Oceans
                                                                                <=3 miles     >3 miles     <= 3 miles     > 3 miles
                                                                                from shore    from shore    from shore    from shore
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Cold Water Operation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inflatable Buoyant Apparatus (160.010).  None \1\...................      \2\ 100%      \2\ 100%  ............      \2\ 100%
Inflatable Liferaft with SOLAS B Pack    None \1\...................  ............  ............          100%  ............          100%
 (160.151).

Inflatable Liferaft with SOLAS A Pack    None \1\...................  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............          100%
 (160.151).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Warm Water Operation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rigid Buoyant Apparatus (160.010)......  None \1\...................      \2\ 100%      \2\ 100%      \2\ 100%      \2\ 100%
Inflatable Liferaft with SOLAS B Pack    None \1\...................  ............  ............  ............  ............      \3\ 100%
 (160.151).
Inflatable Liferaft with SOLAS A Pack    None \1\...................  ............  ............  ............  ............  ............          100%
 (160.151).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ No survival craft are required unless deemed necessary by the cognizant OCMI or a TSMS applicable to the towing vessel.
\2\ A skiff that meets requirements in Sec.   141.330(a) through (f) may be substituted for all or part of required equipment.
\3\ Inflatable buoyant apparatus (approval series 160.010) may be accepted or substituted if the vessel carries a 406 MHz Cat 1 emergency position
  indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) meeting 47 CFR part 80.

    (2) The following approved survival craft may be substituted for
survival craft required by Table 141.305 of this section:
    (i) A lifeboat approved under approval series 160.135 may be
substituted for any survival craft required by this section, provided
it is arranged and equipped in accordance with part 199 of this
chapter.
    (ii) An inflatable liferaft approved under approval series 160.051
or 160.151, may be substituted for an inflatable buoyant apparatus or
rigid buoyant apparatus.
    (iii) An inflatable buoyant apparatus approved under approval
series 160.010 may be substituted for a rigid buoyant apparatus.
    (iv) A life float approved under approval series 160.027 may be
substituted for a rigid buoyant apparatus.
    (3) Unless it is determined to be necessary by the cognizant OCMI
under Sec.  141.225, or a TSMS applicable to the towing vessel, each
towing vessel that operates solely on rivers need not carry survival
craft if:
    (i) It carries a 406 MHz Cat 1 EPIRB meeting 47 CFR part 80;
    (ii) It is designed for pushing ahead and has a TSMS that contains
procedures for evacuating crewmembers onto the tow or other safe
location; or
    (iii) It operates within 1 mile of shore.
    (4) A towing vessel which is not required by this part to carry
survival craft may carry a non-approved survival craft as excess
equipment, provided that it is maintained in good working condition and
maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Sec.  141.310  Stowage of survival craft.

    Survival craft must be stowed in accordance with the requirements
of Sec.  199.130 of this chapter, as far as is practicable on existing
towing vessels.

Sec.  141.315  Marking of survival craft and stowage locations.

    Survival craft and stowage locations must be marked in accordance
with the requirements of Sec. Sec.  199.176 and 199.178 of this
chapter.

Sec.  141.320  Inflatable survival craft placards.

    Every towing vessel equipped with an inflatable survival craft must
have, in conspicuous places near each inflatable survival craft,
approved placards or other posted instructions for launching and
inflating inflatable survival craft.

Sec.  141.325  Survival craft equipment.

    (a) Each item of survival craft equipment must be of good quality,
effective for the purpose it is intended to serve, and secured to the
craft.
    (b) Each towing vessel carrying a lifeboat must carry equipment in
accordance with Sec.  199.175 of this chapter.
    (c) Each life float and rigid buoyant apparatus must be fitted with
a lifeline, pendants, a painter, and floating electric water light
approved under approval series 161.010.

Sec.  141.330  Skiffs as survival craft.

    A skiff may be substituted for all or part of the approved survival
craft for towing vessels that do not operate more than 3 miles from
shore. A skiff used as a survival craft does not require Coast Guard
approval but must:
    (a) Be capable of being launched within 5 minutes under all
circumstances;
    (b) Be of suitable size for all persons on board the towing vessel;
    (c) Not exceed the loading specified on the capacity plate required
by 33 CFR 183.23;
    (d) Not contain modifications affecting the buoyancy or structure
of the skiff;
    (e) Be of suitable design for the vessel's intended service; and
    (f) Be marked in accordance with Sec. Sec.  199.176 and 199.178 of
this chapter.

Sec.  141.340  Lifejackets.

    (a) Each towing vessel must carry at least one appropriately-sized
lifejacket, approved under approval series 160.002, 160.005, 160.055,
160.155, or 160.176, for each person on board.
    (b) For towing vessels with berthing aboard, a sufficient number of
additional lifejackets must be carried so that a lifejacket is
immediately available for persons at each normally manned watch
station.
    (c) Where alternative means are used to meet the requirements of
this section, as permitted by Sec.  141.225, there must be at least one
lifejacket for each person onboard. Any TSMS applicable to the towing
vessel must specify the number and location of lifejackets in such a
manner as to facilitate immediate accessibility at normally occupied
spaces including, but not limited to, accommodation spaces and watch
stations.
    (d) Lifejackets must be readily accessible.
    (e) If the towing vessel carries inflatable lifejackets they must
be of

similar design to each other and have the same mode of operation.
    (f) Each lifejacket must be marked:
    (1) In block capital letters with the name of the vessel; and
    (2) With Type I retro-reflective material approved under approval
series 164.018. The arrangement of the retro-reflective material must
meet IMO Resolution A.658(16) (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
136.112 of this subchapter).
    (g) Lifejackets must have the following attachments and fittings:
    (1) Each lifejacket must have a lifejacket light approved under
approval series 161.012 or 161.112 securely attached to the front
shoulder area of the lifejacket.
    (2) Each lifejacket must have a whistle firmly secured by a cord to
the lifejacket.
    (h) Stowage positions for lifejackets stowed in a berthing space or
stateroom and all lifejacket containers must be marked in block capital
letters and numbers with the minimum quantity, identity, and, if sizes
other than adult or universal sizes are used on the vessel, the size of
the lifejackets stowed inside the container. The equipment may be
identified in words or with the appropriate symbol from IMO Resolution
A.760(18) (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this
subchapter).

Sec.  141.350  Immersion suits.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, each
towing vessel operating north of lat. 32[deg] N. or south of lat.
32[deg] S. must carry the number of immersion suits as prescribed in
this paragraph (a):
    (1) Each towing vessel operating in those regions must carry at
least one appropriate-size immersion suit, approved under approval
series 160.171, for each person onboard.
    (2) In addition to the immersion suits required under paragraph
(a)(1) of this section, each watch station, work station, and
industrial work site must have enough immersion suits to equal the
number of persons normally on watch in, or assigned to, the station or
site at one time. However, an immersion suit is not required at a
station or site for a person whose cabin or berthing area (and the
immersion suits stowed in that location) is readily accessible to the
station or site.
    (3) Where alternative means are used to meet the requirements of
this section, as permitted by Sec.  141.225, there must be at least one
immersion suit of the appropriate size for each person onboard. Any
TSMS applicable to the towing vessel must specify the number and
location of immersion suits in such a manner as to facilitate immediate
accessibility at normally occupied spaces including, but not limited
to, accommodation spaces and watch stations.
    (4) A towing vessel operating on rivers or in a limited geographic
area is not required to carry immersion suits.
    (b) Immersion suits carried on towing vessels must meet the
requirements of Sec.  199.70(c) and (d) of this chapter.

Sec.  141.360  Lifebuoys.

    (a) A towing vessel must carry lifebuoys as follows:
    (1) A towing vessel less than 26 feet length must carry a minimum
of one lifebuoy of not less than 510 millimeters (20 inches) in
diameter.
    (2) A towing vessel of at least 26 feet, but less than 79 feet, in
length must carry a minimum of two lifebuoys located on opposite sides
of the vessel where personnel are normally present. Lifebuoys must be
at least 610 millimeters (24 inches) in diameter.
    (3) A towing vessel 79 feet or more in length must carry four
lifebuoys, with one lifebuoy located on each side of the operating
station. Lifebuoys must be at least 610 millimeters (24 inches) in
diameter.
    (4) Where alternative means are used to meet the requirements of
this section, as permitted by Sec.  141.225, any TSMS applicable to the
towing vessel must specify the number and location of lifebuoys in such
a manner as to facilitate rapid deployment of lifebuoys from exposed
decks, including the pilot house.
    (b) Each lifebuoy on a towing vessel must:
    (1) Be approved under approval series 160.050 or 160.150;
    (2) Be capable of being rapidly cast loose;
    (3) Not be permanently secured to the vessel in any way;
    (4) Be marked in block capital letters with the name of the vessel;
and
    (5) Be orange in color, if on a vessel on an oceans or coastwise
route.
    (c) Lifebuoys must have the following attachments and fittings:
    (1) At least one lifebuoy must have a lifeline, secured around the
body of the lifebuoy. If more than one lifebuoy is carried, at least
one must not have a lifeline attached. Each lifeline on a lifebuoy
must:
    (i) Be buoyant;
    (ii) Be of at least 18.3 meters (60 feet) in length;
    (iii) Be non-kinking;
    (iv) Have a diameter of at least 7.9 millimeters (\5/16\ inch);
    (v) Have a breaking strength of at least 5 kilonewtons (1,124
pounds); and
    (vi) Be of a dark color if synthetic, or of a type certified to be
resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet light.
    (2) At least two lifebuoys on a towing vessel greater than 26 feet
must be fitted with a floating electric water light approved under
approval series 161.010 or 161.110, unless the towing vessel is limited
to daytime operation, in which case no floating electric water light is
required.
    (3) If a towing vessel carries only one lifebuoy, the lifebuoy must
be fitted with a floating electric water light approved under approval
series 161.010 or 160.110, unless the towing vessel is limited to
daytime operation, in which case no floating electric water light is
required. The water light must be attached by the lanyard with a
corrosion-resistant clip to allow the water light to be quickly
disconnected from the lifebuoy. The clip must have a strength of at
least 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds).
    (4) Each lifebuoy with a floating electric water light must have a
lanyard of at least 910 millimeters (3 feet) in length, but not more
than 1,830 millimeters (6 feet), securing the water light around the
body of the lifebuoy.

Sec.  141.370  Miscellaneous life saving requirements for towing
vessels.

    Miscellaneous lifesaving requirements are summarized in Table
141.370 of this section. Equipment requirements are based on the area
in which a towing vessel is operating, not the route for which it is
certificated.

                                                    Table 141.370--Miscellaneous Lifesaving Equipment
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Area of operation
                              --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Great Lakes and lakes, bays, and     Coastwise and ltd. coastwise
  Equipment (46 CFR section)                                            sounds as defined in Sec.     ----------------------------------
                                    Limited           Rivers      ---------------136.110--------------                                        Oceans
                                geographic area                     <= 3 miles from   <= 3 miles from  <= 3 miles from   > 3 miles from
                                                                         shore             shore            shore            shore
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visual Distress Signals (Sec.  3 day and 3       3 day and 3       3 day and 3       6 day and 6       3 day and 3      6 day and 6      6 day and 6
   141.375).                    night.            night.            night.            night.            night.           night.           night.
EPIRBs (Sec.   141.380)......  ................  ................  ................  1 \1\...........  1-.............  1..............  1
Line Throwing Appliances       ................  ................  ................  ................  ...............  1-.............  1
 (Sec.   141.385).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Great Lakes service only.

Sec.  141.375  Visual distress signals.

    (a) Carriage requirement. A towing vessel must carry a combination
of day and night visual distress signals indicated in Table 141.370 of
Sec.  141.370 for specified areas where the vessel operates.
    (b) Day and night visual distress signals. Hand-held red flare
distress signals, approved under approval series 160.021 or 160.121,
and hand-held rocket-propelled parachute red flares, approved under
approval series 160.036 or 160.136, are acceptable as both day and
night signals.
    (c) Signals for day visual distress only. Floating orange smoke
signals, approved under approval series 160.022, 160.122, or 160.157,
and hand-held orange smoke distress signals, approved under approval
series 160.037, are only acceptable as day signals.
    (d) Limited geographic area. A vessel operating in a limited
geographic area on a short run limited to approximately 30 minutes away
from the dock is not required to carry visual distress signals under
this section.
    (e) Stowage. Each pyrotechnic distress signal carried to meet this
section must be stowed in either:
    (1) A portable watertight container carried at the operating
station. Portable watertight containers for pyrotechnic distress
signals must be of a bright color and must be clearly marked in legible
contrasting letters at least 12.7 millimeters (0.5 inches) high with
``DISTRESS SIGNALS''; or
    (2) A pyrotechnic locker secured above the freeboard deck, away
from heat, in the vicinity of the operating station.

Sec.  141.380  Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB).

    (a) Each towing vessel operating on oceans, coastwise, limited
coastwise, or beyond 3 nautical miles from shore upon the Great Lakes
must carry a Category 1, 406 MHz satellite Emergency Position
Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) that meets the requirements of 47 CFR
part 80.
    (b) When the towing vessel is underway, the EPIRB must be stowed in
its float-free bracket with the controls set for automatic activation
and be mounted in a manner so that it will float free if the towing
vessel sinks.
    (c) The name of the towing vessel must be marked or painted in
clearly legible letters on each EPIRB, except on an EPIRB in an
inflatable liferaft.
    (d) The owner or managing operator must maintain valid proof of
registration.
    Note to paragraph (d). Registration information can be found at
www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/.

Sec.  141.385  Line throwing appliance.

    Each towing vessel operating in oceans and coastwise service must
have a line throwing appliance approved under approval series 160.040.
    (a) Stowage. The line throwing appliance and its equipment must be
readily accessible for use.
    (b) Additional equipment. The line throwing appliance must have:
    (1) The equipment on the list provided by the manufacturer with the
approved appliance; and
    (2) An auxiliary line that:
    (i) Is at least 450 meters (1,500 feet) long;
    (ii) Has a breaking strength of at least 40 kilonewtons (9,000
pounds-force); and
    (iii) Is, if synthetic, of a dark color or certified by the
manufacturer to be resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet light.

PART 142--FIRE PROTECTION

Sec.
Subpart A --General
142.100 Purpose.
142.105 Applicability and delayed implementation for existing
vessels.
Subpart B--General Requirements for Towing Vessels
142.205 Alternate standards.
142.210 Alternate arrangements or equipment.
142.215 Approved equipment.
142.220 Fire hazards to be minimized.
142.225 Storage of flammable or combustible products.
142.226 Firefighter's outfit.
142.227 Fire axe.
142.230 Hand-portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire-
extinguishing systems.
142.235 Vessels contracted for prior to November 19, 1952.
142.240 Inspection, testing, maintenance, and records.
142.245 Requirements for training crews to respond to fires.
Subpart C--Fire Extinguishing and Detection Requirements
142.300 Excepted vessels.
142.315 Additional fire-extinguishing equipment requirements.
142.325 Fire pumps, fire mains, and fire hoses.
142.330 Fire-detection system requirements.

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904;
33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation 0170.1.

Subpart A--General

Sec.  142.100  Purpose.

    This part contains requirements for fire suppression and detection
equipment and arrangements on towing vessels.

Sec.  142.105  Applicability and delayed implementation for existing
vessels.

    This part applies to all towing vessels subject to this subchapter.
    (a) An existing towing vessel must comply with the requirements in
this part no later than either July 20, 2018 or the date the vessel
obtains a Certificate of Inspection (COI), whichever date is earlier.
    (b) The delayed implementation provisions in paragraph (a) of this

section do not apply to a new towing vessel.

Subpart B--General Requirements for Towing Vessels

Sec.  142.205  Alternate standards.

    (a) Towing vessels in compliance with Chapter II-2 of SOLAS
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter) will
be deemed to be in compliance with this part.
    (b) Towing vessels that comply with other alternate standards,
deemed by the Commandant to provide an equivalent level of safety and
performance, will be in compliance with this part.

Sec.  142.210  Alternate arrangements or equipment.

    (a) Alternate arrangements or equipment to comply with this part
may be approved in accordance with Sec.  136.115 of this subchapter.
    (b) All owners or operators of towing vessels with a Towing Safety
Management System (TSMS) may comply with the requirements of subpart B
of this part by outfitting their vessels with appropriate alternate
arrangements or equipment so long as these variations provide an
equivalent level of safety and performance and are properly documented
in the TSMS.
    (c) The cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) may
require a towing vessel to carry specialized or additional fire
protection, suppression, or detection equipment if:
    (1) He or she determines that the conditions of the voyage render
the requirements of this part inadequate; or
    (2) The towing vessel is operated in globally remote areas or
severe environments not covered under this part. These areas may
include, but are not limited to, polar regions, remote islands, areas
of extreme weather, and other remote areas where timely emergency
assistance cannot be anticipated.

Sec.  142.215  Approved equipment.

    (a) All hand-portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire-
extinguishing systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems required by
this part must be approved by the Commandant (CG-ENG). Where other
equipment in this part is required to be approved, such equipment
requires the specific approval of the Commandant.
    (b) A listing of approved equipment and materials may be found
online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil/equipment. Each cognizant OCMI may be
contacted for information concerning approved equipment and materials.
    (c) New installations of fire-extinguishing and fire-detection
equipment of a type not required, or in excess of that required by this
part, may be permitted if Coast Guard approved, or if accepted by the
local OCMI, a TPO, or a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
(NRTL). Existing equipment and installations not meeting the applicable
requirements of this part may be continued in service so long as they
are in good condition and accepted by the local OCMI or TPO.

Sec.  142.220  Fire hazards to be minimized.

    Each towing vessel must be maintained and operated so as to
minimize fire hazards and to ensure the following:
    (a) All bilges and void spaces are kept free from accumulation of
combustible and flammable materials and liquids insofar as practicable.
    (b) Storage areas are kept free from accumulation of combustible
and flammable materials insofar as practicable.

Sec.  142.225  Storage of flammable or combustible products.

    (a) Paints, coatings, or other flammable or combustible products
onboard a towing vessel must be stored in a designated storage room or
cabinet when not in use.
    (b) If a storage room is provided, it may be any room or
compartment that is free of ignition sources.
    (c) If a dedicated storage cabinet is provided it must be secured
to the vessel so that it does not move and must be either:
    (1) A flammable liquid storage cabinet that satisfies UL 1275
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter); or
    (2) A flammable liquid storage cabinet that satisfies FM Approvals
Standard 6050 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this
subchapter); or
    (3) Another suitable steel container that provides an equivalent
level of protection.
    (d) A B-II portable fire extinguisher must be located near the
storage room or cabinet. This is in addition to the portable fire
extinguishers required by Tables 142.230(d)(1) and 142.230(d)(2) of
Sec.  142.230.

Sec.  142.226  Firefighter's outfit.

    Each towing vessel 79 feet or more in length operating on oceans
and coastwise routes that does not have an installed fixed fire-
extinguishing system must have the following:
    (a) At least two firefighter's outfits that meet NFPA 1971
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter); and
    (b) Two self-contained breathing apparatus of the pressure demand,
open circuit type, approved by the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH), under 42 CFR part 84. The breathing
apparatus must have a minimum 30-minute air supply and full facepiece.

Sec.  142.227  Fire axe.

    Each towing vessel must be equipped with at least one fire axe that
is readily accessible for use from the exterior of the vessel.

Sec.  142.230  Hand-portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire-
extinguishing systems.

    (a) Hand-portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire-
extinguishing systems are classified by a combination letter and Roman
numeral. The letter indicates the type of fire which the unit could be
expected to extinguish, and the Roman numeral indicates the relative
size of the unit.
    (b) For the purpose of this subchapter, all required hand-portable
fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems must
include Type B classification, suitable for extinguishing fires
involving flammable liquids, grease, etc.
    (c) The number designations for size run from ``I'' for the
smallest to ``V'' for the largest. Sizes I and II are hand-portable
fire extinguishers; sizes III, IV, and V are semi-portable fire-
extinguishing systems, which must be fitted with hose and nozzle or
other practical means to cover all portions of the space involved.
Examples of the sizes for some of the typical hand-portable fire
extinguishers and semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems appear in
Table 142.230(c) of this section.

                           Table 142.230(c)--Portable and Semi-Portable Extinguishers
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Carbon dioxide,     Dry chemical,
                     Classification                         Foam, liters        kilograms          kilograms
                                                             (gallons)           (pounds)           (pounds)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B-I....................................................        4.75 (1.25)              2 (4)              1 (2)

B-II...................................................          9.5 (2.5)             7 (15)           4.5 (10)
B-III..................................................            45 (12)            16 (35)             9 (20)
B-IV...................................................            75 (20)            23 (50)          13.5 (30)
B-V....................................................           125 (33)           45 (100)            23 (50)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d)(1) Towing vessels of 65 feet or less in length must carry at
least the minimum number of hand-portable fire extinguishers set forth
in Table 142.230(d)(1) of this section.

                            Table 142.230(d)(1)--B-I Hand-Portable Fire Extinguishers
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Minimum number of B-I hand-portable fire
                                                                             extinguishers required \1\
                                                                   ---------------------------------------------
                           Length, feet                                No fixed  fire-          Fixed  fire-
                                                                     extinguishing system   extinguishing system
                                                                      in machinery space     in machinery space
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under 26 \2\......................................................                     1                      0
26 and over, but under 40.........................................                     2                      1
40 and over, but not over 65......................................                     3                      2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ One B-II hand-portable fire extinguisher may be substituted for two B-I hand-portable fire extinguishers.
\2\ See Sec.   136.105 of this subchapter concerning vessels under 26 feet.

    (2) Towing vessels of more than 65 feet in length must carry at
least the minimum number of hand-portable fire extinguishers set forth
in Table 142.230(d)(2) of this section.

       Table 142.230(d)(2)--B-II Hand-Portable Fire Extinguishers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Gross tonnage--                     Minimum number of
------------------------------------------------------     B-II hand-
                                                         portable fire
              Over                      Not over         extinguishers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  50.................                 1
50..............................  100................                 2
100.............................  500................                 3
500.............................  1,000..............                 6
1,000...........................  ...................                 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (i) In addition to the hand-portable extinguishers required by
paragraph (d)(2) of this section, one Type B-II hand-portable fire
extinguisher must be fitted in the engine room for each 1,000 brake
horsepower of the main engines or fraction thereof. A towing vessel is
not required to carry more than six additional B-II extinguishers in
the engine room for this purpose, irrespective of horsepower.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (e) The frame or support of any size III, IV, or V semi-portable
extinguisher fitted with wheels must be welded or otherwise permanently
attached to a steel bulkhead or deck to prevent it from rolling under
heavy sea conditions.

Sec.  142.235  Vessels contracted for prior to November 19, 1952.

    (a) Towing vessels contracted for construction prior to November
19, 1952, must meet the applicable provisions of this part concerning
the number and general type of equipment required.
    (b) Existing equipment and installations previously approved, but
not meeting the applicable requirements for approval by the Commandant,
may be continued in service so long as they are in good condition.
    (c) All new installations and replacements must meet the
requirements of this part.

Sec.  142.240  Inspection, testing, maintenance, and records.

    (a) Inspection and testing. All hand-portable fire extinguishers,
semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems, fire-detection systems, and
fixed fire-extinguishing systems, including ventilation, machinery
shutdowns, and fixed fire-extinguishing system pressure-operated
dampers onboard the vessel, must be inspected or tested at least once
every 12 months, as prescribed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (8) of this
section, or more frequently if otherwise required by the TSMS
applicable to the vessel.
    (1) Portable fire extinguishers must be tested in accordance with
the inspection, maintenance procedures and hydrostatic pressure tests
required by Chapters 7 and 8 of NFPA 10, Portable

Fire Extinguishers (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of
this subchapter), with the frequency as specified by NFPA 10. In
addition, carbon dioxide and Halocarbon portable fire extinguishers
must be refilled when the net content weight loss exceeds that
specified for fixed systems in Table 142.240 of this section.
    (2) Semi-portable and fixed fire-extinguishing systems must be
inspected and tested, as required by Table 142.240 of this section, in
addition to the tests required by Sec. Sec.  147.60 and 147.65 of this
chapter.
    (3) Flexible connections and discharge hoses on all semi-portable
extinguishers and fixed extinguishing systems must be inspected and
tested in accordance with Sec.  147.65 of this chapter.
    (4) All cylinders containing compressed gas must be tested and
marked in accordance with Sec.  147.60 of this chapter.
    (5) All piping, controls, valves, and alarms must be inspected; and
the operation of controls, alarms, ventilation shutdowns, and pressure-
operated dampers for each fixed fire-extinguishing system and detecting
system must be tested, to determine that the system is operating
properly.
    (6) The fire main system must be charged, and sufficient pressure
must be verified at the most remote and highest outlets.
    (7) All fire hoses must be inspected for excessive wear, and
subjected to a test pressure equivalent to the maximum service
pressure. All fire hoses which are defective and incapable of repair
must be destroyed.
    (8) All smoke- and fire-detection systems, including detectors and
alarms, must be tested.

    Table 142.240--Semi-Portable and Fixed Fire-Extinguishing Systems
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Type system                             Test
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carbon dioxide....................  Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight
                                     loss exceeds 10 percent of weight
                                     of the charge. Test time delays,
                                     alarms, and ventilation shutdowns
                                     with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or
                                     other nonflammable gas as stated in
                                     the system manufacturer's
                                     instruction manual. Inspect hoses
                                     for damage or decay. Ensure that
                                     nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders
                                     must be tested and marked, and all
                                     flexible connections on fixed
                                     carbon dioxide systems must be
                                     tested or renewed, as required by
                                     Sec.  Sec.   147.60 and 147.65 of
                                     this chapter.
Halon and Halocarbon..............  Recharge or replace if weight loss
                                     exceeds 5 percent of the weight of
                                     the charge or if cylinder has a
                                     pressure gauge, recharge cylinder
                                     if pressure loss exceeds 10 percent
                                     adjusted for temperature. Test time
                                     delays, alarms, and ventilation
                                     shutdowns with carbon dioxide,
                                     nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas
                                     as stated in the system
                                     manufacturer's instruction manual.
                                     Inspect hoses for damage or decay.
                                     Ensure that nozzles are
                                     unobstructed. Cylinders must be
                                     tested and marked, and all flexible
                                     connections to Halon 1301 and
                                     halocarbon cylinders must be tested
                                     or renewed, as required by Sec.
                                     Sec.   147.60 and 147.65 or Sec.
                                     147.67 of this chapter.
                                    NOTE: Halon 1301 system approvals
                                     have expired, but existing systems
                                     may be retained if they are in good
                                     and serviceable condition to the
                                     satisfaction of the Coast Guard
                                     inspector.
Dry Chemical (cartridge operated).  Inspect pressure cartridge and
                                     replace if end is punctured or if
                                     determined to have leaked or is in
                                     an unsuitable condition. Inspect
                                     hose and nozzle to see if they are
                                     clear. Insert charged cartridge.
                                     Ensure dry chemical is free flowing
                                     (not caked) and extinguisher
                                     contains full charge.
Dry chemical (stored pressure)....  See that pressure gauge is within
                                     operating range. If not, or if the
                                     seal is broken, weigh or otherwise
                                     determine that extinguisher is
                                     fully charged with dry chemical.
                                     Recharge if pressure is low or dry
                                     chemical is needed.
Foam (stored pressure)............  See that pressure gauge, if so
                                     equipped, is within the operating
                                     range. If not, or if the seal is
                                     broken, weigh or otherwise
                                     determine that extinguisher is
                                     fully charged with foam. Recharge
                                     if pressure is low or foam is
                                     needed. Replace premixed agent
                                     every 3 years.
Inert gas.........................  Recharge or replace if cylinder
                                     pressure loss exceeds 5 percent,
                                     adjusted for temperature. Test time
                                     delays, alarms, and ventilation
                                     shutdowns with carbon dioxide,
                                     nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas
                                     as stated in the system
                                     manufacturer's instruction manual.
                                     Inspect hoses and nozzles to ensure
                                     they are clear.
Water mist........................  Test and inspect system in
                                     accordance with the maintenance
                                     instructions in the system
                                     manufacturer's design,
                                     installation, operation, and
                                     maintenance manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Maintenance. In addition to the requirements in paragraph (a)
of this section, all fire-suppression and detection equipment and
systems on board a towing vessel must be maintained in accordance with
the attached nameplate, manufacturer's approved design manual, or as
otherwise provided in any TSMS applicable to the vessel.
    (c) Records. (1) The records of inspections and tests of fire-
detection systems and fixed fire-extinguishing systems must be recorded
in the TVR, official logbook, or in accordance with any TSMS applicable
to the vessel. The following minimum information is required:
    (i) The dates when inspections and tests were performed, the number
and any other identification of each unit inspected and tested, the
results of the inspections and tests, and the name of the crewmember,
surveyor or auditor and any others conducting the inspections and
tests, must be included.
    (ii) Receipts and other records generated by these inspections and
tests must be retained for at least 1 year and made available upon
request.
    (2) The records of inspections and tests of hand-portable fire
extinguishers and semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems may be
recorded in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section, or on a
tag attached to each unit by a qualified servicing organization.

Sec.  142.245  Requirements for training crews to respond to fires.

    (a) Drills and instruction. The master of a towing vessel must
ensure that each crewmember participates in fire-fighting drills and
receives instruction at least once each month. The instruction may
coincide with the drills, but is not required to do so. All crewmembers
must be familiar with their fire-fighting duties, and, specifically how
to:
    (1) Fight a fire in the engine room and elsewhere onboard the
towing vessel, including how to:
    (i) Operate all of the fire-extinguishing equipment onboard the
towing vessel;
    (ii) Stop any mechanical ventilation system for the engine room and
effectively seal all natural openings to

the space to prevent leakage of the extinguishing agent; and
    (iii) Operate the fuel shut-off(s) for the engine room.
    (2) Activate the general alarm;
    (3) Report inoperative alarm systems and fire-detection systems;
and
    (4) Don a firefighter's outfit and a self-contained breathing
apparatus, if the vessel is so equipped.
    (b) Alternative form of instruction. Video training, followed by a
discussion led by someone familiar with the contingencies listed in
paragraph (a) of this section, is an acceptable, alternative form of
instruction. This instruction may occur either onboard or off the
towing vessel.
    (c) Participation in drills. Drills must take place onboard the
towing vessel as if there were an actual emergency. They must include:
    (1) Participation by all crewmembers;
    (2) Breaking out and using, or simulating the use of, emergency
equipment;
    (3) Testing of all alarm and detection systems by operation of the
test switch or by activation of one or more devices;
    (4) Putting on protective clothing by at least one person, if the
towing vessel is so equipped; and
    (5) Functionally testing the self-priming capability of the
portable fire pump, if the towing vessel is so equipped.
    (d) Safety orientation. The master must ensure that each crewmember
who has not participated in the drills required by paragraph (a) of
this section and received the instruction required by that paragraph
(a) receives a safety orientation within 24 hours of reporting for
duty. The safety orientation must cover the particular contingencies
listed in paragraph (a) of this section.
    Note to Sec.  142.245. See Sec.  140.915 for requirements for
keeping records of training.

Subpart C--Fire Extinguishing and Detection Equipment Requirements

Sec.  142.300  Excepted vessels.

    Excepted vessels, as defined in Sec.  136.110 of this subchapter,
need not comply with the provisions of Sec. Sec.  142.315 through
142.330.

Sec.  142.315  Additional fire-extinguishing equipment requirements.

    (a) A towing vessel that is:
    (1) Certificated for rivers, lakes, bays, and sounds, less than 3
nautical miles from shore on the Great Lakes; or
    (2) Certificated for limited coastwise, coastwise, oceans or waters
beyond 3 nautical miles from shore on the Great Lakes, whose contract
for construction was executed prior to August 27, 2003; or
    (3) Pushing a barge ahead or hauling a barge alongside, when the
barge's coastwise, limited coastwise, or Great Lakes route is
restricted, as indicated on its COI, so that the barge may operate ``in
fair weather only, within 12 miles of shore'' or with words to that
effect, must be equipped with either:
    (i) An approved B-V semi-portable fire-extinguishing system to
protect the engine room; or
    (ii) A fixed fire-extinguishing system installed to protect the
engine room.
    (b) A towing vessel that is certificated for limited coastwise,
coastwise, oceans, or beyond 3 nautical miles from shore on the Great
Lakes whose contract for construction was executed on or after August
27, 2003, except for those specified in paragraph (a)(3) of this
section, must be equipped with both:
    (1) An approved B-V semi-portable fire-extinguishing system to
protect the engine room; and
    (2) A fixed fire-extinguishing system installed to protect the
engine room.

Sec.  142.325  Fire pumps, fire mains, and fire hoses.

    Each towing vessel must have either a self-priming, power-driven,
fixed fire pump, a fire main, and hoses and nozzles in accordance with
paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section; or a portable pump, and
hoses and nozzles, in accordance with paragraphs (e) and (f) of this
section.
    (a) A fixed fire pump must be capable of:
    (1) Delivering water simultaneously from the two highest hydrants,
or from both branches of the fitting if the highest hydrant has a
Siamese fitting, at a pitot-tube pressure of at least 344 kilopascals
(kPa) (50 pounds per square inch (psi)), and a flow rate of at least
300 liters per minute (lpm) (80 gallons per minute (gpm)); and
    (2) Being energized remotely from a safe place outside the engine
room and at the pump.
    (b) All suction valves necessary for the operation of the fire main
must be kept in the open position or capable of operation from the same
place where the remote fire pump control is located.
    (c) The fire main must have a sufficient number of fire hydrants
with attached hose to allow a stream of water to reach any part of the
machinery space using a single length of fire hose.
    (d) The hose must be a lined commercial fire hose 15 meters (50
feet) in length, at least 40 millimeters (1.5 inches) in diameter, and
fitted with a nozzle made of corrosion-resistant material capable of
providing a solid stream and a spray pattern.
    (e) The portable fire pump must be self-priming and power-driven,
with:
    (1) A minimum capacity of at least 300 LPM (80 gpm) at a discharge
gauge pressure of not less than 414 kPa (60 psi), measured at the pump
discharge;
    (2) A sufficient amount of lined commercial fire hose 15 meters (50
feet) in length, at least 40 mm (1.5 inches) in diameter and
immediately available to attach to it so that a stream of water will
reach any part of the vessel; and
    (3) A nozzle made of corrosion-resistant material capable of
providing a solid stream and a spray pattern.
    (f) The pump must be stowed with its hose and nozzle outside of the
machinery space.

Sec.  142.330  Fire-detection system requirements.

    (a) Fire-detection systems. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(8)
of this section, each towing vessel must have a fire-detection system
installed to detect engine room fires. The owner or managing operator
must ensure the following:
    (1) Each detector, control panel, remote indicator panel, and fire
alarm are approved by the Commandant under approval series 161.002 or
listed by a NRTL as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.7;
    (2) The system is installed, tested, and maintained in accordance
with the manufacturer's design manual;
    (3) The system is arranged and installed so a fire in the engine
room automatically sets off alarms on a fire detection control panel at
the operating station. On vessels with more than one operating station,
only one of them must be outfitted with a fire detection control panel.
Any other operating station must be outfitted with either a fire
detection control panel or a remote indicator panel;
    (4) The control panel includes:
    (i) A power available light;
    (ii) An audible to notify crew of a fire;
    (iii) Visual alarm alarms to identify the zone or zones of origin
of the fire;
    (iv) A means to silence the audible alarm while maintaining
indication by the visual alarms;
    (v) A circuit-fault detector test-switch, or internal supervision
of circuit integrity; and
    (vi) Labels for all switches and indicator lights, identifying
their functions.
    (5) The system draws power from two sources. Switchover from the
primary source to the secondary source may be either manual or
automatic;
    (6) The system serves no other purpose, unless it is an engine room
monitoring system complying with paragraph (a)(8) of this section; and

    (7) The design of the system and its installation on the towing
vessel is certified and inspected by a registered professional engineer
with experience in fire-detection system design, by a technician with
qualifications as a National Institute for Certification in Engineering
Technologies (NICET) level IV fire alarm engineering technician, or by
an authorized classification society with equivalent experience, to
comply with paragraphs (a)(1) through (6) of this section.
    (8) A towing vessel whose construction was contracted for prior to
January 18, 2000, may use an existing engine room monitoring system
(with fire-detection capability) instead of a fire-detection system, if
the monitoring system is operable and complies with paragraphs (a)(2)
through (7) of this section, and uses detectors listed by an NRTL.
    (b) Smoke detection in berthing spaces. Each towing vessel must be
equipped with a means to detect smoke in the berthing spaces and
lounges that alerts individuals in those spaces. This may be
accomplished by an installed detection system, or by using individual
battery-operated detectors meeting UL 217 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter). Detection systems or individual
detectors must be kept operational at all times when the crew is
onboard the towing vessel.
    (c) Heat-detection system in galley. Each new towing vessel
equipped with a galley must have a heat-detection system with one or
more restorable heat-sensing detectors to detect fires in the galley.
The system must be arranged to sound an audible alarm at each operating
station. This may be a separate zone in the detection system required
by paragraph (a) of this section, or a separate detection system
complying with paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section.

PART 143--MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

Sec.
Subpart A--General
143.100 Purpose.
143.105 Applicability.
143.115 Definitions.
Subpart B--Requirements for All Towing Vessels
143.200 Applicability.
143.205 General.
143.210 Alternate design or operational considerations.
143.215 Existing vessels built to class.
143.220 Machinery space fire prevention.
143.225 Control and monitoring requirements.
143.230 Alarms and monitoring.
143.235 General alarms.
143.240 Communication requirements.
143.245 Readiness and testing.
143.250 System isolation and markings.
143.255 Fuel system requirements.
143.260 Fuel shutoff requirements.
143.265 Additional fuel system requirements for towing vessels built
after January 18, 2000.
143.270 Piping systems and tanks.
143.275 Bilge pumps or other dewatering capability.
143.300 Pressure vessels.
143.400 Electrical systems, general.
143.410 Shipboard lighting.
143.415 Navigation lights.
143.450 Pilothouse alerter system.
143.460 Towing machinery.
Subpart C--Requirements for New Towing Vessels
143.500 Applicability.
143.510 Verification of compliance with design standards.
143.515 Towing vessels built to recognized classification society
rules.
143.520 Towing vessels built to American Boat and Yacht Council
standards.
143.540 Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings for essential systems.
143.545 Pressure vessels.
143.550 Steering systems.
143.555 Electrical power sources, generators, and motors.
143.560 Electrical distribution panels and switchboards.
143.565 Electrical overcurrent protection other than generators and
motors.
143.570 Electrical grounding and ground detection.
143.575 Electrical conductors, connections, and equipment.
143.580 Alternative electrical installations.
143.585 General requirements for propulsion, steering, and related
controls on vessels that move tank barges carrying oil or hazardous
material in bulk.
143.590 Propulsor redundancy on vessels that move tank barges
carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk.
143.595 Vessels with one propulsor that move tank barges carrying
oil or hazardous material in bulk.
143.600 Alternative standards for vessels that move tank barges
carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk.
143.605 Demonstration of compliance on vessels that move tank barges
carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk.

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904;
33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation No. 0170.1.

Subpart A--General

Sec.  143.100  Purpose.

    This part contains requirements for the design, installation, and
operation of primary and auxiliary machinery and electrical systems and
equipment on towing vessels.

Sec.  143.105  Applicability.

    This part applies to all towing vessels subject to this subchapter.
The specific applicability of requirements in each subpart is set forth
in that subpart.

Sec.  143.115  Definitions.

    The definitions provided in Sec.  136.110 of this subchapter apply
to this part. In addition, the following definition applies exclusively
to this part:
    Independent means the equipment is arranged to perform its required
function regardless of the state of operation, or failure, of other
equipment.

Subpart B--Requirements for All Towing Vessels

Sec.  143.200  Applicability.

    (a) This subpart applies to all towing vessels subject to this
subchapter.
    (b) Except as noted paragraph (c) of this section, which lists
later implementation dates for requirements in Sec. Sec.  143.450 and
143.460, an existing towing vessel must comply with the applicable
requirements in this part no later than either July 20, 2018 or the
date the vessel obtains a Certificate of Inspection (COI), whichever
date is earlier. The delayed implementation provisions in this section
do not apply to a new towing vessel.
    (c) Existing vessels must meet the pilothouse alerter and towing
machinery requirements of Sec. Sec.  143.450 and 143.460 no later than
5 years after the issuance of the first COI for the vessel.

Sec.  143.205  General.

    (a) Machinery and electrical systems must be designed and
maintained to provide for safe operation of the towing vessel and
safety of persons onboard under normal and emergency conditions.
    (b) The crew of each towing vessel must demonstrate the ability to
operate the primary and auxiliary machinery and electrical systems for
which they are responsible, and to do so under normal and emergency
conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, responses to alarms
and restoration of propulsion and steering in the event of failure.
    (c) Propulsion machinery, including main engines, reduction gears,
shafting, bearings, and electrical equipment and systems, must:
    (1) Be maintained to ensure proper operation;
    (2) Be suitable for route and service; and
    (3) Have suitable propulsion controls to provide the operator full
control at each operating station.
    (d) Repairs and minor alterations to existing towing vessels must
be made in accordance with this part. New

installations that are not replacements in kind must comply with the
requirements of subpart C of this part, if applicable.

Sec.  143.210  Alternate design or operational considerations.

    (a) Machinery or electrical systems of a novel design, unusual
form, or special material that cannot be reviewed or approved in
accordance with this part, may be approved by the Commanding Officer,
Marine Safety Center. It must be shown by systematic analysis, based on
engineering principles, that the machinery or electrical equipment or
system provides an equivalent level of safety. The owner or managing
operator must submit detailed plans, material component specifications,
and design criteria, including the expected towing vessel service and
operating environment, to the Marine Safety Center. Examples of novel
design include use of liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, or
propane fuel for propulsion, and hybrid, fuel cell, or battery
propulsion.
    (b) Alternate arrangements or equipment to comply with this part
may be approved in accordance with Sec.  136.115 of this subchapter.

Sec.  143.215  Existing vessels built to class.

    (a) An existing towing vessel classed by a recognized
classification society, as appropriate for the intended service and
routes, is considered in compliance with the machinery and electrical
standards of this subpart.
    (b) An existing vessel built and equipped to conform to a
recognized classification society's rules, appropriate for the intended
service and routes, but not currently classed, may be deemed by the
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), or third-party
organization (TPO), to be in compliance with this part, provided that
the towing vessel conforms to the class rules.
    (c) Existing vessels meeting either paragraph (a) or (b) of this
section must also meet the requirements of Sec. Sec.  143.245 and
143.450.

Sec.  143.220  Machinery space fire prevention.

    (a) All seals and gaskets must be properly maintained to prevent
leaks of flammable or combustible liquid, as those terms are defined in
46 CFR subpart 30.10, into the machinery space.
    (b) Piping and machinery components that exceed 220 [deg]C (428
[deg]F), including fittings, flanges, valves, exhaust manifolds, and
turbochargers, must be insulated. Measures must be in place to prevent
flammable or combustible liquid piping leaks from coming into contact
with these components.
    (c) Flammable and combustible products must not be stored in
machinery spaces, unless they are stored in a suitable container that
meets the requirements of Sec.  142.225 of this subchapter.

Sec.  143.225  Control and monitoring requirements.

    (a) Each towing vessel must have a means to monitor and control the
amount of thrust, rudder angle, and (if applicable) direction of
thrust, at each operating station.
    (b) Each towing vessel equipped with rudder(s) must have a means to
monitor and control the position of the rudder(s) at each operating
station.

Sec.  143.230  Alarms and monitoring.

    (a) Each towing vessel must have a reliable means to provide
notification when an emergency condition exists or an essential system
develops problems that require attention. The following alarms must be
provided:
    (1) Main engine low lubricating oil pressure;
    (2) Main engine high cooling water temperature;
    (3) Auxiliary generator engine low lubricating oil pressure;
    (4) Auxiliary generator engine high cooling water temperature;
    (5) High bilge levels;
    (6) Low hydraulic steering fluid levels, if applicable; and
    (7) Low fuel level, if fitted with a day tank.
    (b) Alarms must:
    (1) Be visible and audible at each operating station. The alarm
located at the operating station may be a summary alarm; if the alarm
at the operating station is a summary alarm, the specific alarm
condition must be indicated at the machinery or bilge location;
    (2) Have a means to test actuation at each operating station or
have a continuous self-monitoring alarm system which actuates if an
alarm point fails or becomes disabled;
    (3) Continue until they are acknowledged; and
    (4) Not interfere with night vision at the operating station.
    (c) The following systems must be equipped with gauges at the
machinery location:
    (1) Main engine lubricating oil pressure and main engine RPM;
    (2) Main engine cooling water temperature;
    (3) Auxiliary generator engine lubricating oil pressure and
auxiliary generator engine RPM;
    (4) Auxiliary generator engine cooling water temperature; and
    (5) Hydraulic steering fluid pressure, if the vessel is equipped
with hydraulic steering systems.

Sec.  143.235  General alarms.

    (a) This section does not apply to an excepted vessel as defined in
Sec.  136.110 of this subchapter.
    (b) Each towing vessel must be fitted with a general alarm that:
    (1) Is activated at each operating station and can notify persons
onboard in the event of an emergency;
    (2) Is capable of notifying persons in any accommodation, work
space, and the engine room;
    (3) Has installed, in the engine room and any other area where
background noise makes a general alarm hard to hear, a supplemental
flashing red light that is identified with a sign that reads:
``Attention General Alarm--When Alarm Sounds or Flashes Go to Your
Station''; and
    (4) A public-address (PA) system or other means of alerting all
persons on the towing vessel may be used in lieu of the general alarm
in paragraph (b) of this section if the system meets the requirements
of paragrahs (b)(2) and (3) of this section.

Sec.  143.240  Communication requirements.

    (a) This section does not apply to an excepted towing vessel as
defined in Sec.  136.110 of this subchapter.
    (b) Each towing vessel must be fitted with a communication system
between the pilothouse and the engine room that:
    (1) Consists of either fixed or portable equipment, such as a
sound-powered telephone, portable radios, or other reliable method of
voice communication, with a main or reserve power supply that is
independent of the towing vessel's electrical system; and
    (2) Provides two-way voice communication and calling between the
pilothouse and either the engine room or a location immediately
adjacent to an exit from the engine room.
    (c) Towing vessels with more than one propulsion unit and
independent pilothouse control for all engines are not required to have
internal communication systems.
    (d) When the pilothouse engine controls and the access to the
engine room are within 3 meters (10 feet) of each other and allow
unobstructed visible contact between them, direct voice communication
is acceptable instead of a communication system.

Sec.  143.245  Readiness and testing.

    (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.
    (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.

             Table 143.245(b)--Required Tests and Frequency
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Tests of:                            Frequency:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Propulsion controls; ahead and astern    Before the vessel gets
 at the operating station.                underway, but no more than
                                          once in any 24 hour period.
Steering controls at the operating       Before the vessel gets
 station.                                 underway, but no more than
                                          once in any 24 hour period.
Pilothouse alerter system..............  Weekly.
All alternate steering and propulsion    At least once every 3 months.
 controls.
Power supply for alarm actuation         At least once every 3 months.
 circuits for alarms required by Sec.
 143.230.
Communications required by Sec.          Weekly.
 143.240.
General alarm if the vessel is so        Weekly.
 equipped.
Emergency lighting and power if the      At least once every 3 months.
 vessel is so equipped.
Charge of storage batteries if the       At least once every 3 months.
 vessel is so equipped, for emergency
 lighting and power.
Alarm setpoints........................  Twice every 5 years, with no
                                          more than 3 years elapsing
                                          since last test.
Pressure vessel relief valves..........  Twice every 5 years, with no
                                          more than 3 years elapsing
                                          since last test.
All other essential systems............  At least once every 3 months.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  143.250  System isolation and markings.

    Electrical equipment, piping for flammable or combustible liquid,
seawater cooling, or fire-fighting systems must be provided with
isolation devices and markings as follows:
    (a) Electrical equipment must be provided with circuit isolation
and must be marked as described in Sec.  143.400.
    (b) Electrical panels or other enclosures containing more than one
source of power must be fitted with a sign warning persons of this
condition and identifying where to secure all sources.
    (c) Piping for flammable or combustible liquid, seawater cooling,
or firefighting systems must be fitted with isolation valves that are
clearly marked by labeling or color coding that enables the crew to
identify its function.
    (d) Any piping system that penetrates the hull below the waterline
must be fitted with an accessible valve, located as close to the hull
penetration as is practicable, for preventing the accidental admission
of water into the vessel either through such pipes or in the event of a
fracture of such pipe. The valve must be clearly marked by labeling or
color coding that enables the crew to identify its function.
    (e) Color coding required by this section may be met by complying
with coding standards contained in the ISO 14726:2008(E) (incorporated
by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter), or in accordance
with the TSMS applicable to the vessel.

Sec.  143.255  Fuel system requirements.

    (a) Fuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators must
have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the
system.
    (b) A continuous supply of clean fuel must be provided to main
propulsion engines and generators.
    (c) The fuel system must include filters and/or purifiers. Where
filters are used:
    (1) A supply of spare fuel filters must be provided onboard; and
    (2) Fuel filters must be replaced in accordance with manufacturer's
requirements or the vessel's TSMS, if applicable.
    (d) Except as otherwise permitted under Sec.  143.210 or Sec.
143.520, no fuel other than diesel fuel may be used.

Sec.  143.260  Fuel shutoff requirements.

    (a) This section does not apply to an excepted towing vessel as
defined in Sec.  136.110 of this subchapter.
    (b) To stop the flow of fuel in the event of a fire or break in the
fuel line, a remote fuel shutoff valve must be fitted on any fuel line
that supplies fuel directly to a propulsion engine or generator prime
mover.
    (c) The valve must be installed in the fuel piping directly outside
of the fuel oil supply tank.
    (d) The valve must be operable from a safe place outside the space
where the valve is installed.
    (e) Each remote valve control must be marked in clearly legible
letters, at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) high, indicating the purpose
of the valve and the way to operate it.

Sec.  143.265  Additional fuel system requirements for towing vessels
built after January 18, 2000.

    (a) Applicability. This section applies to towing vessels that are
not excepted vessels, as defined in Sec.  136.110 of this subchapter,
and that were built after January 18, 2000. Except for outboard engines
or portable bilge or fire pumps, each fuel system must comply with this
section.
    (b) Portable fuel systems. The vessel must not incorporate or carry
portable fuel systems, including portable tanks and related fuel lines
and accessories, except when used for outboard engines or portable
bilge or fire pumps. The design, construction, and stowage of portable
tanks and related fuel lines and accessories must comply with the ABYC
H-25 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter).
    (c) Vent pipes for integral fuel tanks. Each integral fuel tank
must have a vent that connects to the highest point of the tank,
discharges on a weather deck through a bend of 180 degrees, and is
fitted with a 30-by-30-mesh corrosion-resistant flame screen. Vents
from two or more fuel tanks may combine in a system that discharges on
a weather deck. The net cross-sectional area of the vent pipe for the
tank must be not less than 312.3 square millimeters (0.484 square
inches), for any tank filled by gravity. The cross-sectional area of
the vent pipe, or the sum of the vent areas when multiple vents are
used, must not

be less than that of the fill pipe cross-sectional area for any tank
filled by pump pressure.
    (d) Fuel piping. Except as permitted in paragraphs (d)(1) through
(3) of this section, each fuel line must be seamless and made of steel,
annealed copper, nickel-copper, or copper-nickel. Each fuel line must
have a wall thickness no less than 0.9 millimeters (0.035 inches)
except for the following:
    (1) Aluminum piping is acceptable on an aluminum-hull towing vessel
if it is at least Schedule 80 in thickness.
    (2) Nonmetallic flexible hose is acceptable if it:
    (i) Is used in lengths of not more than 0.76 meters (30 inches);
    (ii) Is visible and easily accessible;
    (iii) Does not penetrate a watertight bulkhead;
    (iv) Is fabricated with an inner tube and a cover of synthetic
rubber or other suitable material reinforced with wire braid; and
    (v) Either:
    (A) If designed for use with compression fittings, is fitted with
suitable, corrosion-resistant, compression fittings, or fittings
compliant with the SAE J1475 Revised JUN96 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter); or
    (B) If designed for use with clamps, is installed with two clamps
at each end of the hose. Clamps must not rely on spring tension and
must be installed beyond the bead or flare or over the serrations of
the mating spud, pipe, or hose fitting.
    (3) Nonmetallic flexible hose complying with SAE J1942 Revised
APR2007 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this
subchapter), is also acceptable.
    (e) Alternative standards. A towing vessel of less than 79 feet in
length may comply with any of the following standards for fuel systems
instead of those of paragraph (d) in this section:
    (1) ABYC H-33 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this
subchapter);
    (2) Chapter 5 of NFPA 302 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
136.112 of this subchapter); or
    (3) 33 CFR chapter I, subchapter S (Boating Safety).

Sec.  143.270  Piping systems and tanks.

    Piping and tanks exposed to the outside of the hull must be made of
metal and maintained in a leak free condition.

Sec.  143.275  Bilge pumps or other dewatering capability.

    There must be an installed or portable bilge pump for emergency
dewatering. Any portable pump must have sufficient hose length and
pumping capability. All installed bilge piping must have a check/foot
valve in each bilge suction that prevents unintended backflooding
through bilge piping.

Sec.  143.300  Pressure vessels.

    (a) Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet in volume and over 15 pounds
per square inch maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) must be
equipped with an indicating pressure gauge (in a readily visible
location) and with one or more spring-loaded relief valves. The total
relieving capacity of such relief valves must prevent pressure from
exceeding the MAWP, as established by the manufacturer, by more than 10
percent.
    (b) Pressure vessels must be externally examined annually. Relief
valves must be tested in accordance with Sec.  143.245.
    (c) All pressure vessels must have the MAWP indicated by a stamp,
nameplate, or other means visible to the crew.
    (d) Pressure vessels installed after July 20, 2016 must meet the
requirements of Sec.  143.545.

Sec.  143.400  Electrical systems, general.

    (a) Electrical systems and equipment must function properly and
minimize system failures and fire and shock hazards.
    (b) Installed electrical power source(s) must be capable of
carrying the electrical load of the towing vessel under normal
operating conditions.
    (c) Electrical equipment must be marked with its respective current
and voltage ratings.
    (d) Individual circuit breakers on switchboards and distribution
panels must be labeled with a description of the loads they serve.
    (e) Electrical connections must be suitably installed to prevent
them from coming loose through vibration or accidental contact.
    (f) Electrical equipment and electrical cables must be suitably
protected from wet and corrosive environments.
    (g) Electrical components that pose an electrical hazard must be in
an enclosure.
    (h) Electrical conductors passing though watertight bulkheads must
be installed so that the bulkhead remains watertight.
    (i) The connections of flexible cable plugs and socket outlets must
be designed to prevent unintended separation.

Sec.  143.410  Shipboard lighting.

    (a) Sufficient lighting suitable for the marine environment must be
provided within crew working and living areas.
    (b) Emergency lighting must be provided for all internal crew
working and living areas. Emergency lighting sources must provide for
sufficient illumination under emergency conditions to facilitate egress
from each space and must be either:
    (1) Automatic, battery-operated with a duration of no less than 2
hours; or
    (2) Non-electric, phosphorescent adhesive lighting strips that are
installed along escape routes and sufficiently visible to enable egress
with no power.
    (c) Each towing vessel must be equipped with at least two portable,
battery-powered lights. One must be located in the pilothouse and the
other at the access to the engine room.

Sec.  143.415  Navigation lights.

    (a) Towing vessels more than 65 feet in length must use navigation
lights that meet UL 1104 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112
of this subchapter) or other standards accepted by the Coast Guard.
    (b) Towing vessels 65 feet or less in length may meet the
requirements listed in 33 CFR 183.810 or paragraph (a) of this section.

Sec.  143.450  Pilothouse alerter system.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) or (e) of this section, a
towing vessel with overnight accommodations and alternating watches
(shift work), when pulling, pushing or hauling alongside one or more
barges, must have a system to detect when its master or mate (pilot)
becomes incapacitated. The system must:
    (1) Have an alarm in the pilothouse distinct from any other alarm;
    (2) Require action from the master or officer in charge of a
navigational watch, during an interval not to exceed 10 minutes, in
order to reset the alarm timer; and
    (3) Immediately (within 30 seconds) notify another crewmember if
the pilothouse alarm is not acknowledged.
    (b) The time interval for the system alarm must be adjustable. The
time may be adjusted by the owner or managing operator but must not be
in excess of 10 minutes. This time interval, and information on alerter
operation, must be provided on board and specified in the vessel's TSMS
if applicable.
    (c) The system alarm may be reset physically (e.g. a push button),
or the reset may be accomplished by a link to other pilothouse action
such as rudder or throttle control movement, or motion detection of
personnel.
    (d) A towing vessel need not comply with this section if a second
person is provided in the pilothouse.

    (e) Towing vessels 65 feet or less in length are not required to
have a pilothouse alerter system.

Sec.  143.460  Towing machinery.

    (a) Towing machinery such as capstans, winches, and other
mechanical devices used to connect the towing vessel to the tow must be
designed and installed to maximize control of the tow.
    (b) Towing machinery for towing astern must have sufficient
safeguards, e.g., towing bitt with crossbar, to prevent the machinery
from becoming disabled in the event the tow becomes out of line.
    (c) Towing machinery used to connect the towing vessel to the tow
must be suitable for its intended service. It must be capable of
withstanding exposure to the marine environment, likely mechanical
damage, static and dynamic loads expected during intended service, the
towing vessel's horsepower, and arrangement of the tow.
    (d) When a winch that has the potential for uncontrolled release
under tension is used, a warning must be in place at the winch controls
that indicates this. When safeguards designed to prevent uncontrolled
release are utilized, they must not be disabled.
    (e) Each owner or managing operator must develop procedures to
routinely examine, maintain, and replace capstans, winches, and other
machinery used to connect the towing vessel to the tow.

Subpart C--Requirements for New Towing Vessels

Sec.  143.500  Applicability.

    (a) This subpart applies to a new towing vessel, as defined in
Sec.  136.110 of this subchapter, unless it is an excepted vessel.
    (b) Machinery or electrical systems of a novel design, unusual
form, or special material must meet section Sec.  143.210.
    (c) Unless otherwise noted in Sec. Sec.  143.515 and 143.520, new
towing vessels must also meet the requirements of subpart B of this
part.

Sec.  143.510  Verification of compliance with design standards.

    Verification of compliance with the machinery and electrical design
standards in this subpart is obtained by following the provisions in
Sec. Sec.  144.135 through 144.145 of this subchapter.

Sec.  143.515  Towing vessels built to recognized classification
society rules.

    (a) Except as noted in paragraph (c) of this section, a towing
vessel classed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), in accordance
with the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90
Meters (295 Feet) in Length, or the ABS Rules for Building and Classing
Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter), as
appropriate for the intended service and routes, complies with this
subpart.
    (b) Except as noted in paragraph (c) of this section, a towing
vessel built and equipped to conform to the ABS rules specified in
paragraph (a) of this section and appropriate for the intended service
and routes, but not currently classed, may be deemed by the OCMI or a
TPO to be in compliance with this subpart if it can be shown that the
vessel continues to conform to the ABS rules.
    (c) A vessel that complies with this subpart as described in
paragraph (a) or (b) must also meet the requirements described in
Sec. Sec.  143.585 through 143.595 or the requirements of Sec.  143.600
if it moves tank barges carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk.
    (d) Vessels meeting either paragraph (a) or (b) of this section are
considered as being in compliance with subpart B of this part except
for the readiness and testing requirements of Sec.  143.245, and
pilothouse alerter requirements of Sec.  143.450.
    (e) Towing vessels built to other recognized classification society
rules, appropriate for the intended route and service, may be
considered compliant with provisions in this subpart upon approval by
the Coast Guard.

Sec.  143.520  Towing vessels built to American Boat and Yacht Council
standards.

    (a) Except as noted in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a
new towing vessel 65 feet (19.8 meters) or less in length built to
conform with the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards
listed in this paragraph (a) (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
136.112 of this subchapter), complies with this subpart:
    (1) E-11 (2003)--AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats;
    (2) H-2 (2002)--Ventilation of Boats Using Gasoline;
    (2) H-22 (2005)--Electric Bilge Pump Systems;
    (3) H-24 (2007)--Gasoline Fuel Systems;
    (4) H-25 (2003)--Portable Gasoline Fuel Systems;
    (5) H-32 (2004)--Ventilation of Boats Using Diesel Fuel;
    (6) H-33 (2005)--Diesel Fuel Systems;
    (7) P-1 (2002)--Installation of Exhaust Systems for Propulsion and
Auxiliary Engines; and
    (8) P-4 (2004)--Marine Inboard Engines and Transmissions.
    (b) New towing vessels, 65 feet or less in length, built to the
ABYC standards specified in this section are considered compliant with
subpart B of this part except for the readiness and testing
requirements of Sec.  143.245.
    (c) If the vessel moves tank barges carrying oil or hazardous
material in bulk, it must meet either the requirements described in
Sec. Sec.  143.585 through 143.595 or the requirements described in
Sec.  143.600.

Sec.  143.540  Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings for essential
systems.

    (a) Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings in essential systems on
vessels must meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels
Under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length (incorporated by reference, see
Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 4.
    (b) Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings in essential systems on
towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal
waterways may meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels
for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 3.

Sec.  143.545  Pressure vessels.

    (a) In lieu of meeting the requirements of Sec.  143.300, pressure
vessels installed on new towing vessels must meet the requirements of
this section.
    (b) Pressure vessels over 5 cubic feet in volume and more than 15
psi maximum allowable working pressure must meet ABS Rules for Building
and Classing Steel Vessels under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter), Part
4, Chapter 1, Section 1.

Sec.  143.550  Steering systems.

    (a) Steering systems must meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing
Steel Vessels under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 3,
Section 3.
    (b) Steering systems on new towing vessels operating exclusively on
rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet ABS Rules for Building and
Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter), Part
4, Chapter 2, Section 3.

Sec.  143.555  Electrical power sources, generators, and motors.

    (a) General requirements. (1) There must be a source of electrical
power sufficient for:
    (i) All essential systems as defined by Sec.  136.110 of this
subchapter;
    (ii) Minimum conditions of habitability; and
    (iii) Other installed or portable systems and equipment.
    (2) Generators and motors must be suitably rated for the
environment where they operate, marked with their respective ratings,
and suitably protected against overcurrent.
    (3) A towing vessel, other than an excepted vessel, must have a
backup or a second power source that has adequate capacity to supply
power to essential alarms, lighting, radios, navigation equipment, and
any other essential system identified by the cognizant OCMI or a TPO.
    (b) Specific requirements. (1) The owner or managing operator must
complete a load analysis that shows that the electrical power source is
sufficient to power the sum of connected loads described in paragraph
(a)(1) of this section utilizing an appropriate load factor for each
load. A record of the analysis must be retained by the owner or
managing operator.
    (2) Installed generators and motors must have a data plate listing
rated kilowatts and power factor (or current), voltage, and rated
ambient temperature.
    (3) Generators must be provided with overcurrent protection no
greater than 115 percent of their rated current and utilize a
switchboard or distribution panel.
    (4) Motors must be provided with overcurrent protection that meets
Parts I through VII, Article 430 of NFPA's National Electrical Code
(NEC) (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this
subchapter). Steering motor circuits must be protected as per Part 4
Chapter 6 Section 2, Regulation 11 (except 11.7) ofABS Rules for
Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90 Meters (295 feet) in
Length (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this
subchapter).
    (5) Generators and motors installed in machinery spaces must be
certified to operate in an ambient temperature of 50 [deg]C or be
derated, or it can be shown that 40 [deg]C ambient temperature will not
be exceeded in these spaces.
    (6) Each generator and motor, except a submersible-pump motor, must
be in an accessible space which is adequately ventilated and as dry as
practicable, and must be mounted above the bilges.
    (7) A generator driven by a main propulsion unit (such as a shaft
generator) may be considered one of the power sources required by
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (8) Other than excepted vessels, each towing vessel must be
arranged so that the following essential loads can be energized from
two independent sources of electricity:
    (i) High bilge level alarm required by Sec.  143.230;
    (ii) Emergency egress lighting, unless the requirements of Sec.
143.410(b)(1) or (2) are met;
    (iii) Navigation lights;
    (iv) Pilothouse lighting;
    (v) Engine room lighting;
    (vi) Any installed radios and navigation equipment as required by
Sec. Sec.  140.715 and 140.725;
    (vii) All distress alerting communications equipment listed in
Sec. Sec.  140.715 and 140.725;
    (viii) Any installed fire detection system; and
    (ix) Any essential system identified by the cognizant OCMI or TPO,
if applicable.
    (9) If a battery is used as the second source of electricity
required by paragraph (b)(8) of this section, it must be capable of
supplying the loads for at least three hours. There must be a means to
monitor the condition of the battery backup power source.

Sec.  143.560  Electrical distribution panels and switchboards.

    (a) Each distribution panel or switchboard on a towing vessel must
be:
    (1) In a location that is accessible, as dry as practicable,
adequately ventilated, and protected from falling debris and dripping
or splashing water; and
    (2) Totally enclosed and of the dead-front type.
    (b) Each switchboard accessible from the rear must be constructed
to prevent a person's accidental contact with energized parts.
    (c) Nonconductive mats or grating must be provided on the deck in
front of each switchboard and, if it is accessible from the rear, on
the deck behind the switchboard.
    (d) Each un-insulated current-carrying part must be mounted on
noncombustible, nonabsorbent, and high-dielectric insulating material.
    (e) Equipment mounted on a door of an enclosure must be constructed
or shielded so that a person will not come into accidental contact with
energized parts.

Sec.  143.565  Electrical overcurrent protection other than generators
and motors.

    (a) General requirement. Power and lighting circuits on towing
vessels must be protected by suitable overcurrent protection.
    (b) Specific requirements. (1) Cable and wiring used in power and
lighting circuits must have overcurrent protection that opens the
circuit at the standard setting closest to 80 percent of the
manufacturer's listed ampacity. Overcurrent protection setting
exceptions allowed by NFPA's National Electrical Code (NEC), Article
240 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter)
may be employed.
    (2) If the manufacturer's listed ampacity is not known, tables
referenced in Article 310.15(B) of the NEC (incorporated by reference,
see Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter) must be used, assuming a
temperature rating of 75 [deg]C and an assumed temperature of 50 [deg]C
for machinery spaces and 40 [deg]C for other spaces.
    (3) Overcurrent protection devices must be installed in a manner
that will not open the path to ground in a circuit; only ungrounded
conductors must be protected. Overcurrent protection must be
coordinated such that an overcurrent situation is cleared by the
circuit breaker or fuse nearest to the fault.
    (4) Each transformer must have protection against overcurrent that
meets Article 450 of the NEC (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
136.112 of this subchapter).
    (5) On a towing vessel, other than an excepted vessel as defined in
Sec.  136.110 of this subchapter, essential systems and non-essential
systems must not be on the same circuit or share the same overcurrent
protective device.

Sec.  143.570  Electrical grounding and ground detection.

    (a) An ungrounded distribution system must be provided with a
ground detection system located at the main switchboard or distribution
panel that provides continuous indication of circuit status to ground,
with a provision to temporarily remove the indicating device from the
reference ground.
    (b) A dual voltage or grounded electrical distribution system must
have the neutral suitably grounded. There must be only one connection
to ground, regardless of the number of power sources. This connection
must be at the main switchboard or distribution panel.
    (c) On a metallic towing vessel, a grounded distribution system
must be grounded to the hull. This grounded system must be connected to
a common, non-aluminum ground plate. The ground plate must have only
one connection to the main switchboard or distribution panel, and the
connection

must be readily accessible for examination.
    (d) On a nonmetallic towing vessel, all electrical equipment must
be grounded to a common ground. Multiple ground plates bonded together
are acceptable.
    (e) Each grounding conductor of a cable must be identified by one
of the following means:
    (1) Green braid or green insulation; or
    (2) Stripping the insulation from the entire exposed length of the
grounding conductor.
    (f) A towing vessel's hull may not carry current as a conductor,
except for an impressed-current cathodic-protection system or a battery
system used to start an engine.
    (g) Cable armor may not be used to ground electrical equipment or
systems.
    (h) Each receptacle outlet and attachment plug for a portable lamp,
tool, or similar apparatus operating at 100 or more volts must have a
grounding pole and a grounding conductor in the portable cord.
    (i) In a grounded distribution system, only grounded, three-prong
appliances may be used. This does not apply to double-insulated
appliances or tools and appliances of 50 volts or less.

Sec.  143.575  Electrical conductors, connections, and equipment.

    (a) Each cable and wire on a towing vessel must be installed to
meet the following requirements:
    (1) Each conductor must have sufficient current-carrying capacity
for the circuit in which it is used.
    (2) Cable hangers for overhead and vertical cable runs must be
installed with metal supports and retention devices at least every 48
inches.
    (3) Each wire and cable run must be installed in a manner to
prevent contact with personnel, mechanical hazards, and leaking fluids.
Wire and cable runs must not be installed in bilges, across a normal
walking path, or less than 24 inches from the path of movable machinery
(e.g., cranes, elevators, forktrucks, etc., where the machinery
location can change) unless adequately protected.
    (4) Connections and terminations must be suitable for the installed
conductors, and must retain the original electrical, mechanical, flame-
retarding, and where necessary, fire-resisting properties of the
conductor. If twist-on types of connectors are used, the connections
must be made within an enclosure and the insulated cap of the connector
must be secured to prevent loosening due to vibration. Twist-on type of
connectors may not be used for making joints in cables, facilitating a
conductor splice, or extending the length of a circuit.
    (5) Each cable and wire must be installed so as to avoid or reduce
interference with radio reception and compass indication.
    (6) Each cable and wire must be protected from the weather.
    (7) Each cable and wire must be supported in order to avoid chafing
or other damage.
    (8) Each cable and wire must be protected by metal coverings or
other suitable means, if in areas subject to mechanical abuse.
    (9) Each cable and wire must be suitable for low temperature and
high humidity, if installed in refrigerated compartments.
    (10) Each cable and wire must be located outside a tank, unless it
supplies power to equipment in the tank.
    (11) If wire is installed in a tank, it must have sheathing or wire
insulation compatible with the fluid in a tank.
    (b) Extension cords must not be used as a permanent connection to a
source of electrical power.
    (c) Multi-outlet adapters (power strips) may not be connected to
other adapters (``daisy-chained''), or otherwise used in a manner that
could overload the capacity of a receptacle.

Sec.  143.580  Alternative electrical installations.

    In lieu of meeting the requirements of Sec. Sec.  143.555 through
143.575, a vessel may meet the following:
    (a) ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90
Meters (295 Feet) in Length (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 6; or
    (b) ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service
on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways (incorporated by reference, see
Sec.  136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 5, if they operate
exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways.

Sec.  143.585  General requirements for propulsion, steering, and
related controls on vessels that move tank barges carrying oil or
hazardous material in bulk.

    (a) There must be an alternate means to control the propulsion and
steering system which must:
    (1) Be independent of the primary control required by Sec.
143.225;
    (2) Be located at or near the propulsion and steering equipment;
and
    (3) Be readily accessible and suitable for prolonged operation.
    (b) There must be a means to communicate between each operating
station and the alternate propulsion and steering controls.
    (c) There must be a means to stop each propulsion engine and
steering motor from each operating station.
    (d) The means to monitor the amount of thrust, rudder angle, and if
applicable, direction (ahead or astern) of thrust must be independent
of the controls required by Sec.  143.225.
    (e) The propulsion control system required by Sec.  143.225 must be
designed so that, in the event of a single failure of any component of
the system, propeller speed and direction of thrust are maintained or
reduced to zero.
    (f) On a towing vessel with an integrated steering and propulsion
system, such as a Z-drive, the control system required by Sec.  143.225
must be designed so that, in the event of a single failure of any
component of the system, propeller speed and direction of thrust are
maintained or the propeller speed is reduced to zero.
    (g) An audible and visual alarm must actuate at each operating
station when:
    (1) The propulsion control system fails;
    (2) A non-follow up steering control system fails, if installed;
and
    (3) The ordered rudder angle does not match the actual rudder
position on a follow-up steering control system, if installed. This
alarm must have an appropriate delay and error tolerance to eliminate
nuisance alarms.
    (h) Alarms must be separate and independent of the control system
required by Sec.  143.225.
    (i) A means of communication must be provided between each
operating station and any crewmember(s) required to respond to alarms.
    (j) The two sources of electricity required by Sec.  143.555(a)(3)
and (b)(8) must be capable of powering electrical loads needed to
maintain propulsion, steering, and related controls for not less than 3
hours.
    (k) The second source of supply required by Sec.  143.555(a)(3)
must automatically start to help restore or maintain power to
propulsion, steering, and related controls when the main power source
fails.
    (l) Propulsion, steering, or related controls that are directly
reliant on stored energy, such as compressed air, battery power, or
hydraulic pressure, must have two independent stored energy systems,
such as compressed air cylinders, battery banks, or hydraulic
cylinders, that are capable of maintaining the vessel's propulsion,
steering, and related controls.
    (m) After a power failure, electrical motors used to maintain
propulsion and steering must automatically restart when power is
restored, unless remote

control starting is provided at the operating station.

Sec.  143.590  Propulsor redundancy on vessels that move tank barges
carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk.

    (a) A towing vessel must be provided with at least two independent
propulsors unless the requirements of Sec.  143.595 are met.
    (b) There must be independent controls for each propulsor at each
operating station.
    (c) In the event of a failure of a single propulsor, the remaining
propulsor(s) must have sufficient power to maneuver the vessel to a
safe location.

Sec.  143.595  Vessels with one propulsor that move tank barges
carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk.

    (a) A towing vessel must have independent, duplicate vital
auxiliaries. For the purpose of this section, vital auxiliaries are the
equipment necessary to operate the propulsion engine, and include fuel
pumps, lubricating oil pumps, and cooling water pumps. In the event of
a failure or malfunction of any single vital auxiliary, the propulsion
engine must continue to provide propulsion adequate to maintain control
of the tow.
    (b) In the event of a failure, the corresponding independent
duplicate vital auxiliary, described in paragraph (a) of this section,
must be fully capable of assuming the operation of the failed unit.

Sec.  143.600  Alternative standards for vessels that move tank barges
carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk.

    In lieu of meeting Sec. Sec.  143.585 through 143.595, a towing
vessel may comply with Sections 7-5 (class ABCU) and 3-5 (class R2) of
Part 4 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under
90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
136.112 of this subchapter), except that a vessel that operates
exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways does not need to comply
with 4-7-4/3.9 and the automatic day tank fill pump requirement of 4-7-
4/25.3.

Sec.  143.605  Demonstration of compliance on vessels that move tank
barges carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk.

    (a) The owner or managing operator of each towing vessel must
devise test procedures that demonstrate compliance with the design and
engineering requirements prescribed in this subpart.
    (b) The tests required in paragraph (a) of this section must be
satisfactorily conducted and witnessed by the cognizant OCMI or a TPO.
A record of the tests must be retained by the owner or managing
operator and be available upon request of the cognizant OCMI or TPO.

PART 144--CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT

Sec.
Subpart A--General
144.100 Purpose.
144.105 Applicability and delayed implementation.
144.120 A classed vessel.
144.125 A vessel with a load line.
144.130 A vessel built to the International Convention for the
Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, requirements.
144.135 Verification of compliance with design standards.
144.140 Qualifications.
144.145 Procedures for verification of compliance with design
standards.
144.155 Verification of compliance with design standards for a
sister vessel.
144.160 Marking.
Subpart B--Structure
144.200 Structural standards for an existing vessel.
144.205 Structural standards for a new vessel.
144.215 Special consideration.
Subpart C--Stability and Watertight Integrity
144.300 Stability standards for an existing vessel.
144.305 Stability standards for a new vessel.
144.310 Lifting requirements for a new vessel.
144.315 Weight and moment history requirements for a vessel with
approved lightweight characteristics.
144.320 Watertight or weathertight integrity.
144.330 Review of a vessel's watertight and weathertight integrity.
Subpart D--Fire Protection
144.400 Applicability.
144.405 Fire hazards to be minimized.
144.410 Separation of machinery and fuel tank spaces from
accommodation spaces.
144.415 Combustibles insulated from heated surfaces.
144.425 Waste receptacles.
144.430 Mattresses.
Subpart E--Emergency Escape
144.500 Means of escape.
144.505 Location of escapes.
144.510 Window as a means of escape.
144.515 One means of escape required.
Subpart F--Ventilation
144.600 Ventilation for accommodations.
144.605 Means to stop fans and close openings.
144.610 Ventilation in a vessel more than 65 feet in length.
Subpart G--Crew Spaces
144.700 General requirements.
144.710 Overnight accommodations.
144.720 Crew rest consideration.
Subpart H--Rails and Guards
144.800 Handrails and bulwarks.
144.810 Storm rails.
144.820 Guards in dangerous places.
144.830 Protection against hot piping.
Subpart I--Visibility
144.905 Operating station visibility.
144.920 Window or portlight strength in a new vessel.

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904;
33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation No. 0170.1.

Subpart A--General

Sec.  144.100  Purpose.

    This part details the requirements for design, construction and
arrangement, and verification of compliance with this part, including
document review.

Sec.  144.105  Applicability and delayed implementation.

    This part applies to each towing vessel subject to this subchapter.
Note that Sec. Sec.  144.200 and 144.300 only apply to an existing
vessel and that the following sections only apply to a new vessel:
Sec. Sec.  144.205, 144.305, 144.310, 144.405, 144.410, 144.420,
144.425, 144.430, 144.910, and 144.920.
    (a) An existing towing vessel must comply with Sec.  144.320
starting July 20, 2016 and it must comply with the other applicable
requirements in this part no later than either July 20, 2018 or the
date the vessel obtains a Certificate of Inspection (COI), whichever
date is earlier.
    (b) The delayed implementation provisions in paragraph (a) of this
section do not apply to a new towing vessel.
    (c) Alterations or modifications made to the structure or
arrangements of an existing vessel that are a major conversion, made on
or after the July 20, 2016, must comply with the regulations applied to
a new towing vessel of this part insofar as is reasonable and