# 33 C.F.R. § 161.13 (2026): VTS Special Area operating requirements

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_13

## Section

- **Citation:** 33 C.F.R. § 161.13 (2026)
- **Heading:** VTS Special Area operating requirements
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 33 CFR: Navigation and Navigable Waters / Chapter I: COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY / Part 161: VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT / Subpart A: Vessel Traffic Services / § 161.13: § 161.13   VTS Special Area operating requirements.

## Text

The following operating requirements apply within a VTS Special Area:
(a) A VTS User shall, if towing astern, do so with as short a hawser as safety and good seamanship permits.
(b) A VMRS User shall: (1) Not enter or get underway in the area without prior approval of the VTS;
(2) Not enter a VTS Special Area if a hazardous vessel operating condition or circumstance exists;
(3) Not meet, cross, or overtake any other VMRS User in the area without prior approval of the VTS; and
(4) Before meeting, crossing, or overtaking any other VMRS User in the area, communicate on the designated vessel bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone frequency, intended navigation movements, and any other information necessary in order to make safe passing arrangements. This requirement does not relieve a vessel of any duty prescribed by the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) or the Inland Navigation Rules.

## Nearby sections

- [33 C.F.R. § 161.1 (2026) § 161.1   Purpose and Intent.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_1.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 161.2 (2026) § 161.2   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_2.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 161.3 (2026) § 161.3   Applicability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_3.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 161.4 (2026) § 161.4   Requirement to carry the rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_4.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 161.5 (2026) § 161.5   Deviations from the rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_5.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 161.6 (2026) § 161.6   Preemption.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_6.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 161.10 (2026) § 161.10   Services.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_10.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 161.11 (2026) § 161.11   VTS measures.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_11.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 161.12 (2026) § 161.12   Vessel operating requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_12.md)
- [33 C.F.R. § 161.13 (2026) § 161.13   VTS Special Area operating requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_13.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T33_P161_S161_13. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.