# 46 C.F.R. § 143.515 (2026): Towing vessels built to recognized classification society rules

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_515

## Section

- **Citation:** 46 C.F.R. § 143.515 (2026)
- **Heading:** Towing vessels built to recognized classification society rules
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 46 CFR: Shipping / Chapter I: COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY / Part 143: MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT / Subpart C: Requirements for New Towing Vessels / § 143.515: § 143.515   Towing vessels built to recognized classification society rules.

## Text

(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 § 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 §§ 143.585 through 143.595 or the requirements of § 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 § 143.245, and pilothouse alerter requirements of § 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.

## Nearby sections

- [46 C.F.R. § 143.500 (2026) § 143.500   Applicability.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_500.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.510 (2026) § 143.510   Verification of compliance with design standards.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_510.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.515 (2026) § 143.515   Towing vessels built to recognized classification society rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_515.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.520 (2026) § 143.520   Towing vessels built to American Boat and Yacht Council standards.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_520.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.540 (2026) § 143.540   Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings for essential systems.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_540.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.545 (2026) § 143.545   Pressure vessels.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_545.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.550 (2026) § 143.550   Steering systems.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_550.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.555 (2026) § 143.555   Electrical power sources, generators, and motors.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_555.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.560 (2026) § 143.560   Electrical distribution panels and switchboards.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_560.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.565 (2026) § 143.565   Electrical overcurrent protection other than generators and motors.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_565.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.570 (2026) § 143.570   Electrical grounding and ground detection.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_570.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.575 (2026) § 143.575   Electrical conductors, connections, and equipment.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_575.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.580 (2026) § 143.580   Alternative electrical installations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_580.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 143.585 (2026) § 143.585   General requirements for propulsion, steering, and related controls on vessels that move tank barges carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_585.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P143_S143_515. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.