# 46 C.F.R. § 15.715 (2026): Automated vessels

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P15_S15_715

## Section

- **Citation:** 46 C.F.R. § 15.715 (2026)
- **Heading:** Automated vessels
- **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 15: MANNING REQUIREMENTS / Subpart G: Limitations and Qualifying Factors / § 15.715: § 15.715   Automated vessels.

## Text

(a) Coast Guard acceptance of automated systems to replace specific personnel or to reduce overall crew requirements is predicated upon the capabilities of the system, the system's demonstrated and continuing reliability, and a planned maintenance program that ensures continued safe operation of the vessel.
(b) The OCMI considers the capabilities of an automated system in establishing initial manning levels; however, until the system is proven reliable, a manning level adequate to operate in a continuously attended mode will be specified on a vessel's COI. It remains the responsibility of the vessel's Master to determine when a continuous watch is necessary.

## Nearby sections

- [46 C.F.R. § 15.701 (2026) § 15.701   Officers Competency Certificates Convention, 1936.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P15_S15_701.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 15.705 (2026) § 15.705   Watches.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P15_S15_705.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 15.710 (2026) § 15.710   Working hours.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P15_S15_710.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 15.715 (2026) § 15.715   Automated vessels.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P15_S15_715.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 15.720 (2026) § 15.720   Use of non-U.S.-credentialed personnel.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P15_S15_720.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 15.725 (2026) § 15.725   Sailing short.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P15_S15_725.md)
- [46 C.F.R. § 15.730 (2026) § 15.730   Language requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P15_S15_730.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T46_P15_S15_715. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.