# 46 CFR § 27.205: What are the requirements for internal communication systems on towing vessels?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.205

## Section

- **Citation:** 46 CFR § 27.205
- **Heading:** What are the requirements for internal communication systems on towing vessels?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 46—Shipping > CHAPTER I—COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER C—UNINSPECTED VESSELS > PART 27—TOWING VESSELS > Subpart B—Fire-Protection Measures for Towing Vessels

## Text

(a) You must ensure that your vessel is fitted with a communication system between the engine room and the operating station 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 electrical system on your towing vessel; and
(2) Provides two-way voice communication and calling between the operating station and either—
(i) The engine room; or
(ii) A location immediately adjacent to an exit from the engine room.
(b) Twin-screw vessels with operating-station control for both engines are not required to have internal communication systems.
(c) When the operating-station's engine controls and the access to the engine room are within 3 meters (10 feet) of each other and allow unobstructed visual contact between them, direct voice communication is acceptable instead of a communication system.

## Nearby sections

- [46 CFR § 27.100 § 27.100 Applicability; preemptive effect.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.100.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.101 § 27.101 Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.101.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.102 § 27.102 Incorporation by reference.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.102.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.103 § 27.103 Preemption.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.103.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.201 § 27.201 What are the requirements for general alarms on towing vessels?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.201.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.203 § 27.203 What are the requirements for fire detection on towing vessels?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.203.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.205 § 27.205 What are the requirements for internal communication systems on towing vessels?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.205.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.207 § 27.207 What are the requirements for fuel shut-offs on towing vessels?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.207.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.209 § 27.209 What are the requirements for training crews to respond to fires?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.209.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.211 § 27.211 What are the specifications for fuel systems on towing vessels whose construction was contracted for on or after January 18, 2000?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.211.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.301 § 27.301 What are the requirements for fire pumps, fire mains, and fire hoses on towing vessels?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.301.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.303 § 27.303 What are the requirements for fire-extinguishing equipment on towing vessels in inland service, and on towing vessels in ocean or coastal service whose construction was contracted for before August 27, 2003?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.303.md)
- [46 CFR § 27.305 § 27.305 What are the requirements for fire-extinguishing equipment on towing vessels in ocean or coastal service whose construction was contracted for on or after August 27, 2003?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.305.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-46-27.205. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.