StacksVerified U.S. regulatory reference

46 CFR §121.402

Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
  1. (a)Except as otherwise provided in this section every vessel must be fitted with a suitable magnetic compass designed for marine use, to be mounted at the primary operating station.
  2. (b)The following vessels need not be fitted with a compass:
    1. (1)A vessel on a rivers route;
    2. (2)A non-self-propelled vessel; and
    3. (3)A vessel operating on short restricted routes on lakes, bays, and sounds.
  3. (c)Except on a vessel limited to daytime operations, the compass must be illuminated.