StacksVerified U.S. regulatory reference

46 CFR §184.402

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.