46 CFR §2.01-7

1. (a)The regulations in this chapter concerning inspecting and certificating vessels are applicable to vessels (including motorboats) either as indicated in the following table 2.01-7(a) or, if the vessel is a towing vessel, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
2. (b)
   1. (1)A U.S.-flag towing vessel is subject to inspection and certifying regulations in subchapter M of this chapter except:
      1. (i)A vessel less than 26 feet (7.92 meters) in length measured from end to end over the deck (excluding the sheer), unless that vessel is pushing, pulling, or hauling a barge that is carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk;
      2. (ii)A vessel engaged in one or more of the following:
         1. (A)Assistance towing as defined in § 136.110 of this chapter;
         2. (B)Towing recreational vessels for salvage; or
         3. (C)Transporting or assisting the navigation of recreational vessels within and between marinas and marina facilities, within a limited geographic area, as determined by the local Captain of the Port;
      3. (iii)A workboat operating exclusively within a worksite and performing intermittent towing within the worksite;
      4. (iv)A seagoing towing vessel of 300 gross tons or more subject to the provisions of subchapter I of this chapter;
      5. (v)A vessel inspected under other subchapters of this chapter that may perform occasional towing;
      6. (vi)A public vessel as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101;
      7. (vii)A vessel which has surrendered its Certificate of Inspection and is laid up, dismantled, or otherwise out of service; and
      8. (viii)A propulsion unit used for the purpose of propelling or controlling the direction of a barge where the unit is controlled from the barge, is not normally manned, and is not utilized as an independent vessel.
   2. (2)A towing vessel not subject to subchapter M of this chapter should refer to table 2.01-7 of this section.
3. (c)The specific application of regulations concerning inspecting and certificating vessels is set forth in the specific subchapter governing a particular class of vessels.
   1. (1)For passenger vessels see part 70 of subchapter H (Passenger Vessels) of this chapter.
   2. (2)For cargo and miscellaneous vessels see part 90 of subchapter I (Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels) of this chapter.
   3. (3)For tank vessels see part 30 of subchapter D (Tank Vessels) of this chapter.
   4. (4)For small passenger vessels see part 114 of subchapter K (Small Passenger Vessels Carrying More Than 150 Passengers or with Overnight Accommodations for More Than 49 Passengers) and part 175 of subchapter T (Small Passenger Vessels) of this chapter.
   5. (5)For uninspected vessels see part 24 of subchapter C (Uninspected Vessels) of this chapter.
   6. (6)For vessels carrying certain bulk dangerous cargoes see subchapter O of this chapter.
   7. (7)For towing vessels, see part 136 of subchapter M of this chapter.