StacksVerified U.S. regulatory reference

46 CFR §27.205

Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
  1. (a)You must ensure that your vessel is fitted with a communication system between the engine room and the operating station that—
    1. (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. (2)Provides two-way voice communication and calling between the operating station and either—
      1. (i)The engine room; or
      2. (ii)A location immediately adjacent to an exit from the engine room.
  2. (b)Twin-screw vessels with operating-station control for both engines are not required to have internal communication systems.
  3. (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.