33 CFR § 161.13 - VTS Special Area operating requirements.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s161.13"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 161.13 - VTS Special Area operating requirements."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "161.13"
section_name: "VTS Special Area operating requirements."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "P"
subchapter_name: "PORTS AND WATERWAYS SAFETY"
part_number: "161"
part_name: "VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 70001, 70002, 70003, 70034, 70114, 70119; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3."
regulatory_source: "CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "161"
---


# 161.13 VTS Special Area operating requirements.

The following operating requirements apply within a VTS Special Area:

(a) A VTS User shall, if towing astern, do so with as short a hawser as safety and good seamanship permits.

(b) A VMRS User shall: (1) Not enter or get underway in the area without prior approval of the VTS;

(2) Not enter a VTS Special Area if a hazardous vessel operating condition or circumstance exists;

(3) Not meet, cross, or overtake any other VMRS User in the area without prior approval of the VTS; and

(4) Before meeting, crossing, or overtaking any other VMRS User in the area, communicate on the designated vessel bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone frequency, intended navigation movements, and any other information necessary in order to make safe passing arrangements. This requirement does not relieve a vessel of any duty prescribed by the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) or the Inland Navigation Rules.