46 CFR § 109.585 - Use of auto pilot.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s109.585"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 109.585 - Use of auto pilot."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "109.585"
section_name: "Use of auto pilot."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "I-A"
subchapter_name: "A—MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS"
part_number: "109"
part_name: "OPERATIONS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 6101, 10104; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
regulatory_source: "CGD 73-251, 43 FR 56828, Dec. 4, 1978, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "109"
---


# 109.585 Use of auto pilot.

Except as provided in 33 CFR 164.15, when the automatic pilot is used in areas of high traffic density, conditions of restricted visibility, and all other hazardous navigational situations, the master or person in charge shall ensure that—

(a) It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the unit's steering;

(b) A competent person is ready at all times to take over steering control; and

(c) The changeover from automatic to manual steering and vice versa is made by, or under the supervision of, the officer of the watch.