46 CFR § 140.605 - Vessel stability.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s140.605"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 140.605 - Vessel stability."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "140.605"
section_name: "Vessel stability."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "M"
subchapter_name: "TOWING VESSELS"
part_number: "140"
part_name: "OPERATIONS"
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. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904; 33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation 0170.1."
regulatory_source: "USCG-2006-24412, 81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "140"
---


# 140.605 Vessel stability.

(a) Prior to getting underway, and at all other times necessary to ensure the safety of the vessel, the master or officer in charge of a navigational watch must determine whether the vessel complies with all stability requirements in the vessel's trim and stability book, stability letter, COI, and Load Line Certificate, as applicable.

(b) A towing vessel must be maintained and operated so the watertight integrity and stability of the vessel are not compromised.