46 CFR § 140.805 - Towing safety.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s140.805"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 140.805 - Towing safety."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "140.805"
section_name: "Towing safety."
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"
---


# 140.805 Towing safety.

Prior to getting underway, and giving due consideration to the prevailing and expected conditions of the trip or voyage, the officer in charge of the navigational watch for a towing vessel must ensure that:

(a) The barges, vessels, or objects making up the tow are properly configured and secured;

(b) Equipment, cargo, and industrial components on board the tow are properly secured and made ready for transit;

(c) The towing vessel is safely and securely made up to the tow; and

(d) The towing vessel has appropriate horsepower or bollard pull and is capable of safely maneuvering the tow.