46 CFR § 143.255 - Fuel system requirements.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s143.255"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 143.255 - Fuel system requirements."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "143.255"
section_name: "Fuel system requirements."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "M"
subchapter_name: "TOWING VESSELS"
part_number: "143"
part_name: "MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
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 No. 0170.1."
regulatory_source: "USCG-2006-24412, 81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "143"
---


# 143.255 Fuel system requirements.

(a) Fuel systems for towing vessel main engines and generators must have a documented maintenance plan to ensure proper operation of the system.

(b) A continuous supply of clean fuel must be provided to main propulsion engines and generators.

(c) The fuel system must include filters and/or purifiers. Where filters are used:

(1) A supply of spare fuel filters must be provided onboard; and

(2) Fuel filters must be replaced in accordance with manufacturer's requirements or the vessel's TSMS, if applicable.

(d) Except as otherwise permitted under § 143.210 or § 143.520, no fuel other than diesel fuel may be used.