46 CFR § 185.360 - Use of auto pilot.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s185.360"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 185.360 - Use of auto pilot."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "185.360"
section_name: "Use of auto pilot."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "T"
subchapter_name: "SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS (UNDER 100 GROSS TONS)"
part_number: "185"
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. 2103, 3306, 6101; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.2, paragraph (II)(92)(a)."
regulatory_source: "CGD 85-080, 61 FR 1005, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "185"
---


# 185.360 Use of auto pilot.

Whenever an automatic pilot is used the master shall ensure that:

(a) It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the vessel'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 master or the mate on watch.