46 CFR § 27.205 - What are the requirements for internal communication systems on towing vessels?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s27.205"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 27.205 - What are the requirements for internal communication systems on towing vessels?"
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "27.205"
section_name: "What are the requirements for internal communication systems on towing vessels?"
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "UNINSPECTED VESSELS"
part_number: "27"
part_name: "TOWING VESSELS"
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. 3306, 4102 (as amended by Pub. L. 104-324, 110 Stat. 3901); Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1."
regulatory_source: "USCG-2000-6931, 69 FR 34069, June 18, 2004, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "27"
---


# 27.205 What are the requirements for internal communication systems on towing vessels?

(a) You must ensure that your vessel is fitted with a communication system between the engine room and the operating station that—

(1) Consists of either fixed or portable equipment, such as a sound-powered telephone, portable radios, or other reliable method of voice communication, with a main or reserve power supply that is independent of the electrical system on your towing vessel; and

(2) Provides two-way voice communication and calling between the operating station and either—

(i) The engine room; or

(ii) A location immediately adjacent to an exit from the engine room.

(b) Twin-screw vessels with operating-station control for both engines are not required to have internal communication systems.

(c) When the operating-station's engine controls and the access to the engine room are within 3 meters (10 feet) of each other and allow unobstructed visual contact between them, direct voice communication is acceptable instead of a communication system.