46 CFR § 28.850 - Main source of electrical power.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s28.850"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 28.850 - Main source of electrical power."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "28.850"
section_name: "Main source of electrical power."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "C"
subchapter_name: "UNINSPECTED VESSELS"
part_number: "28"
part_name: "REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY VESSELS"
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. 3316, 4502, 4505, 4506, 6104, 8103, 10603; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
regulatory_source: "CGD 88-079, 56 FR 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "28"
---


# 28.850 Main source of electrical power.

(a) Applicability: Each vessel that relies on electricity to power any of the following essential loads must have at least two electrical generators to supply:

(1) The propulsion system and its necessary auxiliaries and controls;

(2) Interior lighting;

(3) Steering systems;

(4) Communication systems;

(5) Navigation equipment and navigation lights;

(6) Fire protection or detection equipment;

(7) Bilge pumps; and

(8) General alarm system.

(b) Each generator must be attached to an independent prime mover.