---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 C.F.R. § 161.12"
title: "33"
number: "161.12"
heading: "Vessel operating requirements."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/33/161.12"
---

# §161.12. Vessel operating requirements.

- (a) Subject to the exigencies of safe navigation, a VTS User shall comply with all measures established or directions issued by a VTS.
- (b) If, in a specific circumstance, a VTS User is unable to safely comply with a measure or direction issued by the VTS, the VTS User may deviate only to the extent necessary to avoid endangering persons, property or the environment. The deviation shall be reported to the VTS as soon as is practicable.
- (c) When not exchanging voice communications, a VTS User must maintain a listening watch as required by [§ 26.04(e)](/cfr/33/26.04.md?p=e) of this chapter on the VTS frequency designated in Table 1 to [§ 161.12(c)](#c) (VTS and VMRS Centers, Call Signs/MMSI, Designated Frequencies, and Monitoring Areas). In addition, the VTS User must respond promptly when hailed and communicate in the English language.
- (d) As soon as is practicable, a VTS User shall notify the VTS of any of the following:
  - (1) A marine casualty as defined in [46 CFR 4.05-1](/cfr/46/4.05-1.md);
  - (2) Involvement in the ramming of a fixed or floating object;
  - (3) A pollution incident as defined in [§ 151.15](/cfr/33/151.15.md) of this chapter;
  - (4) A defect or discrepancy in an aid to navigation;
  - (5) A hazardous condition as defined in [§ 160.202](/cfr/33/160.202.md) of this chapter;
  - (6) Improper operation of vessel equipment required by [part 164](/cfr/33/part164.md) of this chapter;
  - (7) A situation involving hazardous materials for which a report is required by [49 CFR 176.48](/cfr/49/176.48.md); and
  - (8) A hazardous vessel operating condition as defined in [§ 161.2](/cfr/33/161.2.md).

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70001, 70002, 70003, 70034, 70114, 70119; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3.

### Source

Source: CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 90-020, 59 FR 36324, July 15, 1994]