---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 C.F.R. § 161.13"
title: "33"
number: "161.13"
heading: "VTS Special Area operating requirements."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/33/161.13"
---

# §161.13. VTS Special Area operating requirements.


The following operating requirements apply within a VTS Special Area:

- (a) A VTS User shall, if towing astern, do so with as short a hawser as safety and good seamanship permits.
- (b) **A VMRS User shall—**
  - (1) Not enter or get underway in the area without prior approval of the VTS;
  - (2) Not enter a VTS Special Area if a hazardous vessel operating condition or circumstance exists;
  - (3) Not meet, cross, or overtake any other VMRS User in the area without prior approval of the VTS; and
  - (4) Before meeting, crossing, or overtaking any other VMRS User in the area, communicate on the designated vessel bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone frequency, intended navigation movements, and any other information necessary in order to make safe passing arrangements. This requirement does not relieve a vessel of any duty prescribed by the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, 1972 (72 COLREGS) or the Inland Navigation Rules.

## Notes

### 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.