---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 C.F.R. § 13.1170"
title: "36"
number: "13.1170"
heading: "What are the rules for operating vessels?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/36/13.1170"
---

# §13.1170. What are the rules for operating vessels?

- (a) Operating a vessel within 1/4 nautical mile of a whale is prohibited, except for a commercial fishing vessel authorized under this subpart that is actively trolling, setting, or pulling long lines, or setting or pulling crab pots.
- (b) The operator of a vessel inadvertently positioned within 1/4 nautical mile of a whale must immediately slow the vessel to ten knots or less, without shifting into reverse unless impact is likely. The operator must direct or maintain the vessel on as steady a course as possible away from the whale until at least 1/4 nautical mile of separation is established. Failure to take such action is prohibited.
- (c) The operator of a vessel or seaplane positioned within 1/2 nautical mile of a whale is prohibited from altering course or speed in a manner that results in decreasing the distance between the whale and the vessel or seaplane.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq. ; 54 U.S.C. 100101, 100751, 320102; Sec. 13.1204 also issued under Pub. L. 104-333, Sec. 1035, 110 Stat. 4240, November 12, 1996.

### Source

Source: 71 FR 69333, Nov. 30, 2006, unless otherwise noted.