---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 121.602"
title: "46"
number: "121.602"
heading: "Internal communications systems."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/121.602"
---

# §121.602. Internal communications systems.

- (a) A vessel equipped with pilothouse control must have a fixed means of two-way communications from the operating station to the location where the means of controlling the propulsion machinery, required by [§ 121.620(a)](/cfr/46/121.620.md?p=a), is located. Twin screw vessels with pilothouse control for both engines are not required to have a fixed communications system.
- (b) A vessel equipped with auxiliary means of steering, required by [§ 119.600](/cfr/46/119.600.md) of this chapter, must have a fixed means of two-way communications from the operating station to the location where the auxiliary means of steering is controlled.
- (c) When the propulsion machinery of a vessel cannot be controlled from the operating station, an efficient communications system must be provided between the operating station and the propulsion machinery space.
- (d) When the locations addressed in paragraphs [(a)](#a), [(b)](#b), and [(c)](#c) of this section are sufficiently close together, direct voice communications satisfactory to the cognizant OCMI is acceptable instead of the required fixed means of communications.
- (e) The OCMI may accept hand held portable radios as satisfying the communications system requirement of this section.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.2.

### Source

Source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 933, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.