---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 129.310"
title: "46"
number: "129.310"
heading: "Power sources."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/129.310"
---

# §129.310. Power sources.

- (a)
  - (1) Each vessel that relies on electricity to power the following loads must be arranged so that the loads can be energized from at least two sources of electricity:
    - (i) Any system identified as a vital system in [§ 128.130(a)](/cfr/46/128.130.md?p=a) of this subchapter.
    - (ii) **Interior lights.**
    - (iii) **Communication systems.**
    - (iv) **Navigational equipment and lights.**
    - (v) **Fire-protection equipment.**
  - (2) A vessel with batteries of enough capacity for 3 hours of continuous operation to supply the loads specified in [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section, and with a generator or alternator driven by a propulsion engine, complies with [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section.
- (b) Where a generator driven by a propulsion engine is used as a source of electrical power, no speed change, throttle movement, or change in direction of the propeller shaft of the vessel may interrupt power to any of the loads specified in [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; sec. 617, Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

### Source

Source: CGD 82-004 and CGD 86-074, 62 FR 49332, Sept. 19, 1997, unless otherwise noted.