---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 131.960"
title: "46"
number: "131.960"
heading: "Use of auto-pilot."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/131.960"
---

# §131.960. Use of auto-pilot.


When the automatic pilot is used in areas of high traffic density, conditions of restricted visibility, or any other hazardous navigational situations, the master shall ensure that—

- (a) It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the vessel's steering;
- (b) A competent person is ready at all times to take over steering control; and
- (c) The changeover from automatic to manual control of the vessel's steering and the reverse is made by, or under the supervision of, the master or officer of the watch.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306, 6101, 10104; E.O. 12234, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. Section 131.990 also issued under sec. 617, Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905.

### Source

Source: CGD 82-004 and CGD 86-074, 62 FR 49340, Sept. 19, 1997, unless otherwise noted.