---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 140.205"
title: "46"
number: "140.205"
heading: "General vessel operation."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/140.205"
---

# §140.205. General vessel operation.

- (a) A vessel must be operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner as to afford protection against hazards to life, property, and the environment.
- (b) Towing vessels with a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) must be operated in accordance with the TSMS applicable to the vessel.
- (c) Vessels must be manned in accordance with the COI. Manning requirements are contained in [part 15](/cfr/46/part15.md) of this chapter.
- (d) Each crewmember that is required to hold a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) must have the credential on board and available for examination at all times when the vessel is operating.
- (e) All individuals who are not required to hold an MMC permitted onboard the vessel must have and present on request a valid personal identification that meets the requirements set forth in [33 CFR 101.515](/cfr/33/101.515.md).

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904; 33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation 0170.1.

### Source

Source: USCG-2006-24412, 81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted.