---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 140.801"
title: "46"
number: "140.801"
heading: "Towing gear."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/140.801"
---

# §140.801. Towing gear.


The owner, managing operator, master or officer in charge of a navigational watch of a towing vessel must ensure the following:

- (a) The strength of each component used for securing the towing vessel to the tow and for making up the tow is adequate for its intended service.
- (b) The size, material, and condition of towlines, lines, wires, push gear, cables, and other rigging used for making up a tow or securing the towing vessel to a tow must be appropriate for:
  - (1) The horsepower or bollard pull of the vessel;
  - (2) The static loads and dynamic loads expected during the intended service;
  - (3) The environmental conditions expected during the intended service; and
  - (4) **The likelihood of mechanical damage.**
- (c) Emergency procedures related to the tow have been developed and appropriate training provided to the crew for carrying out their emergency duties.

## 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.