---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 15.850"
title: "46"
number: "15.850"
heading: "Lookouts."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/15.850"
---

# §15.850. Lookouts.

- (a) The requirements for the maintenance of a proper lookout are specified in [Rule 5](/cfr/46/5.md) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 ([33 U.S.C. 1602(c)](/usc/33/1602.md?p=c)), and Rule 5 of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 ([33 CFR part 83](/cfr/33/part83.md)). Lookout is a function to be performed by a member of a navigational watch.
- (b) On vessels subject to STCW, the individual meeting the requirement of this section must also hold at least an STCW deck endorsement as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW), except as noted in [§ 15.105(g)](/cfr/46/15.105.md?p=g) for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.

## Notes

### Amendments

[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 78008, Dec. 24, 2013]

### Source

Source: CGD 81-059, 52 FR 38652, Oct. 16, 1987, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated by USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 78001, Dec. 24, 2013.

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 3306, 3703, 8101, 8102, 8103, 8104, 8105, 8301, 8304, 8502, 8503, 8701, 8702, 8901, 8902, 8903, 8904, 8905(b), 8906 and 9102; sec. 617, Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905; and DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 81-059, 52 FR 38652, Oct. 16, 1987, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93118, Nov. 25, 2024, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 78008, Dec. 24, 2013]