---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 184.402"
title: "46"
number: "184.402"
heading: "Compasses."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/184.402"
---

# §184.402. Compasses.

- (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section every vessel must be fitted with a suitable magnetic compass designed for marine use, to be mounted at the primary operating station.
- (b) **The following vessels need not be fitted with a compass—**
  - (1) A vessel on a rivers route;
  - (2) A non-self propelled vessel; and
  - (3) **A vessel operating on short restricted routes on lakes, bays, and sounds.**
- (c) Except on a vessel limited to daytime operations, the compass must be illuminated.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.2.

### Source

Source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 1002, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.