---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 184.620"
title: "46"
number: "184.620"
heading: "Propulsion engine control systems."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/184.620"
---

# §184.620. Propulsion engine control systems.

- (a) A vessel must have two independent means of controlling each propulsion engine. Control must be provided for the engine speed, direction of shaft rotation, and engine shutdown.
  - (1) One of the means may be the ability to readily disconnect the remote engine control linkage to permit local operation.
  - (2) A multiple engine vessel with independent remote propulsion control for each engine need not have a second means of controlling each engine.
- (b) In addition to the requirements of [paragraph (a)](#a), a vessel must have a reliable means for shutting down a propulsion engine, at the main pilothouse control station, which is independent of the engine's speed control.
- (c) A propulsion engine control system, including pilothouse control, must be designed so that a loss of power to the control system does not result in an increase in shaft speed or propeller pitch.

## 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.