---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 27.205"
title: "46"
number: "27.205"
heading: "What are the requirements for internal communication systems on towing vessels?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/27.205"
---

# §27.205. What are the requirements for internal communication systems on towing vessels?

- (a) You must ensure that your vessel is fitted with a communication system between the engine room and the operating station that—
  - (1) Consists of either fixed or portable equipment, such as a sound-powered telephone, portable radios, or other reliable method of voice communication, with a main or reserve power supply that is independent of the electrical system on your towing vessel; and
  - (2) **Provides two-way voice communication and calling between the operating station and either—**
    - (i) The engine room; or
    - (ii) **A location immediately adjacent to an exit from the engine room.**
- (b) Twin-screw vessels with operating-station control for both engines are not required to have internal communication systems.
- (c) When the operating-station's engine controls and the access to the engine room are within 3 meters (10 feet) of each other and allow unobstructed visual contact between them, direct voice communication is acceptable instead of a communication system.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 4102 (as amended by Pub. L. 104-324, 110 Stat. 3901); Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

### Source

Source: USCG-2000-6931, 69 FR 34069, June 18, 2004, unless otherwise noted.