---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 97.16-1"
title: "46"
number: "97.16-1"
heading: "Use of auto pilot."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/97.16-1"
---

# §97.16-1. Use of auto pilot.


Except as provided in [33 CFR 164.15](/cfr/33/164.15.md), when the automatic pilot is used in—

- (a) Areas of high traffic density;
- (b) Conditions of restricted visibility; and
- (c) All other hazardous navigational situations, the master shall ensure that—
  - (1) It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the ship's steering;
  - (2) A competent person is ready at all times to take over steering control;
  - (3) The changeover from automatic to manual steering and vice versa is made by, or under, the supervision of the officer of the watch.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 75-074, 42 FR 5964, Jan. 31, 1977]

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 5111, 6101; 49 U.S.C. 5103, 5106; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757; 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

### Source

Source: CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 17011, Dec. 30, 1965, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 75-074, 42 FR 5964, Jan. 31, 1977]