[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR131.960]

[Page 467]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
    CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED)
 
PART 131--OPERATIONS--Table of Contents
 
                        Subpart I--Miscellaneous
 
Sec. 131.960  Use of auto-pilot.

    When the automatic pilot is used in areas of high traffic density, 
conditions of restricted visibility, or any other hazardous navigational 
situations, the master shall ensure that--
    (a) It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the 
vessel's steering;
    (b) A competent person is ready at all times to take over steering 
control; and
    (c) The changeover from automatic to manual control of the vessel's 
steering and the reverse is made by, or under the supervision of, the 
master or officer of the watch.