🔍 Key Concepts

• 46 CFR Subchapter M requirements for towing vessels and radar carriage • Situations where the Captain of the Port (COTP) may grant written exemptions • The difference between general towing operations and special-purpose operations (e.g., fleeting, pollution response, assistance towing)

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: In which situations might the Coast Guard consider radar not strictly necessary because of the area of operation or mission? • Consider whether written approval from a COTP is more or less restrictive than a blanket exemption in the regulations. • Think about whether the regulations treat pollution-response and assistance-towing vessels the same as regular line-haul tugboats when it comes to radar.

✅ Before You Answer

• Check which option(s) clearly mention a written exemption from the COTP versus automatic exemptions in the regulations. • Verify in 46 CFR whether small towing vessels operating in a very limited, confined area have special treatment for radar requirements. • Confirm whether pollution-response or assistance-towing vessels are explicitly listed as exceptions to radar carriage, or if they must comply like other towing vessels.