CFR > Title 46 - Shipping > CHAPTER I—COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER C—UNINSPECTED VESSELS (parts 24 to 28) > PART 27—TOWING VESSELS > SUBPART B—Fire-Protection Measures for Towing Vessels (§27.201 to §27.211) > 27.205—What are the requirements for internal communication systems on towing vessels?

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.