Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 33 and 46

Title 33 and Title 46 of the US Code of Federal Regulations contain the federal maritime rules enforced by the United States Coast Guard. Title 33 (Navigation and Navigable Waters) covers pollution prevention and response, including the Vessel Response Plan requirements at 33 CFR Part 155, navigation rules, and port and waterway safety. Title 46 (Shipping) covers vessel inspection, manning, equipment, and certification. The USCG applies these to US-flag ships directly and to foreign ships through its port State control regime, which checks compliance with both the applicable CFR provisions and the international conventions the ship must meet. Detention or a captain-of-the-port order follows serious deficiencies.