46 CFR 185.304 : Shipping (§ 1.01-05 To Subchapter D) — (§ 166.01 To § 199.640) — Coast Guard, Department Of Homeland Security (Continued) (§ 166.01 To § 199.640) — Small Passenger Vessels (Under 100 Gross Tons) (§ 175.100 To Parts 186-187) — Operations (§ 185.100 To § 185.910) — Miscellaneous Operating Requirements (§ 185.304 To § 185.360) — Navigation underway.

(a) The movement of vessel shall be under the direction and control of the master or a licensed mate at all times. The master shall operate the vessel keeping the safety of the passengers and crew foremost in mind by directing the vessel in order to prevent a casualty. Special attention should be paid to:

(1) The current(s) velocity and direction of the transiting area;

(2) Tidal state;

(3) Prevailing and forecasted visibility and environmental conditions, including wind and waves;

(4) Density of marine traffic;

(5) Potential damage caused by own wake;

(6) The danger of each closing visual or radar contact;

(7) Vessel's handling characteristics; and

(8) Magnetic variation and deviation errors of the compass.

(b) Masters of vessels not greater than 65 ft (19.8 m) in length must have means available, satisfactory to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), to obtain or monitor the latest marine broadcast in order to comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.