---
title: "Which vessels are required to have a credentialed Master in command? Answer in under 100 words."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/maritime/vessels-required-have-credentialed-master-command-answer-under-100-words
jurisdiction: "US Federal · 46 CFR 15.805 (current as of Dec. 17, 2024)"
last_verified: 2026-08-26
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# Which vessels are required to have a credentialed Master in command? Answer in under 100 words.

Under 46 CFR 15.805 (as amended Dec. 17, 2024), a credentialed Master must command: every self-propelled seagoing documented vessel of 200 GRT or more; every self-propelled inspected vessel; every inspected passenger and inspected small passenger vessel; every towing vessel at least 8 meters (26 feet) long (commanded by a Master of Towing Vessels or a qualifying endorsed Master with a TOAR); and every uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 GRT or on an international voyage.

## Details / How it works

Under **46 CFR 15.805(a)**, an individual holding an appropriate valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Master endorsement must be in command of the following vessel categories:

- Every self-propelled, seagoing documented vessel of 200 GRT and over.
- Every self-propelled inspected vessel.
- Every inspected passenger vessel.
- Every inspected small passenger vessel.
- Every towing vessel of at least 8 meters (26 feet) in length.
- Every uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 GRT.
- Every uninspected passenger vessel engaged on an international voyage.

For towing vessels, the required commander is a **Master of Towing Vessels**, or a mariner holding an MMC endorsed as Master of inspected, self-propelled vessels greater than 200 GRT who also holds either a completed Towing Officer's Assessment Record (TOAR) signed by a Designated Examiner, or a License/MMC endorsed for Master of Towing Vessels.

## Numbers & thresholds

| Vessel type | Threshold / requirement |
|---|---|
| Self-propelled, seagoing documented vessel | 200 GRT and over must be commanded by a Master |
| Towing vessel | At least 8 meters (26 feet) in length; Master of Towing Vessels or qualifying endorsed Master required |
| Uninspected passenger vessel (domestic) | At least 100 GRT must be commanded by a Master |
| Uninspected passenger vessel (international) | Any such vessel on an international voyage must be commanded by a Master |

On vessels subject to STCW, the Master must also hold an STCW endorsement as Master with the appropriate tonnage for the vessel being operated.

## Exceptions & edge cases

- **STCW exception**: The STCW endorsement requirement does not apply on vessels operating on domestic near-coastal voyages, as noted in § 15.105(g).
- **U.S. citizenship requirement**: Every vessel documented under U.S. law, other than a vessel with only a recreational endorsement, must be under the command of a U.S. citizen.
- **Towing vessel alternative**: A mariner holding an MMC endorsed as Master of inspected, self-propelled vessels greater than 200 GRT may command a towing vessel if they hold a completed TOAR or a Master of Towing Vessels endorsement.

## Sources

- [1] U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 46 CFR 15.805 — Master · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-46/section-15.805 · as of 2026-08-26