Towing vessels must be equipped with the following equipment, as applicable to the area of operation:

1. (a) Fathometer (except Western Rivers).
2. (b) Search light, controllable from the vessel's operating station and capable of illuminating objects at a distance of at least two times the length of the tow.
3. (c) Electronic position-fixing device, satisfactory for the area in which the vessel operates, if the towing vessel engages in towing seaward of the navigable waters of the U.S. or more than 3 nautical miles from shore on the Great Lakes.

4. (d) Illuminated magnetic compass or an illuminated swing-meter (Western Rivers vessels only). The compass or swing-meter must be readable from each operating station.

   Note to § 140.725. Certain towing vessels subject to § 140.725 are also subject to the requirements of 33 CFR 164.72 and Automatic Identification System requirements of 33 CFR 164.46.