Title 46 presents regulations applied by the Coast Guard to merchant marine officers and seamen, uninspected vessels, tank vessels, load lines, marine engineering, documenting and measuring vessels, passenger vessels, cargo and miscellaneous vessels, offshore supply vessels, mobile offshore drilling units, electrical engineering, small passenger vessels, oceanographic vessels, occupational safety and health standards, and lifesaving systems. Maritime Administration regulations cover policies, practices and procedures, maritime carriers, subsidized vessels, vessel financing assistance, emergency operations, training, and ports. The Maritime Commission also holds the responsibility for maritime carriers, terminals, tariffs, domestic offshore commerce, and foreign commerce.

The CFRs are authored by the Office of the Federal Register.