Use of auto pilot.

Except as provided in 33 CFR 164.15, when the automatic pilot is used in areas of high traffic density, conditions of restricted visibility, and all other hazardous navigational situations, the master or person in charge shall ensure that— (a) It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the unit's steering; (b) A competent person is ready at all times to take over steering control; and (c) The changeover from automatic to manual steering and vice versa is made by, or under the supervision of, the officer of the watch.