Section 140.715 - Communications equipment(a) Towing vessels must meet the communications requirements of 33 CFR part 26 and 33 CFR 164.72 , as applicable.(b) Towing vessels not subject to the provisions of 33 CFR part 26 or 33 CFR 164.72 must have a Very High Frequency-Frequency Modulated (VHF-FM) radio installed and capable of monitoring VHF-FM Channels 13 and 16, except when transmitting or receiving traffic on other VHF-FM channels, when participating in a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), or when monitoring a channel of a VTS. The VHF-FM radio must be installed at each operating station and connected to a functioning battery backup.(c) All towing vessels must have at least one properly operating handheld VHF-FM radio in addition to the radios otherwise required.