Which organization is responsible for establishing the minimum number of crewmembers qualified as able seamen and lifeboatmen on a vessel?

• A. The vessel owner
• B. The Coast Guard
• C. The ship's master
• D. The classification society

Answer: (B)

The organization responsible for establishing the minimum number of crew qualified as able seamen and lifeboatmen is the Coast Guard. In maritime safety practice, the flag state’s maritime authority sets the required manning levels and the qualifications those crew members must hold to operate the vessel safely. The Coast Guard issues the certifications (such as able seaman and lifeboatman) and approves the safe manning levels, providing the official standard crews must meet. The vessel owner assigns personnel within these rules, and the master runs the ship day to day, but neither initiates the official minimums. Classification societies meanwhile focus on construction and equipment standards, not manning requirements.