15.840—Able seamen.
(a)
With certain exceptions, 46 U.S.C. 8702 applies to all vessels of at least 100 gross tons. At 1east 65 percent of the deck crew of these vessels, excluding individuals serving as officers, must be able seamen. For vessels permitted to maintain a two watch system, the percentage of able seamen may be reduced to 50 percent.
(b)
Able seamen are rated as: unlimited, limited, special, offshore supply vessel, sail, and fishing industry, under the provisions of part 12 of this chapter. 46 U.S.C. 7312 specifies the categories of able seamen (i.e., unlimited, limited, etc.) necessary to meet the requirements of 46 U.S.C. 8702.
(c)
It is the responsibility of the master or person in charge to ensure that the able seamen in the service of the vessel meet the requirements of 46 U.S.C. 7312 and 8702.
[CGD 81-059, 52 FR 38652, Oct. 16, 1987, as amended by USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11263, Mar. 16, 2009]