According to regulations when, if ever, may cargo hatches on Great Lakes vessels, with more than 6 feet of freeboard, be left uncovered or open while the vessel is being navigated?
• 46 CFR requirements for Great Lakes cargo vessels and hatch covers • How freeboard greater than 6 feet affects hatch-cover rules • Who is given explicit authority in the regulations to decide on hatch status while underway
• Look for which specific officer or role (if any) is named in the regulations as having authority over leaving hatches uncovered while navigating • Consider whether the regulations completely prohibit open/uncovered hatches, or allow them under certain conditions and with whose approval • Ask yourself: does the rule sound more like a strict safety prohibition, or a conditional permission tied to one specific person’s judgment?
• Verify in 46 CFR whether there is a special exception for Great Lakes vessels with more than 6 feet of freeboard regarding hatch covers • Check exactly who (Master, Mate, Bosun, or nobody) is mentioned in the regulation as being allowed to authorize uncovered hatches, if at all • Confirm whether the text says "never" or uses wording like "may", "at the discretion of…", or "when deemed necessary"
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