🔍 Key Concepts

• Shipping Articles requirements under 46 U.S.C. and 46 CFR for U.S. vessels • Who has operational authority over the crew on board the vessel • Difference between government agencies (USCG, Customs) and the vessel’s own responsible officer

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: who is directly responsible for hiring, disciplining, and controlling the seamen day-to-day on that specific vessel? • Which person’s signature would make the agreement between the seaman and the vessel legally binding as an employment contract? • Do outside government agencies usually co‑sign every crew member’s employment contract, or does someone on the ship do that?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which option represents the person in command of the vessel rather than an outside authority • Eliminate agencies that are mainly responsible for law enforcement or inspections, not routine crew contracts • Confirm which role is traditionally associated with signing crew agreements/Shipping Articles in maritime practice