🔍 Key Concepts

• Responsibilities of certificated lifeboatmen / lifeboat operators under 46 CFR (manning and survival craft regulations) • What must be ready and organized before the boat is actually lowered and loaded • Who should control the descent and launching gear versus who should be in the boat guiding passengers and organization

💭 Think About

• Think about what the person in command of the lifeboat needs in order to account for everyone once the boat is away from the ship • Consider whether the person in command should already be in the boat supervising loading, or remain at the falls operating the brake • Ask yourself which duties could be assigned to other trained crew, and which duty is specifically tied to the person who will be in charge of the boat after launching

✅ Before You Answer

• Check 46 CFR survival craft / lifeboat manning requirements for what information and equipment the lifeboat coxswain is responsible for when abandoning ship • Verify whether any regulation requires the lifeboat commander to personally operate the brake or winch, or merely to supervise the launching • Confirm which option most directly supports accountability of persons and safe organization once the lifeboat is in the water