🔍 Key Concepts

• Lifeboatman certification requirements under 46 CFR (ocean service) • Differences between a licensed deck officer, an able seaman, and a certified lifeboatman • Who the regulations allow to take charge of a lifeboat during an emergency

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Does the law focus on general rank (officer/AB) or on specific survival craft training and certification? • Consider which of these people must prove knowledge of launching, handling, and organizing survivors in a lifeboat. • Think about whether an officer or AB without special training is automatically permitted to command a lifeboat in ocean service.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in 46 CFR which rating is specifically authorized to take charge of a lifeboat or rescue boat. • Check whether an officer’s license alone guarantees lifeboat command authority, or if a separate endorsement is required. • Confirm if ocean service has stricter requirements for lifeboat command than inland or near-coastal service.