🔍 Key Concepts

• Manning requirements and where they are officially recorded • Difference between documents that describe the vessel’s inspection and limitations versus documents about contracts with the crew • Which document is typically posted on board to show how many licensed and unlicensed crew are required

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Which of these documents would a Coast Guard inspector look at to verify that the vessel has enough crew with the proper licenses and ratings? • Which option sounds more like a legal crew contract versus an official regulatory manning document? • Think about what information would need to be available to a relief master walking on board for the first time to know the required number and type of crew.

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which document actually lists numbers AND qualifications (e.g., master, mate, engineer, AB, QMED). • Separate documents that deal with crew agreements/pay and conditions from those that deal with vessel safety, routes, and manning. • Consider which document must be issued or endorsed by the Coast Guard rather than created solely by the vessel or company.