§8702 Certain crew requirements

Summary

Vessels of 100 gross tons or more must follow crew rules unless they are specifically excluded. Exemptions include boats that only run on rivers and lakes (not the Great Lakes), most barges, most fishing vessels and tenders (except fish tenders working the Aleutian trade), whaling vessels, yachts, sailing school vessels for instructors and students, oceanographic research ships for scientific staff, and certain fish‑processing vessels (including ones entered before January 1, 1988 that are 1,600 gross tons or less, or ones entered after December 31, 1987 with no more than 16 people mainly preparing fish, and others for crews who work only on fish processing or non‑navigational support). At least 75% of each department’s crew must understand officer orders. At least 65% of deck crew (not counting licensed officers) must have documents showing an able seaman rating, but that can be reduced to 50% on vessels allowed a two‑watch system or on fish tenders in the Aleutian trade. An able seaman is not required on towing vessels that operate on bays and sounds open to the sea. Crew with less than an able seaman rating cannot steer in busy ports, in reduced visibility, bad weather, or other dangerous conditions. Owners, operators, or the person in charge who break these rules must pay a $10,000 civil penalty.