Considering the manning requirements for U.S. vessels (100 gross tons and above), your cargo vessel has a deck crew of 20 men, exclusive of the officers. How many of these men do the manning regulations require to be Able Seamen?

Correct Answer: Option D — 13

Under 46 USC 8702, at least 65 percent of the deck crew (excluding licensed officers) on U.S. merchant vessels of 100 gross tons or more must be rated as Able Seamen. Sixty-five percent of 20 crew members equals 13 Able Seamen.