Considering the manning requirements for U.S. vessels, your three watch cargo vessel has a deck crew of 20 people, exclusive of the officers. How many of these people do the manning regulations require to be Able Seamen?

Correct Answer: Option B — 13

Per 46 CFR 15.840, on a vessel operating with three watches, at least 65% of the deck crew must be Able Seamen. Calculating 65% of 20 deck crew members results in 13 required Able Seamen. This regulation ensures adequate professional staffing for safe navigation and deck operations on larger vessels.