The Master of a cargo or tank vessel shall be responsible that each lifeboat, except those free-fall launched, is lowered to the water with crew and maneuvered at least once every __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — three months

SOLAS Chapter III and 46 CFR mandate that conventional lifeboats be lowered to the water with their assigned crew and maneuvered at least once every three months to maintain crew proficiency and equipment reliability.