46 C.F.R. Subpart A—Purpose and Applicability
Title 46 - Shipping
The purpose of the regulations in this part is to set forth uniform minimum requirements for the manning of vessels. In general, they implement, interpret, or apply the specific statutory manning requirements in title 46, U.S.C., parts E & F, implement various international conventions which affect merchant marine personnel, and provide the means for establishing the complement necessary for safe operation of vessels. (a) This section lists the control numbers assigned by the Office of Management and Budget under the Paper Reduction Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96–511) for the reporting and recordkeeping requirements in this part. (b) The following control numbers have been assigned to the sections indicated: (1) OMB 1625–0079—46 CFR 15.1107. (2) [Reserved] [CGD 95–62, 62 FR 34538, June 26, 1997, as amended by USCG-2004–18884, 69 FR 58343, Sept. 30, 2004] (a) The regulations in this part apply to all vessels which are subject to the manning requirements contained in the navigation and shipping laws of the United States, including uninspected vessels (46 U.S.C. 7101–9308). (b) The navigation and shipping laws state that a vessel may not be operated unless certain manning requirements are met. In addition to establishing a minimum of licensed individuals and members of the crew to be carried on board certain vessels, they establish minimum qualifications concerning licenses, citizenship, and conditions of employment. It is the responsibility of the owner, charterer, managing operator, master, or person in charge or command of the vessel to ensure that appropriate personnel are carried to meet the requirements of the applicable navigation and shipping laws and regulations. (c) Inspected vessels are issued a certificate of inspection which indicates the minimum complement of licensed individuals and crew (including lifeboatmen) considered necessary for safe operation. The certificate of inspection complements the statutory requirements but does not supersede them. (d) The regulations in subpart J of this part apply to seagoing vessels subject to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and watchkeeping for Seafarers as amended (STCW). (e) Neither any person serving on any of the following vessels, nor any owner or operator of any of these vessels, need meet the requirements of subpart J, because the vessels are exempt from application of STCW: (1) Uninspected passenger vessels as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101(42). (2) Fishing vessels as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101(11)(a). (3) Fishing vessels used as fish-tender vessels as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101(11)(c). (4) Barges as defined in 46 U.S.C. 2101(2), including non-self-propelled mobile offshore-drilling units. (5) Vessels operating exclusively on the Great Lakes. (f) Personnel serving on the following vessels, and the owners and operators of these vessels, are in compliance with subpart J and are not subject to further obligation for the purposes of STCW, on account of the vessels' special operating conditions as small vessels engaged in domestic voyages: (1) Small passenger vessels subject to subchapter T or K of title 46, CFR. (2) Vessels of less than 200 GRT (other than passenger vessels subject to subchapter H of title 46 CFR). (g) Licensed personnel serving on vessels identified in paragraphs (e)(5), (f)(1), and (f)(2) of this section will be issued, without additional proof of qualification, an appropriate STCW certificate or endorsement when the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection determines that such an endorsement is necessary to enable the vessel to engage in an international voyage. The STCW certificate or endorsement will be expressly limited to service on the vessel or the class of vessels and will not establish qualification for any other purpose. [CGD 81–059, 52 FR 38652, Oct. 16, 1987, as amended by CGD 95–062, 62 FR 34538, June 26, 1997; USCG-2004–18884, 69 FR 58343, Sept. 30, 2004] (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of change in the (b) The material approved for incorporation by reference in this part and the sections affected are as follows: International Maritime Organization (IMO) 4 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7SR, England STCW—The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, (STCW Convention), and Seafarer's Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code)—15.103; 15.1101; 15.1103; 15.1105; 15.1109. [CGD 95–062, 62 FR 34539, June 26, 1997, as amended by USCG-1999–6216, 64 FR 53223, Oct. 1, 1999; USCG-2004–18884, 69 FR 58343, Sept. 30, 2004]
Title 46: Shipping
PART 15—MANNING REQUIREMENTS
Subpart A—Purpose and Applicability
§ 15.101 Purpose of regulations.
§ 15.102 Paperwork approval.
§ 15.103 General.
§ 15.105 Incorporation by reference.
