Who must approve the instructions for rescue boats and liferafts on an OSV?

Who must approve the instructions for rescue boats and liferafts on an OSV?

• A. The Master
• B. The Coast Guard
• C. The Flag State
• D. The Port Authority

Answer: (B)

Approval of the operating instructions for rescue boats and liferafts is handled by the vessel’s administering authority, i.e., the flag state, to ensure they comply with SOLAS and match the approved equipment. On OSVs under many jurisdictions, that administering authority is the Coast Guard, which reviews and issues approval for the launch, operation, maintenance, and safety precautions described in the instructions. The Master uses these approved instructions, but does not grant the approval itself. The Port Authority doesn’t have this approving role, and while the Flag State is the broader entity, the Coast Guard is the specific administering authority in this context.

Approval of the operating instructions for rescue boats and liferafts is handled by the vessel’s administering authority, i.e., the flag state, to ensure they comply with SOLAS and match the approved equipment. On OSVs under many jurisdictions, that administering authority is the Coast Guard, which reviews and issues approval for the launch, operation, maintenance, and safety precautions described in the instructions. The Master uses these approved instructions, but does not grant the approval itself. The Port Authority doesn’t have this approving role, and while the Flag State is the broader entity, the Coast Guard is the specific administering authority in this context.