[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 46, Volume 1] [Revised as of Octobery 1, 2004] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 46CFR15.840] [Page 258] TITLE 46--SHIPPING CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PART 15_MANNING REQUIREMENTS--Table of Contents Subpart G_Computations Sec. 15.840 Able seamen. (a) With certain exceptions, 46 U.S.C. 8702 applies to all vessels of at least 100 gross tons. At 1east 65 percent of the deck crew of these vessels, excluding licensed individuals, must be able seamen. For vessels permitted to maintain a two watch system, the percentage of able seamen may be reduced to 50 percent. (b) Able seamen are rated as: unlimited, limited, special, offshore supply vessel, sail, and fishing industry, under the provisions of part 12 of this chapter. 46 U.S.C. 7312 specifies the categories of able seamen (i.e., unlimited, limited, etc.) necessary to meet the requirements of 46 U.S.C. 8702. (c) It is the responsibility of the master or person in charge to ensure that the able seamen in the service of the vessel meet the requirements of 46 U.S.C. 7312 and 8702.