46 CFR 15.101: Purpose of vessel manning regulations
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section states the purpose of this part. This part sets uniform minimum requirements for the manning of vessels. In general, those requirements implement statutory and international manning rules and help establish the complement needed for safe operation.
What it says
The purpose of this part is to set forth uniform minimum requirements for the manning of vessels.
“The purpose of this part is to set forth uniform minimum requirements for the manning of vessels.”
In general, the requirements implement, interpret, or apply the specific statutory manning requirements in title 46, U.S.C.
“they implement, interpret, or apply the specific statutory manning requirements in title 46, U.S.C.”
In general, the requirements also implement various international conventions which affect merchant marine personnel.
“implement various international conventions which affect merchant marine personnel”
In general, the requirements provide the means for establishing the complement necessary for safe operation of vessels.
“provide the means for establishing the complement necessary for safe operation of vessels”
Common questions
What is the purpose of 46 CFR part 15?
This part sets forth uniform minimum requirements for the manning of vessels.
“The purpose of this part is to set forth uniform minimum requirements for the manning of vessels.”
Do the manning regulations implement international conventions?
Yes. In general, they implement various international conventions which affect merchant marine personnel.
“implement various international conventions which affect merchant marine personnel”
How do the manning regulations relate to safe vessel operation?
In general, they provide the means for establishing the complement necessary for safe operation of vessels.
“provide the means for establishing the complement necessary for safe operation of vessels”
The text of 46 CFR 15.101
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Purpose of regulations
The purpose of 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., implement various international conventions which affect merchant marine personnel, and provide the means for establishing the complement necessary for safe operation of vessels.
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.