Question 3081 Deck General

The correct answer is C) He may refuse to take the seaman if the seaman has a contagious disease. The Master of a vessel has the authority to refuse to transport a destitute seaman back to the U.S. if the seaman has a contagious disease. This is because the Master has a duty to protect the health and safety of the crew and passengers on board the vessel. Transporting a person with a contagious disease could potentially put the entire crew and any other passengers at risk of contracting the illness. The other options are incorrect because the Master is not required to take the seaman under any circumstance (option B), and medical unfitness alone does not obligate the Master to accept the seaman (option D). Option A is also incorrect, as the Master's decision to refuse transport is based on the seaman's health condition, not the ship's schedule.