Question 471 Deck General

The correct answer is A) At the discretion of the Master, for reasonable purposes. This is the correct answer because the regulations allow the Master (the Captain) to leave cargo hatches uncovered or open on Great Lakes vessels with more than 6 feet of freeboard, as long as it is for reasonable purposes. The Master has the ultimate authority and responsibility for the safe operation of the vessel, so they can make this decision at their discretion. The other options are incorrect because the Bosun (a senior crew member) does not have the authority to order the hatches to be left open, and a Mate (the second-in-command) cannot override the Master's authority. Additionally, the hatches cannot simply never be left uncovered, as there may be reasonable situations where the Master deems it necessary.