46 C.F.R. § 15.845
Lifeboat Operators
(a) The number of Lifeboat Operators required for a vessel is specified in part 199 of this chapter; however, on vessels not equipped with lifeboats, a Lifeboat Operator may be replaced by a Lifeboat Operator-Limited.
(b) On vessels subject to STCW, the individual meeting the requirement of this section must also hold an STCW endorsement for Proficiency in Survival Craft, except as noted in § 15.105 (g) for vessels on domestic near-coastal voyages.