What is the minimum length of the painter for a lifeboat in ocean service?

The correct choice indicates that the minimum length of the painter for a lifeboat in ocean service is defined as two times the distance from the boat deck to the light water line or 50 feet, whichever is greater. This guideline ensures that the lifeboat can be securely tied off and has sufficient length to accommodate different conditions at sea.

Having a painter of this length provides the necessary reach to allow for effective maneuverability when launching or securing the lifeboat. It also ensures safety by preventing the lifeboat from drifting away uncontrollably if it is released or becomes detached from the parent vessel. A painter that is too short may result in inadequate control and could impede the lifeboat's deployment, posing risks to the crew and passengers.

Length specifications based on distance to the light water line account for variations in vessel design and waterline height, while the minimum of 50 feet ensures that smaller vessels also meet a standard that facilitates operation in ocean conditions. This offers a practical solution to lifeboat deployment challenges in a marine environment.