What must the acom ladder be rigged in combination with, according to the CFR?

The correct answer is that the acom ladder must be rigged in combination with a pilot ladder, as specified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The pilot ladder is designed to facilitate safe access for pilots boarding and leaving a vessel, and its combination with the acom ladder enhances safety and stability.

The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that pilots can embark and disembark ships safely, especially in challenging sea conditions. The pilot ladder's specific design features, such as its rigid construction and wide steps, allow for a more secure means of access compared to other options. When an acom ladder is rigged alongside a pilot ladder, it provides an additional means of access but is generally not intended as a standalone solution.

Safety harnesses, life rafts, and emergency beacons are important safety equipment but serve different purposes and do not directly relate to the specific requirement for accessing pilot ladders as established by the CFR. The focus here is on maintaining safe and efficient procedures for loading pilots, which is why the regulation specifically endorses the use of a pilot ladder in combination with the acom ladder.