During an inspection, what must be verified about crew licenses?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of ensuring that crew licenses are issued by a recognized authority. This verification is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance within maritime operations. A recognized authority typically refers to a body that is accepted under international, national, or local maritime regulations, ensuring that crew members possess the necessary qualifications and training to operate their vessels safely and effectively.

When crew licenses are issued by a legitimate and recognized entity, it assures regulatory compliance and upholds industry standards. This is essential in maintaining safety standards on board, as unregulated or improperly licensed crew members can pose significant risks during operations, inspections, or emergencies.

Ensuring that the licenses are not expired or simply verifying that signatures are present doesn't contribute to confirming the validity or authority behind the licenses, while determining if they are not required does not align with the focus of fulfilling legal and safety obligations in maritime operations. Therefore, verifying that crew licenses are issued by a recognized authority is a critical step in the inspection process that reflects adherence to maritime regulations and standards.