Passenger Vessel Safety Program

Small Passenger Vessel

U. S. small passenger vessels under 100 gross tons operating on navigable waterways of the United States are inspected for safety by the U. S. Coast Guard who also manages the licensing program for vessel personnel. Safety inspection information is provided below. More detailed information is provided on the Coast Guard's Homeport site under Domestic Vessels. Often, Officers in Charge of Marine Inspection (OCMI) at a port will have requirements that are unique to that area. Additional information and port contacts are available under the Homeport Port Directory.

For vessels carrying 6 or fewer passengers, refer to Uninspected Passenger Vessels.

Is my vessel operation considered passengers for hire? Refer to USCG guidance NVIC 7-94.

Requirement Guides

• CG-840 Book Subchapter T

• CG-840 Book Subchapter K

• Guidance for Repowering

• How to obtain an International Route Between USVI and BVI

International Voyages
The International Small Passenger Vessel Guide is designed to assist in preparing a vessel operator in obtaining an International Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) to operate between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, i.e. carrying more than 12 passengers. It can also be used by a vessel operating no more than 20 miles from land in another’s country’s waters. This document is not all-inclusive, nor is it intended to replace the regulations. You must always refer back to the U.S. and International Regulations to determine the exact requirements applicable to your vessel or operation. International Small Passenger Vessel Guide

International Safety Management (ISM)

ISM applies to vessels inspected under 46 CFR Subchapter H, K and T that carry more than 12 passengers on an international voyage.  See 33 CFR Part 96 Rules for the safe operation of vessels and safety management systems.

Passenger Vessels on a domestic voyage are encouraged to participate in the program.  See the below extract for details on how the Voluntary ISM program applies to a domestic voyage.

The Coast Guard has established an equivalent to ISM Code compliance for small
passenger vessels certificated under subchapter “T” of Title 46 CFR that must comply with the requirements of the ISM Code.

• Extract from 46 CFR 175.540 and MSM Volume II Chapter 3

• Instruction on how to tailor the ISM Manual Template

• Guide on how to use the ISM Manual

• ISM Manual Template

• Cover for ISM Manual

Stability

Final Rule - Passenger Weight & Inspected Vessel Stability Requirements [PDF]

Evaluation of Stability and Subdivision for Small passenger vessels inspected under 46 CFR Subchapter T.

• Do it yourself stability test

• Which type is your T-Boat

• NVIC 17-91 Guidelines for Conducting Stability Tests

Domestic vessel passenger weight.

• Federal Register December 14, 2010 Final Rule - Passenger Weight & Inspected Vsl. Stability Requirements [PDF]

• Federal Register April 26, 2006 [PDF]

• Federal Register November 2, 2006 [PDF]

• Notice of Proposed Rule Making 2008 [PDF]

• Voluntary Compliance and Reasonable operating conditions for certain small passenger vessels [PDF]

NTSB Safety Alert Safety Safety compromised by outdated passenger weight standards and vessel modifications

Stream Line Inspection Program

The Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP) is a voluntary alternate method of inspecting a vessel to ensure regulatory compliance. The SIP may not be suited for every company. This program is intended for companies, regardless of size, which have an absolute commitment to safety and which employ capable and dedicated vessel operating personnel.  For more details click on the below link to Homeport (Missions > Domestic Vessels > Vessel Inspection Programs > SIP).

• Streamlined Inspection Program