USCG Safety Regulations for Small Passenger Ships

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, small passenger ships weighing less than 100 gross tons that operate on the navigable waters of the U.S. will be inspected for safety.

Operating Safe Small Passenger Vessels

The USCG aims to create and enforce standards for small vessels to ensure safe operations. In its Passenger Vessel Safety Program description, the Coast Guard discusses the key components of safety regulations of which owners and operators should be aware:

• Training – All vessel personnel are expected to adhere to the USCG’s licensing program, facilitated through the National Maritime Center. All training sessions for each worker should be logged and kept aboard the vessel.
• International Vessels – Those who will be traveling more than 20 miles from U.S. waters or who travel between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands need to abide by the rules laid out in the International Small Passenger Vessel Guide.
• ISM – Vessels that carry more than 12 passengers on an international voyage need to adhere to all the regulations detailed in 33 CFR Part 96. This section lays out the rules for maintaining international safety management systems (ISM). The ISM includes:
1. “safety and pollution prevention policy;
2. functional safety and operational requirements;
3. record-keeping responsibilities; and
4. reporting responsibilities.”
• Stability Guidelines – To ensure your small passenger vessel meets the standards for weight and stability, you’ll need to adhere to the Passenger Weight and Inspected Vessel Stability Requirements. This includes standards for maximum weight and number of passengers.
• Voluntary Inspection – To ensure you’re in compliance, your company may opt to participate in the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP).

Note the above regulations apply to passenger vessels and ferry boats carrying more than six passengers. Ships with a smaller capacity, such as charter boats and tour boats, have a different set of regulations, detailed in the USCG Uninspected Passenger Safety Examination Booklet. Requirements for these vessels include licensing, navigation lights and sound signals, lifesaving equipment, and more.

Common Small Passenger Ship Deficiencies

Small passenger vessels may be deficient upon inspection. Fortunately, many of these deficiencies are easily remedied, and, according to the USCG, include things such as:

• dead-end wires;
• hull deterioration;
• malfunctioning bilge alarms;
• inoperable or missing hand bilge pumps;
• failure to have an FCC Station License for the marine radio;
• inoperable or subpar navigation lights (they must meet UL 1104 standards if the vessel is more than 65 feet in length);
• no light guards on the deck or engine room lights;
• expired hydrostatic release on the radio beacons;
• outdated or missing navigation charts; and
• expired medication in the first aid kit.

If your vessel is deficient, you can be written up and cited a CG-835 that details how to comply and by when the modifications must be made.

These deficiencies easily can be preempted, though. Understanding the regulations, strictly adhering to them and performing routine inspections will reduce safety and liability issues greatly.

Keeping Accurate Documentation

It’s important to adhere to all the USCG’s regulations and the rules regarding ship log requirements to avoid penalties. To determine your vessel’s logging requirements, you may start by downloading the free guidebook, Logbook Quick Reference Guide.

To order top-quality vessel logbooks or for help determining which logbooks apply to your vessel, contact My Vessel Logstoday at 888-468-3757. You also can place your order online.