United States Code
USC most recently checked for updates: Jun 09, 2025
§ 3501.
Number of passengers
(a)
Each certificate of inspection issued to a vessel carrying passengers (except a ferry) shall include a statement on the number of passengers that the vessel is permitted to carry.
(b)
The owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or individual in charge of a vessel is liable to a person suing them for carrying more passengers than the number of passengers permitted by the certificate of inspection in an amount equal to—
(1)
passage money; and
(2)
$100 for each passenger in excess of the number of passengers permitted.
(c)
An owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or individual in charge of a vessel that knowingly carries more passengers than the number of passengers permitted by the certificate of inspection also shall be fined not more than $100, imprisoned for not more than 30 days, or both.
(d)
The vessel also is liable in rem for a penalty under this section.
(e)
An offshore supply vessel may not carry passengers except in an emergency.
cite as: 46 USC 3501
