Small Passenger Vessel Safety

USCG Auxiliary Prevention Directorate

Greg KesterDirector - Prevention

George PeekDivision Chief – Vessel Activities

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VESSELS – A GREAT VARIETY

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Possible Vessel ActivitiesCharter fishing

Inshore, offshore, river/lake

Eco ToursAirboat ridesDiving chartersIsland hoppingParasailing Great opportunities for fun, education,

and experiences in all parts of the country.

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BACKGROUNDSmall Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 1993

Divided small passenger vessels into two categories: Inspected and Uninspected

UNINSPECTED DOES NOT MEAN UNREGULATED

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BACKGROUNDINSPECTED: requires annual inspection

and certification by the Coast Guard to operate as a passenger vessel. Compliance certificate and decal are issued.

UNINSPECTED: voluntary examination program to assure that owner/operators are in compliance with federal regulations. A decal is issued.

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KEY ELEMENTSAn Uninspected Passenger Vessel (UPV) may

carry six or fewer passengers (at least one of whom must be a “passenger for hire.”)

Passenger for hire means “a passenger for whom consideration is contributed as a condition of carriage on the vessel, whether directly or indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, operator, agent, or any other person having an interest in the vessel.

A vessel carrying more than six passengers, with at least one “passenger for hire,” generally is an Inspected Vessel. (Exception: vessels between 100 and 300 gross tons may carry up to twelve passengers as a UPV.)

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General Federal RequirementsUninspected Passenger Vessels (UPV) must

comply with all federal boating safety regulations for the size and type of vessel.Fire ExtinguishersNavigation Lights/Sound SignalsDistress SignalsLifesaving EquipmentMarine Sanitation DevicesAs well as other regulatory requirements

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UPV Decal and Mariner’s Credential

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UPV Specific Requirements MARINER CREDENTIAL: All UPVs must be under

the direction and control of a USCG licensed individual. This credential must be carried aboard the vessel and be available for examination at all times.

REGISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION: All commercial vessels over five net tons (regardless of length) must be documented. Annual renewal is required.

Non-documented vessels must be state registered.Original documentation or state registration must be

aboard when underway.

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UPV Specific RequirementsDRUG TESTING: Required for all USCG

credentialed mariners and UPV crew members who perform safety sensitive duties.Pre-employmentPeriodicRandomReasonable causeSerious Marine Incident

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UPV Specific RequirementsALCOHOL: A person is prohibited from

operating a UPV while intoxicated. The level of intoxication for a commercial vessel is 0.04.UPVs that cannot return to shore and complete

an alcohol test for captain and crew within two hours must carry a sufficient number of alcohol test kits aboard the vessel. Any serious accident involving the vessel, crew, or passengers will require alcohol testing of the vessel personnel.

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UPV Specific RequirementsLIFESAVING EQUIPMENT: All UPVs must

carry at least one Coast Guard approved TYPE-I (offshore) life jacket of a suitable size for each person aboard the vessel. Life jackets used for Ocean, Coastwise, or Great Lakes voyages must also have a working Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket) light attached.

RING LIFE BUOY: minimum 20 inch, orange or white (domestic), orange (international)

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Life Jackets and LightsTYPE I (OFFSHORE)

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UPV Specific RequirementsSAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND

ORIENTATION: Prior to getting underway passengers must be informed of:

Stowage of life jacketsMethods of donning life jacketsTypes and locations of all lifesaving devices

aboard the vesselLocation of the safety instructions and posted

emergency instructions

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UPV Specific RequirementsSAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND

ORIENTATION (continued)Passenger Counts (Inland) or Manifest (beyond

boundary line)Emergency Instructions for

Rough weather Man overboard Fire Vessel or voyage specific emergency situations (e.g.,

diving, animal encounters, environment, etc.)

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Passenger ResponsibilityPlan ahead

Inquire whether the UPV operator has a merchant mariner credential and the vessel is equipped appropriately.

Seek out operators who demonstrate and advertise compliance and who have a current UPV decal.

On the tripPay attention to the safety briefing (or ask for it, if

necessary)Locate posted emergency instructionsLocate all lifesaving equipmentBe prepared to respond in case of an emergency

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Uninspected Passenger VesselsHave FUN on the water and

BE SAFE

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QUESTIONS?

Small Passenger Vessel Safety

USCG Auxiliary Prevention Directorate

Greg KesterDirector - Prevention

George PeekDivision Chief – Vessel Activitiesauxpeek@gmail.com