Small Passenger Vessel Inspection and Certification

This Interim Final Rule (IFR) completely revises the regulations affecting small passenger vessels. It reflects numerous comments received on both a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), and the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM). The Coast Guard believes that an IFR is necessary to address both the need to publish an enforceable rule, and allow the public an opportunity to comment on sections that have been substantially revised from the SNPRM. The changes in this IFR include: The creation of a separate subchapter K for small passenger vessels carrying more than 150 passengers or with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers; additional alternatives to certain required lifesaving equipment; greater recognition of existing industry standards; and the establishment of new upper limit breakpoints above which a vessel must comply with the construction and outfitting requirements applicable to a passenger vessel of more than 100 gross tons. These revisions update the existing regulations in Parts 175 through 187 to accommodate the advanced technology, larger size, and increased passenger carrying capacity of the small passenger vessels built today.