Passenger Capacity Rules for Yachts

Passenger Capacity Rules for Charter Yachts

1. Operate as an Uninspected Passenger Vessel, less than 100 GRT, can carry up to 6 passengers, greater than 100 GRT may carry up to 12 passengers.
2. Only boats that can provide a COI (USCG Certificate of Inspection) and a copy of the vessel’s insurance will be able to carry more than 12 passengers.
3. The charter yacht will be configured for sleeping guests. Usually no more than 12 Guests with some exceptions overseas.
4. Charters in the US, Bahamas, Caribbean & BVI are geared to motor yachts and catamarans that are designed and advertised with specific sleeping capacities, with some exceptions. (Usually no more than 12.)

Common Yachts:

Monohulls: 4, 6 & 8 passenger capacities are available in the Caribbean and The Bahamas.

Catamarans: dominate the sailing industry in the Caribbean. 4,6,8,10 passenger capacities are widely available in the Caribbean and The Bahamas. 12 passengers configurations are more difficult to find as there are fewer in the charter industry inventory.

Motor Yachts: 6,8,10 & 12 passenger capacities on motor yachts are widely available in the Caribbean and The Bahamas.

Some boats, for example, have a COI, or Certificate of Inspection, from the Coast Guard, which allows them to carry more than 12 passengers. However, obtaining a COI is a lengthy and expensive process, often taking years and costing thousands of dollars. Consequently, it is difficult for common recreational charter vessels to obtain a COI. Meanwhile, charter vessels overseas are governed by international maritime law, which may allow charters of more than 12 guests sleeping if the yacht is specifically built to accommodate them. You might wonder,

why can’t I find a charter yacht that accepts more than 12 passengers?

The answer lies in international maritime law. Passenger Capacity Rules for Yachts, generally states that any yacht, whether for charter or private use, carrying more than 12 passengers is considered a “passenger transportation ship.” Therefore, it must comply with the SOLAS convention (Safety of Life at Sea) enforced by the IMO (International Maritime Organization). Of course, this regulation is primarily focused on passenger safety. Additionally, the SOLAS-required safety restrictions are very expensive to implement, which, naturally, would significantly increase a charter yacht’s rate. This explains the difference between charter yachts licensed for up to 12 passengers and passenger transportation ships licensed for more than the usual maximum of 12 passengers. Nevertheless, there are large charter yachts that comply with the SOLAS convention, and Out of the Blue Yacht Charters can recommend an excellent selection of yachts perfect for your large group in any of the locations listed below.

It is common to find vessels in the Mediterranean that carry more than 12 Guests.

Common Locations for High-Capacity (12 to 49) Passengers Charters are:

Croatia (Several yachts available)

Greece (Several yachts available)

Turkey (Several yachts available)

Indian Ocean/ Maldives (Several yachts available)

Galapagos (Few yachts available)

South East Asia Thailand or Palau

Inquire 

OUT OF THE BLUE YACHT CHARTERS

Passenger Capacity Rules for Yachts, Charter Regulations, Maritime Safety, Yacht Capacity Limits, Boat Passenger Rules, Charter Compliance, Yacht Charter Safety, US Coast Guard Rules,