U.S. Code > Title 46 Shipping > Subtitle II—Vessels and Seamen (§§ 2101—14702) > Part B—Inspection and Regulation of Vessels (§§ 3101—4705) > CHAPTER 35—CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS (§§ 3501—3506) > § 3501. Number of passengers

§ 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.