The U.S. Coast Guard’s Regulations for Ferryboats

The global ferry industry is quite large. Worldwide, ferries transport 2.1 billion passengers every year, not to mention 250 million vehicles and 32 million trailers, according to InterFerry.

Yet despite its vastness, the industry has very safe operations, with less than two associated casualties per year, reports the Passenger Vessel Association. Part of the reason why the industry is so safe is because it’s highly regulated by governmental agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

Defining Ferryboats

A ferry is a vessel that has the primary purpose of transportation. Ferries generally operate on a regular schedule on routes lasting less than 48 hours. They usually have a goal of transporting cargo or passengers from Point A to Point B, which is distinguished from other types of vessels such as cruise ships.

The industry is varied, comprising numerous types of ferryboats, such as:

• small ferryboats carrying passengers across a harbor;
• large vessels carrying cars and trucks across a lake; and
• massive ferries carrying heavy cargo.

The USCG Keeps a Watchful Eye on Small Passenger Vessels

The USCG is thorough in its safety enforcement, not only for large ships and barges, but also for small passenger vessels, including ferryboats. To the USCG’s credit, the efforts have likely largely contributed to the U.S.-flagged fleet’s “excellent safety record.”

Commercial passenger vessels are inspected by the USCG at least once a year. Some of the things the inspectors will look at include:

• the vessel's stability;
• the condition of the hulls;
• propulsion and other machinery;
• electrical systems;
• lifesaving equipment;
• repair and general operations;
• environmental impact;
• emergency plans;
• fire prevention protocols and firefighting equipment;
• navigation instruments;
• first-aid equipment; and
• communications systems.

Other Ferry Regulations

In addition to the areas above, the USCG also keeps tabs on other important areas in the ferry/small passenger vessel industry:

• Training – each vessel’s captain must be licensed by the USCG, which requires rigorous training, exams and experience, and most vessels need to employ a deckhand, too. The crew has to submit to random drug testing and a physical medical examination every five years.
• Construction – each vessel must meet the USCG’s construction regulations, which emphasizes stability and safety. Plus, all vessel modifications must be approved in advance.
• Safety Drills – ferryboats should have emergency safety drills at least quarterly. Drills should include those for man overboard, abandon ship, fire and security, among others. It’s important to log all the drills accurately and be able to produce the logs to inspectors upon request.
• Security – each vessel must adhere to all USCG-approved security plans, which are far-reaching and thorough.

Keeping Your Records in Order

Ferry operators will want to make sure their vessels are well-organized, meet all the USCG regulations and implement accurate logbooks to keep a paper trail of compliance.

For more information on what types of logbooks your ferry boat or other small passenger vessel may need, download our free guidebook, Logbook Quick Reference Guide. You also may peruse our selection of Platinum logbooks or place your order online. Call My Vessel Logs at 888-468-3757 with any questions