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...

With the passage of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004, towing vessels now may be classified as inspected vessels. They are subject to U.S. Coast Guard inspection and regulation and are required to obtain a certificate of inspection (COI). 46 CFR Subchapter M has been in the works since passage of the Act and is yet to be implemented fully.In the meantime, the Coast Guard has implemented the Towing Vessel Bridging Program to ease towing vessels into the new inspection...

There are several types of barges, each with its own set of regulations. The type of barge determines which agency has jurisdiction over safety regulations, be it the U.S. Coast Guard or the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).Regulations & JurisdictionAs a whole, barges are flat-bottomed vessels designed for transportation of cargo. There are numerous categories of barges, from inland barges and cargo barges, to specialty barracks barges and liquid cargo barges. Depending upon...

Container ships, specialized cargo ships, are an integral part of the international trade and shipping industry. These vessels typically traverse open seas and are subject to a number of federal and international regulations. Below is an overview of pertinent information on the classification and regulation of container ships.The Classification of Container ShipsRequirements – including size limitations – vary based on the classification of a container ship. Classification of vessel size is...