§ 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.