When a yacht carries paying passengers in US waters, it can stop being a recreational boat and become an inspected vessel. Subchapter T, parts 175 to 185 of 46 CFR, sets the rules for small passenger vessels, and the Coast Guard inspects against them. For a surveyor, it changes what the boat must carry and what paperwork has to be current.
What it covers
Section 175.110: vessels under 100 gross tons that carry 150 passengers or less, or have overnight accommodation for 49 or less, and that carry more than six passengers including at least one for hire; or are chartered with a crew and carrying more than six passengers; or are chartered with no crew and carrying more than 12. Larger passenger vessels go to Subchapter K.
The Certificate of Inspection, section 176.103, describes the vessel, its routes, minimum manning, survival craft, minimum fire extinguishing equipment and lifejackets, and the maximum passengers and total persons. Under 176.500, most vessels have an inspection for certification and an annual inspection within three months either side of each anniversary date. Section 176.502 says the certificate stays valid only if the annual inspection is done and endorsed.
What surveyors check against it
The certificate. Read the COI aboard: route, passenger numbers and the equipment it lists. Check the annual endorsement is current.
Drydock and internal structure. Section 176.600: a vessel in salt water more than three months in any 12 needs a drydock and internal structural examination at least every two years; three months or less, every five. Section 176.610 says sea chests, sea valves and sea strainers must be opened at a drydock exam, and fastenings may be pulled on wooden vessels. Ask for the date of the last one.
Bilge pumps. Table 182.520(a) sets pumps by passengers and length. For example, a vessel of 26 to 65 feet carrying not more than 49 passengers needs one fixed power pump and one portable hand pump of 38 litres (10 gallons) a minute, or a fixed hand pump and a portable one. Under 182.500, vessels up to 65 feet with 12 passengers or less may follow ABYC H-22 instead.
Fire extinguishers. Table 1 to 181.500 sets the minimum by space: a 10-B:C at the operating station, a 40-B:C in the machinery space near the exit and another in the galley, and a 2-A for each 2,500 square feet of accommodation.
Citing it in a finding
Cite the section and the COI: "Bilge pumping arrangement does not meet 46 CFR 182.520 table (a) for the vessel's length and passenger numbers on the Certificate of Inspection; fit a portable hand pump of at least 38 litres (10 gallons) per minute." For a recreational boat that's about to go into charter, note that Subchapter T may apply and list what the COI will need.