Boating Basics: Before Going Out

• Vessel Length Classes
• Vessel Capacity

Before going out on the water, take steps to make the outing safe and enjoyable. A good place to start safe boating is becoming familiar with the vessel, its safety features, its operating limits, and the required safety equipment. As the operator, you are responsible not only for operating the vessel safely but also for having the required safety equipment on board and in good, working condition.

Vessel Length Classes

• A vessel’s length class determines the equipment necessary to comply with federal and state laws.
• Vessels are categorized in these length classes:
  • Less than 16 feet (Class A)
  • 16 feet to less than 26 feet (Class 1)
  • 26 feet to less than 40 feet (Class 2)
  • 40 feet to less than 65 feet (Class 3)
• Length is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern. This does not include outboard motors, brackets, rudders, bow attachments, or swim platforms and ladders that are not a molded part of the hull.

Vessel Capacity

Always check the capacity plate to make sure you don't swamp or capsize your vessel by overloading it. This plate is usually found near the operator's position or on the vessel's transom. It indicates the maximum weight capacity, maximum number of people the vessel can carry safely, and maximum horsepower.

• The vessel operator is responsible for loading and powering the vessel safely and may not exceed any of the capacity limits. This requirement also applies to vessel owners who are allowing others to operate the vessel.
• The limits on a vessel's capacity plate are strictly enforced.

Personal watercraft (PWCs) and some other vessels are not required to have a capacity plate. Always follow the recommended capacity in the owner’s manual and on the manufacturer’s warning decal.

On vessels with no capacity plate, you can use the following rule of thumb to calculate the number of persons (weighing 150 lbs. each, on average) that the vessel can carry safely in good weather conditions.

Number of people = vessel length (ft.) x vessel width (ft.) ÷ 15

When determining the number of people on board a vessel, persons on water skis, inner tubes, or similar devices are counted as passengers even when they are being towed and must be included in the maximum number of people allowed.