At Confident Captain, we often hear the same question from new charter operators and pleasure boaters looking to offset fuel costs or start a side business on the water:
“My boat has 12 seats, 3 bunks, and plenty of deck space — why can’t I take more than 6 passengers for hire without jumping through inspection hoops?”
It’s a great question — and the answer lies in U.S. Coast Guard regulations that classify commercial passenger vessels into different categories based on passenger count and vessel inspection status. Let’s break it down.
The 6-Pack Rule: Uninspected Passenger Vessels (UPVs)
If your vessel carries no more than six passengers for hire, (not including a Captain and legitimate crew) your boat qualifies as an Uninspected Passenger Vessel, often called a “6-pack.”
Reference: 46 CFR § 175.400 – Passenger-for-hire means a passenger for whom consideration is contributed as a condition of carriage on the vessel, whether directly or indirectly.
Under this rule, your vessel is subject to fewer regulations and is not required to undergo formal inspection by the Coast Guard. However, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. UPVs must still comply with numerous requirements related to safety equipment, navigation rules, and licensing — including:
- The operator must hold at least an OUPV license (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels)
- You must carry required safety gear, including life jackets, throwable devices, fire extinguishers, etc.
- You must abide by drug and alcohol testing regulations if you carry passengers for hire
But My Boat Can Handle More!
It’s true — your pleasure craft may have ample capacity for more than 6 passengers. Manufacturers often rate recreational boats for 10, 12, or even more people based on space and buoyancy standards (set by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and ABYC guidelines). But once you cross that magic line of more than six paying passengers, the rules change dramatically.
Carrying More Than 6 Passengers: You Need a COI
If you want to carry more than six passengers for hire, even once, you must operate as a Small Passenger Vessel (SPV) under 46 CFR Subchapter T. That means:
✅ Your vessel must be inspected and issued a Certificate of Inspection (COI) by the USCG
✅ You’ll undergo a detailed review of your vessel’s structure, systems, stability, fire protection, lifesaving gear, and more
✅ You must maintain detailed logs and safety drills, and your crew must meet specific qualifications
Reference: 46 CFR Subchapter T – Regulations for vessels carrying more than six passengers, with at least one for hire.
A COI lists exactly how many passengers you’re permitted to carry, what routes you’re allowed to operate on, and what safety equipment must be onboard.
Why the Strict Divide at 6?
The “six-pack” threshold is historical and regulatory — it’s not based on your boat’s seating chart. The Coast Guard draws a clear line because carrying paying passengers introduces legal and safety obligations. The more people you carry, the greater the potential risk, so more oversight is required.In other words, once you’re running a commercial operation, the focus shifts from your vessel’s size to the nature of your operation.
The Bottom Line
Even if your boat has room for 10, if you’re taking money from passengers, you’re legally limited to 6 without a COI. Violating this rule can result in steep fines, revocation of licenses, and even criminal penalties — not to mention serious liability in the event of an accident.
At Confident Captain, we’re here to help you stay on the right side of the law. Our OUPV and Master’s License courses walk you through everything you need to know to get started safely and legally.
Want to go from 6 to 12 passengers?
We also help operators upgrade to Subchapter T operations, prepare for USCG inspections, and work with naval architects to bring their vessel up to code.
Let us know your goals — we’ll help you chart the right course.
Resources:
- 46 CFR Subchapter C – Uninspected Vessels
- 46 CFR Subchapter T – Small Passenger Vessels
- USCG Passenger for Hire Definitions
- USCG OUPV License Information
Let’s get you licensed and confident. Sign up for our courses today!