Loading Passengers

When loading people on a boat, balance their weight along the centerline to keep the boat stable. Too much weight or uneven weight can make the boat unstable, which is dangerous. Be sure there are enough seats for everyone, and don’t go over the boat’s maximum capacity.

Proper Seating

Passengers should only sit in proper seating areas. Avoid sitting on the back of seats, the side edges (gunwale), front (bow), or back end (transom) of the boat. Sitting in these spots can be unsafe and increase the chance of falling overboard.

The risk of passengers falling overboard is a major safety issue that can lead to injury or even death. Make sure everyone knows to remain sitting while the boat is underway.

Taking a Headcount

Take a headcount before departure to ensure everyone is on board and again immediately if there is a situation where someone may have gone overboard, such as after a boat crash or if it is noticed that someone is missing. This is part of ensuring all passengers’ safety and is a critical step in emergency preparedness.