Maximum number of passengers allowed
8.—(1)  In the case of open motor boats, launches and similar vessels which have cockpits with shelters fitted over them, plying on approved voyages the maximum number of passengers to be allowed is to be regulated by the area of the clear space available for their accommodation. The forward extremity of this space is to be determined by a surveyor of ships with due regard to the proper stowage of the anchor and cable, and to any other necessary equipment in the bow of the vessel, and the length is to be measured from this point to the foreside of the bulkhead separating the motor space from the passenger space. If the motor is placed amidships an additional space may be available for passengers between the after bulk-head of the motor space and a position near the stern of the vessel to be determined by a surveyor of ships as suitable, having due regard to the steering arrangements.
(2)  The breadths are to be measured at suitable intervals to the back of the side benches or to the inside of the gunwale or to the inside of the half deck (where fitted) whichever measurement is least.
(3)  The space abreast of the motor should not be included in the passenger measurements unless the motor is enclosed by a close fitting casing or longitudinal bulkheads to the satisfaction of a surveyor of ships and unless the distance between the sides of the casing and the back of the seats is at least 3 feet.
(4)  The number of passengers allowed is found by dividing by 4 the area in square feet of the clear space or spaces measured as above. This number, however, must not exceed the number for which seating accommodation is provided (found by dividing the length in feet of each continuous fixed seat by 1.5) or a number equivalent to one represented by two passengers per foot of length of the vessel, whichever is the smaller. In no circumstances, however, must an open launch applying for a Passenger Certificate for the first time be certified to carry more than 100 persons.
(5)  In all vessels the seating should be so arranged that there will be no serious obstacle to prevent a person from passing forward and aft quickly in case of emergency.
(6)  In addition to the considerations outlined above the number of passengers is also to be regulated by the consideration that, when the vessel is loaded with weights representing the full number of passengers and crew at 140 lbs. for each person, and when the complete outfit and necessary supply of fuel are on board, the clear height of side above water, at the lowest point, is not to be less than 15 inches for vessels 20 feet long or less, and 22 inches for vessels over 40 feet long. For lengths intermediate between 20 and 40 feet the height should be in proportion. The length should be measured from the forward side of the stem to the after side of the stern post, and the clear side should be measured to the top of the covering board or to the top of the wash strake, if one is fitted above the covering board. If, however, a half-deck is fitted, the clear side should be measured to the top of the deck at side or to the top of the gunwale, whichever measurement gives the smaller freeboard. In decked boats the freeboard should be measured from the top of the deck at side and any side scuttles fitted below the deck must be of a non-opening type.
(7)  In no case should a surveyor of ships certify a vessel for any particular number of passengers unless he is satisfied that the vessel has sufficient stability to carry that number safely.