Where do you verify the vessel’s maximum capacity before departure?

Where do you verify the vessel’s maximum capacity before departure?

• A. By asking the captain on the way out.
• B. From the dock office brochure.
• C. By guessing based on passenger count.
• D. On the vessel’s capacity plate or manufacturer's manual; do not exceed posted limits.

Answer: (A)

The main practice is to verify the vessel’s maximum capacity from official posted sources on the vessel itself—the capacity plate and the manufacturer’s manual. These provide the legally defined limits for how many people or how much weight the boat can safely carry, reflecting stability, life-saving gear, and crew requirements. The capacity plate is placed where it’s easy to read before loading, so you can confirm you’re within safe limits before departure. Relying on the captain’s word, dock brochures, or guessing can lead to overloading and unsafe conditions, since those sources may be incomplete, outdated, or not reflect the specific vessel’s current configuration. If you’re at or near the posted limit, do not add more passengers or weight until it’s reduced to within the capacity.