BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 06 - Other Water Activities Emergency Preparation

How to Safely Load Passengers and Equipment

STEP 1: Consult the boat’s capacity recommendations and ensure that:

Equipment and people do not exceed the recommended gross load capacity.
The number of people do not exceed the equivalent number of adult people the boat is capable of safely carrying.

STEP 2: Make sure your passengers are all wearing Coast Guard-approved lifejackets.

STEP 3: As the operator, you should board first and then assist each passenger aboard.

STEP 4: Position equipment and passengers so that the weight is equally distributed and as low as possible throughout the boat.

STEP 5: Make sure each passenger is properly seated before the next one boards.

STEP 6: Securely fasten and store any equipment to prevent weight from shifting once the boat is underway. Stow gear in lockers that are easily accessible and as low as possible in the boat to help stabilize it