Compliance Notices: Vessels 6 Metres or Less in Length

A compliance notice for a pleasure craft of 6 metres (19.7 feet) or less in length gives maximum recommended safe limits for that boat. These limits are:

• Maximum number of people who can be on board
• Maximum weight (gross load capacity) the pleasure craft is designed to carry, including people, motor, equipment, etc.
• Maximum outboard motor weight and horsepower (for an outboard-powered pleasure craft)

This information applies only in good weather. The number of people who can be carried safely depends on the type of pleasure craft, where people and equipment are carried, and weather and water conditions. Operators must not exceed the limits listed on the compliance notice to avoid overloading their pleasure craft.

If your pleasure craft is 6 metres (19.7 feet) or less in length, is powered by an outboard motor, and does not have a compliance notice, use the following formula to calculate the maximum number of people the pleasure craft can carry safely in good weather.

For example, for an outboard-powered boat that is 6 metres (19.7 feet) or less in length with a recommended maximum gross load of 578 kg, an engine weighing 228 kg, and equipment weighing 50 kg, the number of people is 578 kg minus 278 kg divided by 75, which equals four 75-kg/165-lb people (or a total person weight of 4 × 75, or 300 kg/660 lbs).