LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD

摘要

Inland passenger vessels being built today may look very similar to those built 25-30 years ago, but what is behind the exterior shell has kept pace with similar advancements in technology, materials, and systems found in other sectors of the marine industry. For the most part, our purpose here will be to examine United States Coast Guard (USCG) certificated subchapter T vessels (less than 100 gross tons, 150 or less passengers, and 49 or less overnight passengers) and subchapter K vessels (less than 100 gross tons, more than 150 passengers, and more than 49 overnight passengers). We also will look at subchapter H passenger vessels (more than 100 gross tons). The domestic certificated passenger vessel fleet is approximately 6,500 vessels, with only about 400 K boats and just 150 H boats.