46 CFR Subchapter K · >150 passengers

Subchapter K — Small Passenger Vessels
compliance, handled.

Subchapter K is the higher-capacity step up from Subchapter T — small passenger vessels under 100 gross tons carrying more than 150 passengers, or with overnight accommodations. More passengers means more lifesaving equipment, more crew, and a more demanding inspection. Binnacle AI keeps the amplified burden current.

What Subchapter K asks of you

Certificate of Inspection

States the route, the maximum passengers, and the required crew — for a higher passenger count than Subchapter T.

Lifesaving for the crowd

Life floats/rafts and life jackets (including child sizes) sized to >150 passengers, with servicing schedules.

Stability for a moving crowd

Compliance for a vessel that may carry a large, mobile group of passengers.

More crew

The licensed master and the larger credentialed crew the COI requires — each credential with an expiry.

Drills and passenger orientation

Crew drills and passenger safety instructions, logged for a more demanding examiner.

Drug and alcohol program

A 46 CFR 16 / 49 CFR Part 40 program for the covered crew.

How Binnacle AI handles it

  • COI and survey scheduling per vessel with lead-time alerts.
  • Lifesaving-equipment servicing dates tracked for the higher passenger count.
  • Crew credential expiry tracking across the larger crew, with an AI document scanner that reads MMCs from a photo.
  • Drill logs with the records attached.
  • A USCG inspection simulator to prep the crew for the more demanding exam.
  • An audit-ready evidence trail for the inspection.
The Binnacle signal:credentials aren't just tracked — they're independently verified against the National Maritime Center, roll up into a live compliance grade, and feed a one-click Insurance Packageyou can share with your underwriter.

Built for the small US operator

46 CFR logic, an AI document scanner, expiry alerts, and an inspection simulator — flat fleet pricing, no per-vessel fees.

Built for evaluation-grade trust