Safe loading
The MSR requires that a person must not act as the master of a recreational vessel or a hire and drive vessel that is overloaded.
Overloading is dangerous and seriously reduces the stability and seaworthiness of your vessel.
A recreational vessel is overloaded if the number of persons on board the vessel exceeds the maximum number of persons specified by the manufacturer of the vessel on a capacity plate or an Australian Builder’s Plate (ABP). Or the number specified against the vessel length in the table below.
Vessels with a fly bridge are prone to capsizing if the fly bridge is overloaded.
Unless specified by the manufacturer, the maximum number of people which can be carried in a recreational vessel is represented in the table below.
| Length of vessel | Maximum passengers* |
|---|---|
| Less than 3m | Two people |
| 3 m to less than 3.5 m | Three people |
| 3.5 m to less than 4.5 m | Four people |
| 4.5 m to less than 5 m | Five people |
| 5m to less than 5.5 m | Six people |
| 5.5m to less than 6 m | Seven people |
Note:
- a child up to and including one year of age does not count for the purpose of calculating maximum passengers
- each child over one year and under 12 years equals half an adult
- on recreational vessels with individual cockpits (for example, decked canoes or kayaks), the number of persons carried on the vessel must not exceed the number of individual cockpits, irrespective of the age of the person.
*WARNING: This is the maximum carrying capacity for good conditions. A reduction in the maximum number of persons must be made in adverse conditions or when on the open sea. Capacity of a person is assessed at 75 kg per person with an additional allowance of 15 kg per person for personal gear. A reduction in the number of persons must be made when equipment and supplies exceed total weight allocated.