46 U.S.C. § 3501

1. (a)Each certificate of inspection issued to a vessel carrying passengers (except a ferry) shall include a statement on the number of passengers that the vessel is permitted to carry.
2. (b)The owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or individual in charge of a vessel is liable to a person suing them for carrying more passengers than the number of passengers permitted by the certificate of inspection in an amount equal to—
   1. (1)passage money; and
   2. (2)$100 for each passenger in excess of the number of passengers permitted.
3. (c)An owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, or individual in charge of a vessel that knowingly carries more passengers than the number of passengers permitted by the certificate of inspection also shall be fined not more than $100, imprisoned for not more than 30 days, or both.
4. (d)The vessel also is liable in rem for a penalty under this section.
5. (e)An offshore supply vessel may not carry passengers except in an emergency.