On December 1, 2011, a new requirement took effect increasing the Assumed Average Weight Per Person (AAWPP) for calculating vessel capacity. The AAWPP increased to 185 pounds from the previous average of 160. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the change was made to more accurately reflect the current average weight and maintain safety aboard these vessels. The new AAWPP was calculated using data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And a recent Associated Press article published in the Seattle Times reported that the Washington state ferry service has reduced its listed ferry capacities to comply with the new AAWPP. It reports that passenger capacity on these ferries, on average, has been reduced by about 250 passengers, from 2,000 to 1,750. One concern about the reduced capacity is whether it will result in a revenue loss and, in turn, produce higher fares. The Washington state ferry service is the nation’s largest ferry system, carrying over 22 million passengers each year.
