October 02, 2024

M/V Solano capacity restrictions when operating with three crew members – 10/2

This morning, Oct. 2, Kitsap Transit was forced to turn away passengers on the Southworth-Seattle route because the M/V Solano reached its maximum capacity of 150 passengers while operating with three crew members.

Solano has different crewing requirements than Kitsap Transit's other vessels. Under U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations, Solano can carry a maximum capacity of 150 passengers when operating with three crew members. When operating with four crew members, Solano can carry a maximum of 247 passengers.

Kitsap Transit attempts to operate the Solano with four crew members whenever possible. However, the needs of the rest of our ferry system sometimes require us to move personnel to different routes, since all ferries require a minimum of three crew to operate. 

Most Southworth fast ferry sailings carry an average of below 150 passengers – only three sailings in August and two sailings in September carried more than 150 passengers.

The 6:20 AM, 7:35 AM and 3:15 PM ferries have the highest average passenger counts. Kitsap Transit recommends riders arrive early for these sailings whenever possible. Thank you for your understanding. 

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