Senator Charles Schumer (D-New York) introduced S. 3537, the Boating Capacity Standards Act, on Sept. 13. It would require the Coast Guard to set maximum passenger capacity and maximum weight capacity standards for recreational vessels no matter the size. It would also require manufacturers and operators of passenger vessels to permanently display in a legible manner and clearly visible to vessel passengers such passenger capacity requirements and a notice of the need to balance vessel weight to avoid capsizing.

The bill has no Senate co-sponsors and lacks a House companion bill. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. MRAA is working with NMMA on the bill.