Recent passenger vessel accidents in the United States and in Great Britain have raised concerns with regard to passenger weight figures used in the calculation of vessel stability. In recent marine accident reports, passenger weight has been identified as a contributing factor. Transport Canada has issued Safety Bulletin No.:05/2007 which advises of a change in the weight to be used for all persons on board (passengers and crew) when calculating stability. This change will bring the weight of persons in the Stability, Subdivision and Load Line Standards (1975) (TP 7301) in line with current demographic data and increase consistency of stability information across all types of vessels.
Scope
This bulletin applies to stability booklets received for approval for all new or existing vessels, including fishing vessels. When recalculation of stability data is required due to modifications to vessel construction, configuration, service, etc., revised calculations must apply the new weight of 75 kg per person on board.
Existing stability booklets are not automatically required to be revised by application of this bulletin. However, vessels with a stability-related Board Decision that have a heeling moment angle greater than 8° must recalculate conditions using the new weight by July 31, 2008.
Implementation Date
This bulletin is applicable to all stability data received for approval on or after July 31, 2007.
The full Safety Bulletin can be read at http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/bulletins/2007/05-eng.htm | 
