Boating enthusiasts may be wondering at what size a boat can officially be considered a ship. While there is no definitive answer to this question, there are several factors to consider.
First, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) defines a ship as “a vessel of any type whatsoever operating in the maritime environment and includes hydrofoil boats, air-cushion vehicles, submersibles, floating craft and fixed or floating platforms.” This definition is quite broad and indicates that any vessel designed for navigation on water can be considered a ship.
However, there are other considerations such as length, displacement, and capacity which may impact whether a boat is technically classified as a ship. For example, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) defines a ship as any vessel over 65 feet in length, while Lloyd’s Register considers a vessel a ship if it weighs over 500 gross tons.
Another factor to consider is the type of vessel. Some types of boats, such as tugboats, may be considered ships even if they are under the minimum size threshold. This is because they are usually designed for commercial use and operate in a different capacity than recreational boats.
Ultimately, the size of a boat required to be classified as a ship may vary depending on who you ask, but usually, it depends on the purpose and design of the vessel. However, keep in mind that even if a boat does not meet the technical definition of a ship, it is still important to observe all safety regulations and best practices on the water.