Passenger Vessel Design

Deliver Unforgettable Journeys

Turn Your Ship Into a Competitive Advantage

Passenger vessels represent your brand, shape the customer experience, and keep your business afloat (literally). At DMS, we help operators create vessels that are not only safe and compliant but also memorable for all the right reasons.

No two operations are the same, and your boat shouldn’t be either.

  • Deliver a Top-Notch Experience

    Your vessel is your storefront. We make sure it’s functional, safe, and feels like a valuable piece of your business’s strategy. Think smooth rides, clean layouts, and amenities that actually make sense for your passengers.

  • Simplify All Things USCG

    Subchapter T headaches? We have you covered. DMS has extensive experience navigating U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements and Certificate of Inspection (COI) approvals to help you pass with confidence.

  • Execute Whatever You Need

    Need to boost capacity, improve performance, or repurpose a secondhand vessel? We deliver results. From strategic yacht retrofitting to visual upgrades that elevate the passenger experience, we expand what your vessel can do.

Services We Offer for Passenger Vessels

Laramie Test 6

Vessel Design

Custom vessels that reflect your service model, passenger load, and branding goals.

Sault St Marie Maritime Valley Camp

Naval Architecture

Real-world stability, performance, and regulatory safety built into every detail.

Research Vessel In The Ocean

Advanced Analysis

Use advanced tools to improve fuel efficiency, reduce motion, and boost ride quality.

Laramie Test 5

Marine Systems

Reliable power, plumbing, HVAC, and more: all designed for performance and comfort.

Let’s Turn Your Big Idea Into a Seaworthy Reality

You bring the dream. We’ll help you navigate the red tape, make smarter decisions, and stay within budget.

DMS: Where Advanced Engineering Meets Maritime Day-to-Day

Our cross-disciplinary experience gives us a deep pool of insight to draw from and helps us craft better, more tailored solutions for every Client. We’ve worked with operators navigating Subchapter T for the first time, helped retrofit secondhand vessels to fit new business models, and supported fleet owners scaling their operations.

Whether you’re focused on sightseeing, short-distance commuting, or creating a high-end onboard experience, we keep your commercial goals at the center of our passenger vessel design.

Gradient Quote

“I am an old timer. I should be a retired yacht designer / naval architect / professional engineer. With a backlog of projects and no time to get caught up on using my GHS software, I needed some help. I heard from a friend that Nicholas Barczak, P.E. of DMS, had some instructional videos on YouTube. While excellent, they still didn’t solve my backlog, so I hired Nick to run my 40′ pontoon small passenger stability calculations. Nick knocked it out in a little over a week, and 12 days later, we had a USCG MSC Stability Letter!”

– Commercial Client

A Passenger Vessel Design Case Study

The Problem

Our Client entered the booming small passenger vessel market with plans to launch a series of compact party boats.

But to legally carry more than 12 passengers on federal waters, they needed a Certificate of Inspection (COI) from the U.S. Coast Guard: a process far more rigorous than they were ready for. Without it, their business couldn’t operate at scale.

The Solution

DMS stepped in with end-to-end engineering support to meet USCG standards.

We documented every system, from vessel structure and stability to piping, steering, and electrical components, ensuring full COI compliance. To maximize ROI, we engineered the design for easy duplication across future builds and provided flexibility in the layout.

The Results

The Client’s vessel was approved to carry large passenger loads, significantly boosting potential revenue.

Better yet, they achieved payback on the build in under a year. By including unique features like a rare second deck and a passenger slide, they carved out a competitive edge that delivered on both safety and standout experience. Now, scaling operations is a plug-and-play process.

Subchapter T is a section of Coast Guard regulations that covers small passenger vessels (think ferries, tour boats, and dinner cruises). If your ship carries more than six passengers for hire, this applies to you. The good news is that DMS has tried-and-true experience in helping organizations pass Subchapter T requirements.

Yes, if you’re operating an inspected passenger vessel. A COI is essentially your operating license from the USCG. DMS helps clients prepare all documentation, calculations, and designs to meet inspection criteria.

Absolutely. We handle everything from cosmetic yacht retrofitting to structural upgrades and vessel lengthening services. We’ll make your vessel feel brand new and ensure it meets today’s standards.

FAQs About Our Passenger Vessel Design Services

Let’s Build Your Next Ship

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