Passenger ship

A passenger ship is defined by SOLAS as a ship carrying more than twelve passengers, which brings it within the most demanding tier of the safety regime. Passenger ships face stricter subdivision and damage stability under SOLAS II-1, enhanced fire protection under II-2, lifesaving capacity for all on board under III, and a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate. Ro-pax ferries add the Stockholm Agreement water-on-deck standard in north-west European waters. The class spans ferries, cruise ships, and high-speed craft, each with further specific rules.