America’s obesity epidemic has hit the waterways. Fewer passengers are now allowed on commercial vessels – such as ferries and excursion boats – due to the burden and possible safety hazard of having heavier people onboard, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The “Assumed Average Weight Per Person” (AAWPP) on a vessel is now 185 pounds, up from 160 pounds, which was set in the 1960s.

The USCG amended its passenger weight requirements to keep up with a population that is getting larger: An estimated one-third of American adults are overweight.

“To more accurately reflect today’s average weight per person will maintain intended safety levels by accounting for this weight increase,” the USCG documents state.

For example, a vessel with a 16,000-pound capacity could only legally carry 100 passengers when the AAWPP was 160 pounds. At 185 pounds, the same vessel can only carry 86 passengers.

The new rules took effect December 1. Privately owned boats or other recreational water vehicles are not affected by the requirement.