483212 - Inland Water Passenger Transportation
When it comes to passenger transportation on rivers and lakes, NAICS code 483212 plays a crucial role in categorizing the businesses that keep inland waters bustling with activity. Whether it’s ferrying commuters across a serene lake or offering sightseeing cruises along scenic rivers, this industry is vital for both transportation and tourism sectors.
What is NAICS Code 483212?
NAICS Code 483212 represents Inland Water Passenger Transportation — establishments primarily engaged in transporting passengers on inland waterways such as rivers, lakes, and canals. This code encompasses a wide array of passenger services excluding those operating on the Great Lakes system.
Key Services Covered Include:
- Ferry operations
- Sightseeing river cruises
- Water taxi and shuttle services
Sector Overview: Transportation and Warehousing
NAICS 483212 falls under the broader Transportation and Warehousing sector, focusing mainly on passenger movement via water routes that connect communities, enhance tourism, and provide alternative transit options.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 483212:
- Operating ferry services to transport people between ports or across water bodies
- Managing sightseeing and leisure cruises for tourists along rivers and lakes
- Providing water taxi services that offer short, on-demand passenger transit
- Chartering vessels with crews for passenger transportation
Size Standards: Eligibility for Small Business Classification
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) designates the maximum number of employees for eligibility under NAICS 483212 as 550 employees. Businesses at or below this threshold can qualify as small businesses, allowing access to various government contracting opportunities and support programs.
Examples of Businesses in NAICS Code 483212
- River ferry operations transporting daily commuters
- Sightseeing cruise companies showcasing natural and historical landmarks along inland waterways
- Water taxi providers serving metropolitan waterfront areas for quick passenger transit
- Passenger charter companies offering private boat rentals with crew on lakes or rivers
Comprehensive Table of NAICS 483212 Code Details
| Code Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Canal passenger transportation | Transporting passengers via canal waterways |
| Car lighters (i.e., ferries), inland waters (except Great Lakes) | Ferry services operating on inland waters excluding Great Lakes |
| Intracoastal transportation of passengers | Moving passengers along intracoastal waterways |
| Lake passenger transportation (except on Great Lakes) | Passenger transit services on inland lakes, excluding Great Lakes |
| Passenger transportation, inland waters (except Great Lakes) | General passenger services on rivers and lakes excluding Great Lakes |
| River passenger transportation | Transporting passengers specifically on river routes |
| Ship chartering with crew, passenger transportation, inland waters (except Great Lakes) | Charter service with crew for passenger transit on inland waters excluding Great Lakes |
| Water shuttle services | Regular shuttle passenger service via water routes |
| Water taxi services | Short-distance on-demand water passenger services |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of vessels are used in NAICS 483212 services?
Typical vessels include ferries, passenger boats, water taxis, small cruise boats, and chartered ships operated specifically for inland water passenger transportation.
Does NAICS 483212 include Great Lakes passenger transportation?
No, this code excludes passenger transportation services operating on the Great Lakes system. Those services fall under a different NAICS classification.
How does NAICS 483212 support tourism?
Many businesses under this code offer sightseeing cruises, river tours, and other recreational passenger services that attract tourists and support local economies.
Are water taxi services part of this NAICS code?
Yes, water taxi services providing short-distance, on-demand passenger transport on inland waterways are included in NAICS 483212.
What is the size limit for a small business under this code?
Businesses with up to 550 employees are considered small and may qualify for small business programs.
Conclusion
NAICS code 483212 – Inland Water Passenger Transportation – represents a dynamic industry anchored in ferrying passengers on rivers, lakes, and canals. From daily commutes to leisurely sightseeing cruises, the businesses in this sector contribute significantly to transportation infrastructure and tourism enhancement. For entrepreneurs and organizations considering government contracts or market entry in the transportation and warehousing sector, understanding this NAICS classification is key.
Optimize your business growth on the water under NAICS 483212 — navigating inland waterways with precision and passenger focus!
