Analysis
NAICS 483114 is the 2022 national industry for coastal and great lakes passenger transportation, part of 48311 (Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation). Census lists 10 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 34% and employment rose 53%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 197 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 3,276 people at an average annual payroll of $80,305 per employee (69th percentile of national industries). 73% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Census lists 5 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 483212, 487210, 713210 and 532284. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include coastal passenger transportation to and from domestic ports, cruise lines (i.e., deep sea passenger transportation to…, deep sea passenger transportation to and from domestic… and ferry passenger transportation, Great Lakes (including St.…, among 10 in all.
For example, providing inland water transportation of passengers on lakes, rivers, or intracoastal waterways (except on the Great Lakes System) are classified in 483212 (Inland Water Passenger Transportation) instead.
Official definition
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing water transportation of passengers in coastal waters, the Great Lakes System, or deep seas between ports of the United States, Puerto Rico, and United States island possessions and protectorates. Marine transportation establishments using the facilities of the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority Commission are considered to be using the Great Lakes Water Transportation System.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Providing inland water transportation of passengers on lakes, rivers, or intracoastal waterways (except on the Great Lakes System) | 483212 Inland Water Passenger Transportation |
| Providing scenic and sightseeing water transportation, such as harbor cruises and charter fishing boat operations | 487210 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water |
| Operating floating casinos (i.e., gambling cruises) | 713210 Casinos (except Casino Hotels) |
| Renting yachts and pleasure boats, such as houseboats and sailboats, without crew | 532284 Recreational Goods Rental |
| Renting or leasing commercial boats (including vessel supply services), without crew | 532411 Commercial Air, Rail, and Water Transportation Equipment Rental and Leasing |
Index entries (10)
- Coastal passenger transportation to and from domestic ports
- Cruise lines (i.e., deep sea passenger transportation to and from domestic ports, including Puerto Rico)
- Deep sea passenger transportation to and from domestic ports (including Puerto Rico)
- Ferry passenger transportation, Great Lakes (including St. Lawrence Seaway)
- Great Lakes passenger transportation (including St. Lawrence Seaway)
- Intercoastal transportation of passengers to and from domestic ports
- Lake passenger transportation, Great Lakes (including St. Lawrence Seaway)
- Passenger transportation, coastal or Great Lakes (including St. Lawrence Seaway)
- Passenger transportation, deep sea, to and from domestic ports (including Puerto Rico)
- Ship chartering with crew, coastal or Great Lakes passenger transportation (including St. Lawrence Seaway)