Mississippi Code Title 65. Highways, Bridges and Ferries § 65-27-13

The owner or keeper of every ferry shall at all times be provided with good and tight boats suited to the ferry, sufficient in size, strength, steadiness, and accommodation for the safe and speedy transportation of passengers, vehicles, horses, cattle, and goods, well furnished with all necessary machinery, oars, poles, and other appliances, and men, prudent, skilful and competent to such business and service; and the banks and landing places shall be kept in good order, so as to be safe and easy for travelers. If any owner or keeper of a ferry shall convey or attempt to carry any person over any ferry in a boat not good and sufficient and furnished and manned according to law, or without having such banks and landing places in good order, he shall be liable to a penalty of ten dollars for each offense, besides being liable to the parties injured for any damages sustained.