Passenger Vessels:  Background

This rulemaking will develop guidelines under the ADA for access to ferries, cruise ships, excursion boats, and other passenger vessels.  These guidelines will supplement the Board’s ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles.

Background:  When guidelines for transit vehicles originally were issued under the ADA, the Board and the Department of Transportation (DOT) decided that further study was needed before guidelines could be developed for passenger vessels.  The agencies sponsored a study that examined the impact of access to vessels and shore facilities.  This project was completed in July 1996 and provided valuable information for rulemaking.  The Board and DOT also held an information meeting with organizations representing people with disabilities and the marine industry to determine the scope and complexity of the rulemaking.

Rulemaking History

• August 12, 1998 Board creates Passenger Vessel Access Advisory Committee
• December 2000 Advisory Committee presents its final report to the Board
• August 20, 2003 Board holds public meeting in New Orleans on the embarkation and disembarkation of passenger vessels by persons with disabilities
• September 9, 2003 Board holds public meeting in Seattle on the embarkation and disembarkation of passenger vessels by persons with disabilities
• November 26, 2004 Board issues draft guidelines for large vessels and a notice concering guidelines for small vessels that are available for comment until July 28, 2005:
  • Draft Guidelines for Large Passenger Vessels
  • Notice of Availability – Large Vessels     PDF version
  • Draft Regulatory Assessment Plan (Large Vessels)
  • Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – Small Vessels     PDF version
  • Public Comments on the Draft Guidelines and Notices
• July 7, 2006 Board issues revised draft guidelines for large vessels, ferries, and tenders that are available for public comment until November 13, 2006.
  • Revised Draft Passenger Vessel Accessibility Guidelines and Related Material (July 7, 2006)
  • Notice of Availability
  • Notice Extending the Comment Period (to November 13, 2006)
  • Public Comments on the Revised Guidelines