Ships & ADA Law

The first federal rules based on ADA law have been issued for cruise ships,fishing charters and dinner cruise boats. The new Department of Transportation directive prohibits vessel operators from charging extra for accessibility-related services, prevent boats and ships from requiring passengers to furnish their own attendants and prevent boat operators from denying passengers access based on disability. These rules appy to both to public ferry systems and vessels operated by private companies. Operators must provide information about the accessibility of their facilities and services and make someone available to address accessibility concerns.