The U.S. Department of Transportation on Thursday announced the first federal rule to provide Americans with Disabilities Act protections to people with disabilities traveling on boats and ships.
The rule applies to vessels operated by public entities, such as public ferry systems, and vessels operated by private entities, such as cruise ships, a release said.
The rule prohibits vessel operators from charging extra for accessibility-related services, requiring passengers to furnish their own attendants or denying passengers access based on disability.
Vessel operators will be required to provide information about the accessibility of their facilities and services and make someone available to address accessibility concerns, the release said.
The rule will ensure fair treatment for people with disabilities who travel by ship or boat, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said in the release.
U.S. Department of Justice regulations cover vessels operated by private entities not primarily engaged in the business of transporting people, such as fishing charters and dinner cruise boats.
Tampa home ports four vessels from three cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, according to the and Port of Tampa website.
Norwegian Cruise Line also will home port a vessel in Tampa in the 2011-2012 season.
The rule applies to vessels operated by public entities, such as public ferry systems, and vessels operated by private entities, such as cruise ships, a release said.
The rule prohibits vessel operators from charging extra for accessibility-related services, requiring passengers to furnish their own attendants or denying passengers access based on disability.
Vessel operators will be required to provide information about the accessibility of their facilities and services and make someone available to address accessibility concerns, the release said.
The rule will ensure fair treatment for people with disabilities who travel by ship or boat, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said in the release.
U.S. Department of Justice regulations cover vessels operated by private entities not primarily engaged in the business of transporting people, such as fishing charters and dinner cruise boats.
Tampa home ports four vessels from three cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, according to the and Port of Tampa website.
Norwegian Cruise Line also will home port a vessel in Tampa in the 2011-2012 season.
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