Vol. 78 Tuesday, 

No. 122 June 25, 2013 

Part II 

Architectural and Transportation Barriers 

Compliance Board 

36 CFR Part 1196 

Passenger Vessels Accessibility Guidelines; Proposed Rule 


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38102 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

1The Access Board is an independent federal 

agency established by section 502 of the 

Rehabilitation Act. See 29 U.S.C. 792. The Access 

Board consists of 13 members appointed by the 

President from the public, a majority of which are 

individuals with disabilities, and the heads of 12 

federal agencies or their designees whose positions 

are Executive Level IV or above. The federal 

agencies are: The Departments of Commerce, 

Defense, Education, Health and Human Services, 

Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, 

Labor, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs; 

General Services Administration; and United States 

Postal Service. 

ARCHITECTURAL AND 

TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS 

COMPLIANCE BOARD 

36 CFR Part 1196 

[Docket No. ATBCB–2013–0003] 

RIN 3014–AA11 

Passenger Vessels Accessibility 

Guidelines 

AGENCY: Architectural and 

Transportation Barriers Compliance 

Board. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. 

SUMMARY: We, the Architectural and 

Transportation Barriers Compliance 

Board (Access Board), are proposing 

accessibility guidelines for the 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels covered by the Americans with 

Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that the 

vessels are readily accessible to and 

usable by passengers with disabilities. 

The guidelines would apply to 

passenger vessels, other than ferries and 

tenders, permitted to carry more than 

150 passengers or more than 49 

overnight passengers; ferries permitted 

to carry more than 99 passengers; and 

tenders permitted to carry more than 59 

passengers. The U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) and U.S. 

Department of Justice (DOJ) are required 

to issue accessibility standards for the 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels covered by the ADA that are 

consistent with our guidelines. 

Passenger vessel owners and operators 

would not be required to comply with 

the guidelines until they are adopted by 

DOT and DOJ as accessibility standards 

for the construction and alteration of 

passenger vessels covered by the ADA. 

DATES: Submit comments by September 

23, 2013. A hearing will be held on the 

proposed guidelines on July 10, 2013, 

from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. To preregister to testify at the hearing, contact 

Al Baes at (202) 272–0011 (voice), (202) 

272–0082 (TTY), or baes@accessboard.gov. 

ADDRESSES: Submit comments by any of 

the following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// 

www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

instructions for submitting comments. 

Regulations.gov ID for this docket is 

ATBCB–2013–0003. 

• Email: pvag@access-board.gov. 

Include docket number ATBCB–2013– 

0003 in the subject line of the message. 

• Fax: 202–272–0081. 

• Mail or Hand Delivery/Courier: 

Paul Beatty, Access Board, 1331 F Street 

NW., Suite 1000, Washington, DC 

20004–1111. 

All comments received, including any 

personal information provided, will be 

posted without change to http:// 

www.regulations.gov and are available 

for public viewing. 

The hearing will be held in the Access 

Board Conference Room, 1331 F Street, 

NW., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004. 

Witnesses can testify in person or by 

telephone. Call-in information and a 

communication access real-time 

translation (CART) web streaming link 

will be posted on the Access Board’s 

Passenger Vessels homepage at http:// 

www.access-board.gov/pvag/. The 

hearing will be accessible to persons 

with disabilities. An assistive listening 

system, communication access real-time 

translation (in-person and streaming), 

sign language interpreters, and a call-in 

number will be provided. Persons 

attending the meetings are requested to 

refrain from using perfume, cologne, 

and other fragrances for the comfort of 

other participants (see www.accessboard.gov/about/policies/fragrance.htm 

for more information). 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul 

Beatty, Access Board, 1331 F Street 

NW., Suite 1000, Washington, DC 

20004–1111. Telephone: (202) 272–0012 

(voice) or (202) 272–0072 (TTY). Email 

address: pvag@access-board.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents for Preamble 

1. Public Participation and Request for 

Comments 

2. Executive Summary 

3. Availability of Proposed Guidelines with 

Figures and Advisory Sections 

4. Statutory and Regulatory Background 

5. Rulemaking History 

6. Barrier Removal, and Operational and 

Service Issues Addressed by DOT and 

DOJ 

7. Discussion of Proposed Guidelines 

8. Regulatory Analyses 

In this preamble, ‘‘we’’ and ‘‘our’’ 

refer to the Architectural and 

Transportation Barriers Compliance 

Board (Access Board).1

1. Public Participation and Request for 

Comments 

We encourage all persons interested 

in the rulemaking to submit comments 

on the proposed guidelines and the 

questions in the preamble. Instructions 

for submitting and viewing comments 

are provided above under Addresses. 

We will consider all the comments and 

may change the proposed guidelines 

based on the comments. 

2. Executive Summary 

Legal Authority and Purpose 

We are required by section 502 of the 

Rehabilitation Act and section 504 of 

the Americans with Disabilities Act 

(ADA) to establish and maintain 

accessibility guidelines for the 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels covered by the ADA to ensure 

that the vessels are readily accessible to 

and usable by individuals with 

disabilities. We are issuing proposed 

accessibility guidelines for the 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels pursuant to this authority to 

address the discriminatory effects of 

architectural, transportation, and 

communication barriers encountered by 

individuals with mobility, hearing, and 

vision disabilities on passenger vessels. 

For example, the proposed guidelines 

would enable individuals with mobility 

disabilities to access and use passenger 

amenities on the vessels, such as seating 

areas, toilet rooms, and guest rooms. 

The U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) and U.S. 

Department of Justice (DOJ) are required 

to issue accessibility standards for the 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels covered by the ADA that are 

consistent with our guidelines. 

Passenger vessel owners and operators 

would not be required to comply with 

the guidelines until they are adopted by 

DOT and DOJ as accessibility standards 

for the construction and alteration of 

passenger vessels covered by the ADA. 

Summary of Key Provisions 

The proposed guidelines would apply 

to the construction and alteration of 

passenger vessels, other than ferries and 

tenders, permitted to carry more than 

150 passengers or more than 49 

overnight passengers; ferries permitted 

to carry more than 99 passengers; and 

tenders permitted to carry more than 59 

passengers. The proposed guidelines 

would not apply to smaller passenger 

vessels because providing accessible 

features on those vessels present greater 

challenges due to space constraints and 

other considerations. The proposed 

guidelines, themselves, would not 

require existing passenger vessels to be 

made accessible except where altered. 

The proposed guidelines contain 

proposed scoping and technical 

provisions. The proposed scoping 


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2Title III of the ADA covers twelve categories of 

places of public accommodation, including places 

of lodging, establishments serving food or drink, 

and places of exhibition or entertainment. See 42 

U.S.C. 12181(7). 

3The definitions of the terms designated public 

transportation and specified public transportation 

are similar and mean transportation by bus, rail, or 

any other conveyance that provides the general 

public with general or special service, including 

charter service, on a regular and continuing basis. 

See 42 U.S.C. 12141(2) and 12181(10). 

provisions specify what passenger 

vessel features would be required to be 

accessible. Where multiple features of 

the same type are provided, the 

proposed scoping provisions specify 

how many of the features would be 

required to be accessible. The proposed 

technical provisions specify the design 

criteria for accessible features. The 

passenger vessel features addressed by 

the proposed scoping and technical 

provisions include onboard accessible 

routes connecting passenger decks and 

passenger amenities within decks; 

accessible means of escape; doorways 

and coamings; toilet rooms; wheelchair 

spaces in assembly areas and 

transportation seating areas; assistive 

listening systems; general emergency 

alarms; guest rooms; and other 

passenger amenities. 

The most significant provisions in the 

proposed guidelines include the 

following: 

• An elevator, or on certain passenger 

vessels a limited use-limited application 

elevator (LULA) or platform lift, would 

be required to connect passenger decks, 

unless one of ten proposed exceptions 

apply. The proposed provision would 

enable passengers with mobility 

disabilities to access and use the 

passenger amenities on the vessels. For 

new vessels, we estimate an elevator to 

cost $371,000; a LULA to cost $297,400; 

and a platform lift to cost $108,700. 

• A minimum number of guest rooms 

with mobility features would be 

required on cruise ships. Cruise ships 

with 501 to 1,000 guest rooms would be 

required to provide a minimum of 3 

percent of guest rooms with mobility 

features. Cruise ships with more than 

1,000 guest rooms would be required to 

provide a minimum of 30 guest rooms 

with mobility features for the first 1,000 

guest rooms (3 percent), plus 2 guest 

rooms with mobility features for each 

additional 100 guest rooms or fraction 

thereof over 1,000 (2 percent). The 

minimum number is consistent with 

data on the percentage of the population 

who use mobility devices. The proposed 

provision would enable passengers who 

use wheelchairs, scooters, or other 

mobility devices to access and use the 

guest rooms. We estimate the proposed 

provision would result in a gross 

revenue loss annualized over 20 years of 

$50 million discounted at 7 percent, and 

$58 million discounted at 3 percent for 

new cruise ships permitted to carry 300 

or more overnight passengers. 

Summary of Costs and Benefits 

The primary estimates of the costs 

and benefits of the proposed guidelines 

are shown in Table 1. We estimate the 

total compliance costs of the proposed 

guidelines annualized over 20 years are 

$66 million discounted at 7 percent, and 

$74 million discounted at 3 percent. We 

do not quantify the benefits of the 

proposed guidelines due to the nature of 

the benefits. The proposed guidelines 

would address the discriminatory 

effects of architectural, transportation, 

and communication barriers 

encountered by individuals with 

mobility, hearing, and vision disabilities 

on passenger vessels. The proposed 

guidelines would afford these 

individuals equal opportunity to travel 

on passenger vessels for employment, 

transportation, public accommodation, 

and leisure. The proposed guidelines 

would enable these individuals to 

achieve greater participation in society, 

independent living, and economic selfsufficiency. The benefits are difficult to 

quantify, but include important national 

values recognized in Executive Order 

13563 such as equity, human dignity, 

and fairness. 

TABLE 1—PRIMARY ESTIMATES OF COSTS AND BENEFITS OF PROPOSED GUIDELINES ANNUALIZED OVER 20 YEARS

[2011 Dollars] 

7% Discount rate 3% Discount rate 

Costs ................. $66 million $74 million 

Benefits ............. The proposed guidelines would address the discriminatory effects of architectural, transportation, and communication barriers 

encountered by individuals with mobility, hearing, and vision disabilities on passenger vessels. The proposed guidelines 

would afford these individuals equal opportunity to travel on passenger vessels for employment, transportation, public accommodation, and leisure. The benefits are difficult to quantify, but include important national values recognized in Executive Order 13563 such as equity, human dignity, and fairness. 

3. Availability of Proposed Guidelines 

With Figures and Advisory Sections 

The proposed guidelines would be 

codified as an appendix to 36 CFR part 

1196. The proposed guidelines with 

figures and advisory sections are 

available at: http://www.accessboard.gov/pvag/ and http:// 

www.regulations.gov. The figures 

illustrate the technical provisions and 

do not establish mandatory 

requirements except for symbols. The 

proposed guidelines would require the 

use of symbols to identify elevator 

control buttons, the International 

Symbol of Accessibility, the 

International Symbol of TTY, and the 

International Symbol for Access to 

Hearing Loss. Since use of these 

symbols would be mandatory, the 

figures displaying the symbols are 

included in the proposed guidelines. 

The advisory sections provide guidance 

and are not mandatory requirements. 

However, some advisory sections 

reference related mandatory 

requirements to alert readers about 

those requirements. 

Question 1. Can the figures be 

improved to better illustrate the 

technical provisions? Can the advisory 

sections be improved to provide better 

guidance? 

4. Statutory and Regulatory 

Background 

The Americans with Disabilities Act 

(ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits 

discrimination against individuals with 

disabilities. See 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. 

Title II of the ADA applies to state and 

local governments and Title III of the 

ADA applies to places of public 

accommodation operated by private 

entities.2 The ADA covers designated 

public transportation services provided 

by state and local governments and 

specified public transportation services 

provided by private entities that are 

primarily engaged in the business of 

transporting people and whose 

operations affect commerce.3 See 42 

U.S.C. 12141 to 12147 and 12184. 

Passenger vessels that provide 

designated public transportation 


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4 International Maritime Organization, Guidelines 

for the Design and Installation of a Visible Element 

to the General Emergency Alarm System on 

Passenger Ships, MSC.1/Circ. 1418, June 13, 2012 

at: http://www.imo.org/OurWork/Circulars/Pages/ 

IMODOCS.aspx. 

services and specified public 

transportation services such as ferries 

and excursion vessels, and passenger 

vessels that are places of public 

accommodation such as vessels that 

provide dinner or sightseeing cruises are 

covered by the ADA. 

We are required by section 502 of the 

Rehabilitation Act and section 504 of 

the ADA to establish and maintain 

accessibility guidelines for the 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels covered by the ADA to ensure 

that the vessels are readily accessible to 

and usable by individuals with 

disabilities. See 29 U.S.C. 792(b)(3) and 

42 U.S.C. 12204. 

The U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) is responsible for 

issuing regulations to implement the 

transportation provisions of Titles II and 

III of the ADA. See 42 U.S.C. 12149 and 

12186(a). DOT has issued regulations for 

passenger vessels used to provide 

designated public transportation 

services by state and local governments 

and specified public transportation 

services by private entities that are 

primarily engaged in the business of 

transporting people and whose 

operations affect commerce. See 49 CFR 

part 39. 

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) 

is responsible for issuing regulations to 

implement the other provisions of Titles 

II and III of the ADA. See 42 U.S.C. 

12134 and 12186(b). DOJ has issued 

regulations for state and local 

governments and places of public 

accommodation operated by private 

entities, including public 

accommodations provided on passenger 

vessels such as cruise ships, gaming 

vessels, and dinner vessels. See 28 CFR 

parts 35 and 36. 

Titles II and III of the ADA require 

DOT and DOJ to issue accessibility 

standards for the construction and 

alteration of passenger vessels covered 

by the law that are consistent with our 

guidelines. See 42 U.S.C. 12134(c), 

12149(b), and 12186(c). DOT has 

reserved a subpart in its regulations for 

accessibility standards for passenger 

vessels in anticipation of these proposed 

guidelines. See 49 CFR part 39, subpart 

E. Passenger vessel owners and 

operators would not be required to 

comply with the guidelines until they 

are adopted by DOT and DOJ as 

accessibility standards for the 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels covered by the ADA. 

5. Rulemaking History 

We have developed and maintained 

accessibility guidelines for landside 

facilities for over 30 years. The 

guidelines for landside facilities 

represent the state-of-the-art for 

accessible design. We worked with 

passenger vessel owners and operators, 

the disability community, and other 

interested parties over the past 15 years 

to address the unique constraints of the 

marine environment and adapt the 

guidelines for landside facilities to 

passenger vessels. 

Passenger Vessel Access Advisory 

Committee 

In 1998, we convened a Passenger 

Vessel Access Advisory Committee 

comprised of passenger vessel owners 

and operators, industry trade groups, 

disability advocacy groups, and state 

and local government agencies to 

recommend how to adapt the guidelines 

for landside facilities to passenger 

vessels. The advisory committee 

submitted a report with recommended 

guidelines in 2000. 

2004 Draft Guidelines and ANPRM 

Based on the advisory committee’s 

report, we developed draft guidelines 

for passenger vessels permitted to carry 

more than 150 passengers or more than 

49 overnight passengers. In 2004, we 

released the draft guidelines for 

comment and issued an advance notice 

of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on 

small passenger vessels permitted to 

carry 150 or fewer passengers or 49 or 

fewer overnight passengers. See 69 FR 

69244 and 69245, November 26, 2004. 

The ANPRM requested comment on 

whether and how to develop 

accessibility guidelines for small 

passenger vessels. We held hearings in 

Washington, DC and Los Angeles on the 

2004 draft guidelines and the ANPRM, 

and received more than 90 comments. 

2006 Draft Guidelines 

Based on the comments on the 2004 

draft guidelines and ANPRM, we 

revised the draft guidelines in 2006 to 

cover all ferries; other passenger vessels 

permitted to carry more than 150 

passengers or 49 overnight passengers; 

and tenders permitted to carry more 

than 59 passengers. We released the 

2006 draft guidelines for comment. See 

71 FR 38563, July 7, 2006. We received 

more than 175 comments on the 2006 

draft guidelines. 

Case Studies 

Between 2005 and 2008, we 

conducted case studies of ten passenger 

vessels to identify the impact of the 

draft guidelines on the vessels. We 

worked with vessel owners and 

operators, naval architects, and ship 

builders to review the original designs 

of the vessels and to identify design 

changes that would be needed to meet 

the draft guidelines. The naval 

architects and ship builders estimated 

the cost of the design changes, and 

considered the impact of the design 

changes on the passenger vessel’s space, 

fuel consumption, and stability. We 

prepared reports on the case studies. We 

updated the case study reports to reflect 

changes to the proposed guidelines from 

earlier drafts and to adjust the cost 

estimates to 2011 dollars. 

Passenger Vessel Emergency Alarms 

Advisory Committee 

Comments on the 2006 draft 

guidelines raised issues about 

emergency alarm systems on passenger 

vessels alerting passengers who are deaf 

or have a hearing loss. We convened a 

Passenger Vessel Emergency Alarms 

Advisory Committee in 2007 comprised 

of passenger vessel owners and 

operators, industry trade groups, 

organizations representing individuals 

who are deaf or have a hearing loss, and 

standard setting organizations to 

address the comments. The advisory 

committee submitted a report with its 

recommendations in 2008. The advisory 

committee recommended that general 

emergency alarm systems include 

visible elements to alert passengers who 

are deaf or have a hearing loss, and 

recommended safeguards against 

triggering photosensitive seizures in 

individuals with epilepsy. The advisory 

committee recommended that the 

visible elements on U.S. flag vessels 

comply with the NFPA 72 National Fire 

Alarm Code. The advisory committee 

recommended that the U.S. Coast Guard 

work with the International Maritime 

Organization to develop guidelines for 

including visible elements in general 

emergency alarm systems on foreign flag 

vessels. The International Maritime 

Organization approved non-mandatory 

guidelines for including visible 

elements in general emergency alarm 

systems in 2012.4

The advisory committee 

recommended that portable devices be 

permitted in guest rooms, and that the 

Cruise Lines International Association 

develop guidelines to ensure that 

portable devices would be effective and 

reliable in alerting and awakening 

passengers who are deaf or have a 

hearing loss when general emergency 

alarms and guest room smoke detector 

alarms are activated. The Cruise Lines 

International Association convened a 

group to develop guidelines for portable 


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devices but, after the group met, it 

concluded that it did not have the 

expertise for the task. The advisory 

committee also recommended that 

assistive listening systems and visual 

displays be used to communicate safety 

briefings and emergency instructions to 

passengers who are deaf or have a 

hearing loss. 

2008 Draft Guidelines 

Based on the comments on the 2006 

draft guidelines and the case studies, we 

revised the draft guidelines in 2008. The 

2008 draft guidelines covered ferries 

permitted to carry more than 99 

passengers; other passenger vessels 

permitted to carry more than 150 

passengers or more than 49 overnight 

passengers; and tenders permitted to 

carry more than 59 passengers. 

The advisory committee reports, 

ANPRM, earlier drafts of the guidelines, 

comments on the ANPRM and earlier 

drafts of the guidelines, updated case 

study reports, and other background 

information on the proposed guidelines 

are available at: http://www.accessboard.gov/pvag/. We used all this 

information to develop the proposed 

guidelines. 

6. Barrier Removal, and Operational 

and Service Issues Addressed by DOT 

and DOJ 

Comments on earlier drafts of the 

guidelines were concerned about the 

impact of the guidelines on barrier 

removal in existing passenger vessels. 

The ADA requires private entities to 

remove architectural, communication, 

and transportation barriers in existing 

facilities where it is readily achievable. 

See 42 U.S.C. 12182(b)(2)(A)(iv). The 

ADA defines readily achievable as 

easily accomplishable and able to be 

carried out without much difficulty or 

expense, and includes factors for 

determining whether an action is 

readily achievable. See 42 U.S.C. 

12181(9). DOJ has issued regulations on 

barrier removal in public 

accommodations that apply to public 

accommodations on passenger vessels. 

See 28 CFR 36.304. The passenger 

vessels accessibility guidelines are not 

required to be used for barrier removal 

until DOJ adopts them as accessibility 

standards for the construction and 

alteration of passenger vessels. When 

DOJ issues accessibility standards for 

the construction and alteration of 

passenger vessels, it will address the 

application of the passenger vessels 

standards to barrier removal. 

Comments on earlier drafts of the 

guidelines also noted operational and 

service issues that affect accessibility, 

including passageways blocked by 

luggage or housekeeping carts; need for 

real time captioning of announcements; 

and access to shore excursions offered 

by cruise ships. DOT and DOJ are 

responsible for issuing regulations 

pertaining to operational and service 

issues. DOT and DOJ have issued 

regulations addressing maintenance of 

accessible features (28 CFR 35.133 and 

36.211), and auxiliary aids and services 

to ensure effective communication (28 

CFR 35.160 and 36.303; and 49 CFR 

39.51 and 39.89). 

7. Discussion of Proposed Guidelines 

The proposed guidelines consist of 11 

chapters. Chapter V 1 addresses the 

application and administration of the 

proposed guidelines. Chapter V 2 

contains proposed scoping provisions. 

Chapters V 3 through V 10 contain 

proposed technical provisions. Chapter 

V 11 contains proposed scoping and 

technical provisions for tenders. 

We are committed to writing 

guidelines that are clear, concise, and 

easy to understand so that persons who 

use the guidelines know what is 

required. 

Question 2. Is there language in the 

proposed guidelines that is ambiguous 

or not clear? Comments should identify 

specific language in the proposed 

guidelines that is ambiguous or not clear 

and, where possible, recommend 

language that is clear. 

The proposed guidelines use 

mandatory language (i.e., shall) so DOT 

and DOJ can adopt the guidelines as 

accessibility standards. Passenger vessel 

owners and operators would not be 

required to comply with the guidelines 

until they are adopted by DOT and DOJ 

as accessibility standards for the 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels covered by the ADA. 

We tried to avoid conflicts with 

mandatory requirements of foreign 

nations for foreign flag vessels. The DOT 

regulations establish a procedure for 

requesting a waiver where a mandatory 

requirement of a foreign nation 

precludes compliance with a 

requirement in the DOT regulations. See 

49 CFR 39.9. When DOT issues 

accessibility standards for the new 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels subject to its jurisdiction, 

owners and operators of foreign flag 

vessels can use the procedure in the 

DOT regulations to request a waiver 

where a mandatory requirement of a 

foreign nation precludes compliance 

with a provision in the accessibility 

standards. 

Chapter V 1: Application and 

Administration 

V101 Purpose 

The proposed guidelines contain 

proposed scoping and technical 

provisions to ensure that passenger 

vessels are readily accessible to and 

usable by individuals with disabilities. 

The proposed scoping and technical 

provisions are to be applied during the 

design, construction, additions to, and 

alteration of passenger vessels to the 

extent required by regulations issued by 

DOT and DOJ under the ADA. 

V102 Dimensions for Adults and 

Children 

The proposed guidelines are based on 

adult dimensions and anthropometrics. 

The proposed guidelines include 

proposed technical provisions based on 

children’s dimensions and 

anthropometrics for drinking fountains, 

water closets, toilet compartments, 

lavatories and sinks, and tables and 

counters. 

V103 Equivalent Facilitation 

The use of alternative designs or 

technologies that result in substantially 

equivalent or greater accessibility than 

specified in the proposed guidelines 

would be permitted. 

V104 Standard Practices 

Dimensions that are not stated as 

maximum or minimum would be 

absolute. Absolute dimensions would be 

subject to conventional industry 

tolerances. Slopes would be measured 

when the passenger vessel is in a static 

design condition at full load. This 

section also addresses calculation of 

percentages. 

V105 Referenced Standards 

This section lists standards that are 

referenced in the proposed guidelines 

and where the standards can be 

obtained. The proposed guidelines 

would require U.S. flag vessels 

equipped with a general emergency 

alarm system or smoke alarms in guest 

rooms to provide visible notification 

appliances complying with the NFPA 72 

National Fire Alarm Code in public 

areas and in guest rooms with 

communication features. The proposed 

guidelines also would require passenger 

vessels that provide play areas to 

comply with the ASTM F1292 Standard 

Specification for Impact Attenuation of 

Surface Systems Under and Around 

Play Equipment and ASTM F1951 

Standard Specification for 

Determination of Accessibility of 

Surface Systems Under and Around 

Play Equipment. 


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5The administrative authority is referred to in the 

following sections: V202.3 Exception 3 (alterations); 

V207.1 (accessible means of escape); V302.3 

Exception 2 (openings); V307.4 Exception 2 

(vertical clearance at doorways with coamings); 

V404.2.5 Exception (thresholds and coamings); 

V404.2.7 Exception 1 (door hardware force); 

V404.2.9.1 and V404.2.9.2 Exception (door 

operating force); V503.4 Exception (handrail height 

along walking surfaces); V604.5.2 Exception 2 (grab 

bars at water closets); V703.5.6 Exception 2 

(mounting height for signs); and V802.1.5 

(wheelchair spaces). 

6The advisory committee recommended different 

guidelines for smaller passenger vessels subject to 

U.S. Coast Guard regulations in 46 CFR Chapter I, 

Subchapters C and T. 

7 Gross tonnage is a measure of a passenger 

vessel’s volume. See 46 CFR part 69. 

8Separate scoping provisions are proposed for 

ferries and tenders in V201.1.2 and V201.1.3. 

9New large cruise ships provide many of the 

accessible features that would be required by the 

proposed guidelines, including elevators to connect 

passenger decks; guest rooms with mobility 

features; guest rooms with communication features; 

wheelchair spaces and assistive listening systems in 

assembly areas; and pool lifts. The cruise industry 

is concerned that the proposed scoping provision 

for guest rooms with mobility features would result 

in a loss of guest rooms and revenue. We discuss 

this issue under V224.2 Guest Rooms with Mobility 

Features. 

Earlier drafts of the guidelines 

considered referencing U.S. safety 

standards for power assisted and power 

operated doors, elevators, platform lifts, 

and sprinkler systems. Comments from 

the cruise industry noted that foreign 

flag vessels comply with foreign safety 

standards that may conflict with U.S. 

safety standards. To avoid conflicts, the 

proposed guidelines do not reference 

these U.S. safety standards. 

V106 Definitions 

This section defines terms used in the 

proposed guidelines. The term 

administrative authority is used 

throughout the proposed guidelines and 

is defined in this section.5 For U.S. flag 

vessels, the administrative authority 

would be the U.S. Coast Guard. For 

foreign flag vessels, the administrative 

authority would be the entity designated 

by the foreign nation that adopts or 

enforces regulations and guidelines for 

the design, construction, or alteration of 

passenger vessels. The other defined 

terms are discussed under the section 

where the term is used. Terms not 

defined in the proposed guidelines, 

DOT and DOJ regulations implementing 

the ADA, U.S. Coast Guard regulations, 

or standards referenced in the 

guidelines would be defined by 

collegiate dictionaries. 

Chapter V 2: Scoping Requirements 

Chapter V 2 contains proposed 

scoping provisions that specify the 

passenger vessels to which the proposed 

guidelines would apply and what 

features would be required to comply 

with the proposed technical provisions 

in Chapters V 3 through V 11. 

V201.1 Scope 

The proposed guidelines would apply 

to all areas of newly designed and 

newly constructed passenger vessels 

and altered portions of existing 

passenger vessels with passenger 

capacities described below, unless a 

provision in the guidelines would 

exempt an area or limit the number of 

features that would be required to 

comply with the guidelines where 

multiple features of the same type are 

provided. 

V201.1.1 Large Vessels 

The Passenger Vessel Access 

Advisory Committee recommended 

guidelines for passenger vessels subject 

to U.S. Coast Guard regulations in 46 

CFR Chapter I, Subchapters H and K.6

Subchapter H covers passenger vessels 

that are 100 gross tons or more, and 

carry more than 12 passengers or are a 

ferry and carry at least 1 passenger.7 See 

46 CFR 70.05–1. Subchapter K covers 

passenger vessels that are less than 100 

gross tons, and carry more than 150 

passengers or more than 49 overnight 

passengers. See 46 CFR 114.110. 

Because determining the gross tonnage 

of a passenger vessel is a complicated 

process and many foreign flag vessels 

are not subject to U.S. Coast Guard 

regulations, the 2004 draft guidelines 

considered covering passenger vessels 

based on the Subchapter K passenger 

capacity (i.e., carry more than 150 

passengers or more than 49 overnight 

passengers). Comments on the 2004 

draft guidelines, including comments 

from the Passenger Vessel Association, 

supported this approach. The proposed 

guidelines would apply to passenger 

vessels, other than ferries and tenders, 

permitted to carry more than 150 

passengers or more than 49 overnight 

passengers.8

As shown in Table 2, we estimate 

there were 346 multi-purpose vessels 

such as excursion and dinner vessels 

permitted to carry more than 150 

passengers, and 145 cruise ships 

permitted to carry more than 49 

overnight passengers operating in U.S. 

ports as of 2010–2011. The vessels are 

listed in Appendices I and II to the 

regulatory assessment, along with the 

data sources. 

TABLE 2—MULTI-PURPOSE VESSELS PERMITTED TO CARRY MORE THAN 150 PASSENGERS AND CRUISE SHIPS

PERMITTED TO CARRY MORE THAN 49 OVERNIGHT PASSENGERS OPERATING IN U.S. PORTS AS OF 2010–2011 

Vessel type Number of vessels 

Multi-Purpose Vessels ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 346 

Small Cruise Ships (50 to 299 overnight passengers) ....................................................................................................... 1 32 

Large Cruise Ships (300 or more overnight passengers) ................................................................................................... 2 113 

Notes: 

1Vessels as of 2010. 

2Vessels as of 2011. 

We request comment on this proposed 

scoping provision for large passenger 

vessels. 

Question 3. Should alternative 

scoping provisions apply to large 

passenger vessels? Comments should 

explain the basis for recommending 

alternative scoping provisions for large 

passenger vessels. 

We conducted case studies of two 

multi-purpose vessels and one small 

cruise ship to estimate the incremental 

cost to construct the vessels in 

compliance with the proposed 

guidelines, and the additional annual 

operation and maintenance costs due to 

the proposed guidelines. We did not 

conduct case studies of large cruise 

ships because we could not find cruise 

ship owners or operators to participate 

in case studies.9

We present in Table 3 our estimates 

of the incremental construction costs for 

the case study vessels, which is 

difference between the cost of 

constructing the vessels in the absence 

of the proposed guidelines (preguidelines construction cost) and the 

cost of constructing the vessels in 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 38107 

10U.S. Department of Transportation, Research 

and Innovative Technology Administration, Bureau 

of Transportation Statistics, 2008 National Census 

of Ferry Operators Highlights at: http:// 

apps.bts.gov/programs/ncfo/. 

11Ferries that carry 150 or fewer passengers are 

subject to U.S. Coast Guard regulations in 46 CFR 

Chapter I, Subchapter T. Ferries that carry more 

than 150 passengers or 49 overnight passengers are 

subject to U.S. Coast Guard regulations in 46 CFR 

Chapter I, Subchapter K. 

compliance with the proposed 

guidelines (post-guidelines construction 

cost), as a percent increase in 

construction costs. Our estimates of the 

pre-guidelines construction costs and 

incremental construction costs for the 

case study vessels are presented in 

dollars in the case study reports and in 

Table 7 in the regulatory assessment. 

The construction costs for the case 

study vessels would increase by 3.2 

percent to 9.9 percent. One case study 

vessel has two entry decks and currently 

provides an inclined platform lift to 

connect the two entry decks. The 

inclined platform lift is included in the 

pre-guidelines construction cost. If the 

vessel did not provide an inclined 

platform lift, the construction costs 

would increase by 5.3 percent if an 

inclined lift is provided, and 8.1 percent 

if a vertical platform lift is provided. 

One case study vessel would have a 5 

percent to 10 percent annual increase in 

fuel consumption due to the proposed 

guidelines. 

TABLE 3—ESTIMATED COMPLIANCE COSTS FOR CASE STUDY MULTI-PURPOSE VESSELS AND SMALL CRUISE SHIP

Case study vessels Percent increase in 

construction costs 

Additional annual operation and 

maintenance costs 

300 Passenger Excursion Vessel ...................................................................... 1 3.2% Not significant. 

600 Passenger Dinner Vessel ........................................................................... 9.9% 5% to 10% increase in fuel consumption. 

120 Passenger Small Cruise Ship .................................................................... 3.2% Not significant. 

Note: 

1The vessel has two entry decks and currently provides an inclined platform lift to connect the two entry decks. The inclined platform lift is included in the pre-guidelines construction cost. If the vessel did not provide an inclined platform lift, the construction costs would increase by 5.3% 

if an inclined lift is provided, and 8.1% if a vertical platform lift is provided. 

V201.1.2 Ferries 

A ferry would be defined in V106.5 as 

a vessel that is used on a regular 

schedule to: (1) Provide transportation 

only between places that are not more 

than 300 miles apart; and (2) transport 

only passengers, or vehicles or railroad 

cars used in transporting passengers or 

goods. This definition is based on the 

definition of a ferry in 46 U.S.C. 2101 

(10b). 

Ferries differ from multi-purpose 

vessels and cruise ships that are used 

primarily for leisure purposes. Ferries 

serve a critical transportation function. 

Ferries provide commuter services in 

major metropolitan areas on both coasts, 

and link roadways and communities 

separated by bodies of water. Ferries 

transport people to work, school, health 

care facilities, and other places critical 

to daily living. Because ferries serve a 

critical transportation function, the 2006 

draft guidelines considered covering all 

ferries regardless of passenger capacity. 

Comments from ferry owners and 

operators and the Passenger Vessel 

Association did not support this 

approach because it would be more 

difficult and costly for small ferries to 

comply with the draft guidelines. Based 

on the comments, the 2008 draft 

guidelines considered covering ferries 

permitted to carry more than 99 

passengers. 

Like the 2008 draft guidelines, the 

proposed guidelines would apply to 

ferries permitted to carry more than 99 

passengers. The proposed scoping 

provision for ferries is broader than for 

multi-purpose vessels because ferries 

serve a critical transportation function. 

The 2008 National Census of Ferry 

Operators shows that about 700 active 

ferries provided an estimated 106 

million passenger trips in 2007.10 The 

ferries operated in 37 states and 3 U.S. 

territories. We estimate there were 454 

ferries permitted to carry more than 99 

passengers as of 2010. As shown in 

Table 4, 221 of these ferries are 

permitted to carry between 100 and 150 

passengers, and 130 of these ferries are 

permitted to carry 149 or 150 

passengers.11 The ferries are listed in 

Appendix I to the regulatory 

assessment, along with the data sources. 

Applying the same scoping provision 

proposed for multi-purpose vessels to 

ferries would result in many ferries 

being inaccessible to individuals with 

disabilities. 

TABLE 4—FERRIES PERMITTED TO CARRY BETWEEN 100 AND 150 PASSENGERS AS OF 2010 

Passenger capacity Multi-hull 

ferries 

Mono-hull ferries 

Total Passengers 

only 

Passengers 

and vehicles 

150 ................................................................................................................... 16 27 7 50 

149 ................................................................................................................... 28 21 31 80 

140–148 ........................................................................................................... 4 21 15 40 

130–139 ........................................................................................................... 0 1 5 6 

120–129 ........................................................................................................... 1 3 2 6 

110–119 ........................................................................................................... 2 3 9 14 

100–109 ........................................................................................................... 2 7 6 15 

Total .......................................................................................................... 53 83 75 221 

We request comment on the proposed 

scoping provision for ferries. 

Question 4. Should alternative 

scoping provisions apply to ferries? 

Comments should explain the basis for 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
38108 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

12The U.S. Coast Guard regulations for passenger 

vessels subject to 46 CFR Chapter I, Subchapters K 

and T base the maximum number of passengers 

permitted on the vessels on the length of rail 

criterion, deck area criterion, or fixed seating 

criterion, or a combination of these criteria. See 46 

CFR 115.113 and 176.113. 

13The owners of some of the larger case study 

ferries were not concerned about the loss of some 

fixed seating due to the proposed guidelines. The 

case studies of these ferries do not include a second 

design option. 

recommending alternative scoping 

provisions for ferries. 

We conducted case studies of seven 

ferries to estimate the incremental 

construction costs and additional 

annual operation and maintenance costs 

due to the proposed guidelines. Where 

the proposed guidelines would result in 

a reduction of passenger or vehicle 

capacity or a reduction of passenger 

amenities such as fixed seating or 

storage space provided on the vessel, 

the case studies examined two design 

options.12 The first design option did 

not increase the ferry size; the second 

design option increased the ferry size to 

maintain the passenger and vehicle 

capacity, and the same passenger 

amenities.13 As shown in Table 5, the 

construction costs for the case study 

ferries permitted to carry more than 300 

passengers would increase by 1.2 

percent to 4.2 percent. The construction 

costs for the case study ferries permitted 

to carry 149 to 150 passengers would 

increase by less than 1 percent to 1.8 

percent for the first design option (ferry 

size not increased), and by 6.7 percent 

to 12.5 percent for the second design 

option (ferry size increased). The 

construction costs for the 108 passenger 

multi-hull ferry would increase by 1.1 

percent for the first design option (ferry 

size not increased), and 24.5 percent for 

the second design option (ferry size 

increased). The construction cost 

increase for the 108 passenger multihull ferry is high for the second design 

option because the ferry owner wanted 

to lengthen the ferry by 10 feet based on 

the owner’s experience with a larger 

ferry, instead of the 5 feet minimum 

needed to maintain the ferry’s seating 

and storage capacity. If the 108 

passenger multi-hull ferry is lengthened 

by 5 feet, instead of 10 feet, the 

construction costs would increase by 14 

percent to 17 percent, instead of 24.5 

percent. 

TABLE 5—ESTIMATED COMPLIANCE COSTS FOR CASE STUDY FERRIES

Case study ferry Percent increase in construction costs Additional annual operation and maintenance 

costs 

108 Passenger Multi-Hull Ferry ......................... Design Option 1: Ferry Size Not Increased 

1.1%; 6 to 8 seats and storage lost; Revenue 

loss not estimated.

None. 

Design Option 2: Ferry Size Increased 

24.5%1; No seats or storage lost ..................... 18% increase in fuel consumption. 

149 Passenger Multi-Hull Ferry ......................... Design Option 1: Ferry Size Not Increased 

1.8%; 7 seats lost; Annual revenue loss: 

$134,500.

None. 

Design Option 2: Ferry Size Increased 

12.5%; No seats lost ........................................ 3% to 6.6% increase in fuel consumption. 

150 Passenger & 20 Vehicle Mono-Hull Ferry .. Design Option 1: Ferry Size Not Increased 

Less than 1%; One vehicle space lost; Annual 

revenue loss: $51,000 to $86,000.

None. 

Design Option 2: Ferry Size Increased 

6.7%; No vehicle space lost ............................. Not significant. 

300 Passenger & 40 Vehicle Mono-Hull Ferry .. 3.0%; 2 to 4 seats lost 2 ................................... Not significant. 

399 Passenger Mono-Hull Ferry ....................... 2.2%; 10 seats lost 2 ........................................ None. 

450 Passenger Multi-Hull Ferry ......................... Design Option 1: Ferry Size Not Increased 

1.2%; 42 to 59 seats lost; Revenue loss not 

estimated.

None. 

Design Option 2: Ferry Size Increased 

4.2%; No Seats Lost ........................................ 10% increase in fuel consumption. 

4,400 Passenger & 30 Vehicle Mono-Hull Ferry 1.3%; 50 seats lost 2 ........................................ $1,100 to $1,300 per automatic door. 

Notes: 

1The ferry owner wanted to lengthen the ferry by 10 feet for second design option based on the owner’s experience with a larger ferry, instead 

of the 5 feet minimum needed to maintain the ferry’s seating and storage capacity. If the ferry is lengthened by 5 feet, instead of 10 feet, the 

construction costs would increase by 14% to 17%, instead of 24.5%. The annual increase in fuel consumption would also be less if the ferry is 

lengthened by 5 feet, instead of 10 feet. 2The case study does include a second design option because the ferry owner was not concerned about the loss of some fixed seating. 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 38109 

The proposed provisions for onboard 

accessible routes, toilet rooms, 

wheelchair spaces in transportation 

seating areas, and assistive listening 

systems are estimated to have the 

highest compliance costs for ferries. As 

discussed under V206 Onboard 

Accessible Routes, ten exceptions are 

proposed for onboard accessible routes 

to connect decks, and five of these 

exceptions are proposed to reduce the 

compliance costs for small vessels and 

high-speed vessels. 

Three of the case study ferries would 

have an annual increase in fuel 

consumption due to the proposed 

guidelines under the second design 

option. One case study ferry would have 

additional annual maintenance costs for 

providing automatic doors at doorways 

with coamings and double ramps. 

We may conduct additional case 

studies of ferries permitted to carry 

between 100 and 150 passengers to 

obtain additional information on the 

compliance costs for these ferries. 

Owners and operators of ferries that 

were recently constructed who are 

interested in participating in a case 

study are encouraged to contact us. 

Based on review of the comments and 

any additional case studies, we may 

specify a different passenger capacity in 

the final guidelines for ferries that are 

covered by the guidelines or modify 

some of the provisions that would apply 

to ferries with certain passenger 

capacities. 

Question 5. We request comment on 

the following questions regarding ferries 

permitted to carry between 100 and 150 

passengers: 

(a) Is additional information available 

for estimating the compliance costs for 

these ferries, including incremental 

design, construction, operation and 

maintenance, lost net revenue, and any 

other costs? 

(b) Would owners of these ferries 

reduce the passenger and vehicle 

capacity or reduce any passenger 

amenities such as fixed seating when 

the ferries are replaced due to the 

proposed guidelines, or would owners 

increase the size of the ferries to 

maintain the passenger and vehicle 

capacity, and the same passenger 

amenities? If the passenger and vehicle 

capacity would be reduced or any 

passenger amenities would be reduced, 

we are interested in information to 

estimate the cost of such effects. 

(c) Is there information available or 

methods for estimating the benefits of 

the proposed guidelines for these ferries 

such as number of new trips by 

passengers with disabilities or number 

of trips that would result in improved 

access for passengers with disabilities? 

(d) Would the proposed guidelines 

have any unintended consequences for 

these ferries such as safety or vessel 

stability issues, slower travel times, 

docking issues due to increasing the size 

of the vessels, or inconveniences for 

other passengers such as fewer seats, 

less standing space, or fewer toilet 

rooms? If so, we are interested in 

information to estimate the cost of such 

effects. 

(e) Are there alternative provisions for 

onboard accessible routes, toilet rooms, 

wheelchair spaces in transportation 

seating areas, assistive listening 

systems, or other features addressed by 

the proposed guidelines that would 

reduce the compliance costs for these 

ferries? 

V201.1.3 Tenders 

A tender would be defined in V106.5 

as a vessel primarily intended for 

transporting passengers for nonemergency purposes between passenger 

vessels and shore-side facilities. 

Because it would be difficult for 

inflatable tenders to comply with the 

proposed guidelines and inflatable 

tenders do not carry more than 59 

passengers, the proposed guidelines 

would apply to tenders permitted to 

carry more than 59 passengers. The 

proposed guidelines would require 

tenders to comply only with the 

proposed provisions in Chapters V 1 

and V 11 because of the limited 

passenger amenities on tenders. Existing 

tenders that are not altered, including 

those that serve newly constructed 

vessels, would not be required to 

comply with the proposed guidelines. 

We request comment on the proposed 

scoping provision for tenders. 

We do not have data on the number 

of existing tenders that carry more than 

59 passengers. We did not conduct a 

case study of a tender because the 

proposed provisions for tenders in 

Chapters V 1 and V 11 are minimal and 

new tenders met the provisions. 

V202 Existing Passenger Vessels 

When additions or alterations are 

made to existing passenger vessels, this 

section would require the additions or 

alterations to comply with the proposed 

provisions for new construction. An 

addition would be defined in V106.5 as 

an expansion, extension, or increase in 

the gross deck area of a passenger 

vessel. An alteration would be defined 

in V106.5 as a change to a passenger 

vessel that affects or could affect the 

usability of the passenger vessel or 

portion thereof. Alterations would 

include, but are not limited to, 

remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, 

reconstruction, historic restoration, 

changes or rearrangement of the 

structural parts or elements, and 

changes or rearrangement in the plan 

configuration of bulkheads and 

partitions. The definition would 

exclude normal maintenance, painting 

or wallpapering, or changes to 

propulsion, mechanical, and electrical 

systems unless they affect the usability 

of the passenger vessel. 

Only the portions of a passenger 

vessel that are altered would be required 

to comply with the proposed provisions 

for new construction. For example, if a 

toilet room on a passenger vessel is 

altered, the altered portions of the toilet 

room would be required to comply with 

the applicable proposed provisions for 

new construction. Earlier drafts of the 

proposed guidelines included a 

provision that would have required a 

path of travel to altered areas containing 

a primary function. This provision is 

not included in the proposed guidelines 

because the DOJ regulations require a 

path of travel to altered areas containing 

a primary function. See 28 CFR 

35.151(b) and 36.403. 

Three general exceptions are 

proposed in this section for alterations 

to existing passenger vessels. Exception 

1 would not require an onboard 

accessible route where elements or 

spaces are altered but the circulation 

path to the altered elements or spaces is 

not altered. 

Exception 2 would require alterations 

to comply with the proposed guidelines 

to the maximum extent feasible where 

compliance is technically infeasible. 

Technically infeasible would be defined 

in V106.5 with respect to an alteration 

as something that has little likelihood of 

being accomplished because existing 

structural conditions would require 

removing or altering an essential 

structural member; or because other 

existing physical or vessel constraints 

prohibit modification or addition of 

elements, spaces, or features that are in 

full and strict compliance with the 

guidelines. 

Exception 3 would require alterations 

to provide accessibility to the maximum 

extent feasible where compliance with 

the proposed guidelines would result in 

any of the following: 

• An increase in tonnage that changes 

the passenger vessel’s classification 

from 46 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter T 

(Small Passenger Vessels (Under 100 

Gross Tons)) or 46 CFR Chapter I, 

Subchapter K (Small Passenger Vessels 

Carrying More Than 150 Passengers or 

With Overnight Accommodations For 

More Than 49 Passengers) to 46 CFR 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
38110 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

14U.S. Coast Guard regulations in 46 CFR Chapter 

I, Subchapter H have different requirements for 

vessels than the regulations in 46 CFR Chapter I, 

Subchapters T and K. 

Chapter I, Subchapter H (Passenger 

Vessels); 14

• A violation of the minimum 

requirements established by the 

administrative authority for the stability 

of the vessel; 

• A reduction in the structural 

integrity or fire resistance of a Class A 

or B bulkhead or deck surface; or 

• An increase in power load in excess 

of the existing power supply. 

Specific exceptions are also proposed 

in certain proposed provisions for 

alterations to existing passenger vessels, 

including: 

• Platform lifts would be permitted as 

a component of onboard accessible 

routes in alterations to existing 

passenger vessels. V206.7 Exception. 

• An accessible means of escape 

would not be required in alterations to 

existing passenger vessels. V207.1 

Exception 2. 

• A unisex toilet room would be 

permitted in alterations to existing 

passenger vessels where it is technically 

infeasible for existing toilet rooms to 

comply with the proposed guidelines 

provided the unisex toilet room is 

located in the same area and on the 

same deck as the existing noncomplying toilet rooms. V213.2 

Exception 2. 

• Visible alarms in public areas 

would not be required in alterations to 

existing passenger vessels unless an 

existing alarm system is upgraded or 

replaced, or a new alarm system 

installed. V215.1 Exception 2. 

• Thresholds 3⁄4 inch high maximum 

would be permitted at doorways 

without coamings in alterations to 

existing passenger vessels provided the 

thresholds have a beveled edge on each 

side with a slope not steeper than 1:2. 

V404.2.5.1 Exception. 

• Running slopes not steeper than 1:8 

for a maximum rise of 3 inches and not 

steeper than 1:10 for a maximum rise of 

6 inches would be permitted in 

alterations to existing passenger vessels 

where necessary due to space 

limitations. V405.2 Exception. 

• Elevator cars in altered elevators 

would not be required to comply with 

the proposed provision for car 

dimensions where the existing elevator 

car configuration provides a clear deck 

area 16 square feet minimum; an inside 

clear depth of 54 inches minimum; and 

an inside clear depth 36 inches 

minimum. V407.4.1 Exception. 

• Alternative dimensions are 

proposed for sales and service counters 

in alterations to existing passenger 

vessels where compliance with the 

proposed provisions would result in a 

reduction of the number of existing 

counters at work stations. V904.4 

Exception. 

Where the State Historic Preservation 

Officer or Advisory Council on Historic 

Preservation determines that 

compliance with the proposed 

provisions for onboard accessible routes 

or toilet rooms would threaten or 

destroy the historic significance of a 

qualified historic passenger vessel, 

exceptions are proposed for those 

features in V206.2.1 Exception 10 and 

V213.2 Exception 2. 

We request comment on the proposed 

exceptions for alterations to existing 

passenger. 

Question 6. Should additional 

exceptions be provided for alterations to 

existing passenger vessels? Comments 

should explain the basis for 

recommending additional exceptions. 

We requested comment on the types 

and frequency of alterations to existing 

passenger vessels in earlier drafts of the 

guidelines. The Cruise Lines 

International Association (formerly 

International Council of Cruise Lines) 

responded that when a new deck or 

mid-section is added to an existing 

cruise ship, it may not always be 

feasible for existing circulation paths on 

the vessel to comply with the proposed 

provisions for onboard accessible 

routes. The proposed guidelines would 

not require existing circulation paths 

that are not otherwise altered to comply 

with the proposed provisions for 

onboard accessible routes when a new 

deck or mid-section is added to a cruise 

ship. 

Question 7. How many new decks or 

mid-sections are added to cruise ships 

in a year? What features in the new 

decks or mid-sections would need to 

comply with the proposed guidelines? 

Comments should include information 

to estimate the compliance costs. 

Individual passenger vessel owners 

and operators responded that alterations 

generally involve installing new motors 

and pumps; redecorating toilet rooms; 

and changing chairs and equipment 

such as the beverage dispenser and dish 

washing machine on a dinner vessel. 

The Passenger Vessel Association 

responded that passenger vessels 

generally do not undergo major 

alterations if there is no change in 

ownership because it would trigger a 

need to comply with subsequently 

developed U.S. Coast Guard regulations. 

According to the Passenger Vessels 

Association, small cosmetic changes are 

made when a passenger vessel is 

transferred to a new owner in similar 

service. Small cosmetic changes 

generally would not trigger a need to 

comply with the proposed guidelines. 

The Passenger Vessel Association noted 

that if a passenger vessel changes 

service, more extensive changes may be 

undertaken. For example, if an 

excursion vessel changes service to a 

dinner vessel, a galley would be added, 

passenger space lay outs would be 

changed, bulkheads may be moved, and 

stairways may be added or relocated. 

Question 8. How many passenger 

vessels change service in a year? What 

altered features would need to comply 

with the proposed guidelines when 

passenger vessels change service? 

Comments should include information 

to estimate the compliance costs. 

Question 9. In addition to adding new 

decks and mid-sections to cruise ships 

and undertaking alterations when 

passenger vessels change service, what 

other alterations are undertaken to 

existing passenger vessels that would 

need to comply with the proposed 

guidelines? How often are these 

alterations undertaken? We are 

interested in information to estimate the 

compliance costs. 

V203 General Exceptions 

This section proposes to exempt the 

following from the proposed guidelines: 

areas and features intended for use by 

employees only; limited access spaces; 

water slides; raised diving boards; 

certain diving and swimming platforms; 

raised boxing and wrestling rings; and 

furnishings that are not fixed to the 

vessel. Where necessary to meet camber 

and sheer needs of the passenger vessel, 

running slopes and cross slopes would 

be required to meet the applicable 

technical provisions to the maximum 

extent feasible. 

V204 Protruding Objects 

Protruding objects along circulation 

paths, including objects mounted on 

wall surfaces and posts, are hazardous 

to passengers who are blind or have low 

vision. This section would require 

protruding objects on circulation paths 

to comply with the proposed technical 

provisions for protruding objects in 

V307, including protrusion limits 

(V307.2); required clear width (V307.3); 

and vertical clearance (V307.4). U.S. 

Coast Guard regulations for passenger 

vessels subject to 46 CFR Chapter I, 

Subchapters H and K require stairways 

and stair towers to be clear of all 

obstructions other than handrails. See 

46 CFR 72.05–20 and 116.438(e). This 

section would require stairways and 

stair towers that are required to comply 

with these U.S. Coast Guard regulations 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 38111 

15ASME 17.1–2010 Safety Code for Elevators and 

Escalators, section 5.2.1.16.5. 

16ASME 17.1–2010 Safety Code for Elevators and 

Escalators, section 5.2.1.16.5. 

to be clear of all obstructions other than 

handrails to avoid conflicts. 

The section would not apply to 

circulation paths used only by 

employees since V203.2 would not 

require employee areas to comply with 

the proposed guidelines. Two 

exceptions are proposed. Exception 1 

would exempt circulation paths within 

areas of sport activity. Exception 2 

would exempt certain circulation paths 

within play areas. 

V205 Operable Parts 

An operable part would be defined in 

V106.5 as a component of an element 

used to insert or withdraw objects, or to 

activate, deactivate, or adjust the 

element. This section would require 

operable parts on accessible elements, 

on onboard accessible routes, and in 

accessible rooms and spaces to meet the 

proposed technical provisions in V309, 

including clear deck space (V309.2); 

height (V309.3); and operation (V309.4). 

Exceptions are proposed for operable 

parts used only by employees, certain 

electrical or communication receptacles, 

HVAC diffusers, redundant controls 

other than light switches, and exercise 

machines. 

V206 Onboard Accessible Routes 

This section contains proposed 

scoping provisions for onboard 

accessible routes, which are discussed 

below. 

Onboard Accessible Routes To Connect 

Passenger Decks 

The proposed scoping provision in 

V206.2.1 would require at least one 

onboard accessible route to connect 

each passenger deck and mezzanine on 

multi-deck passenger vessels. Where a 

passenger vessel has more than one 

entry deck, the section would require at 

least one onboard accessible route to 

connect each entry deck. A deck would 

be defined in V106.5 as a horizontal 

division of a passenger vessel that 

contains space designed for passenger 

occupancy and generally corresponds to 

a story in a building. A horizontal 

division without enclosed space, such 

as a sun deck, would be considered a 

deck even though it is not provided 

with a covering. An entry deck would 

be defined in V106.5 as a deck that 

contains passenger entry and departure 

points that allow pedestrian passengers 

to embark or disembark a passenger 

vessel from fixed or floating piers, the 

land, or tenders in non-emergency 

situations. 

The proposed scoping provision in 

V206.6 would require an elevator 

complying with the proposed technical 

provisions in V407 to connect the 

passenger decks. The proposed scoping 

provision in V206.6 would permit a 

limited use-limited application elevator 

(LULA) complying with the proposed 

technical provisions in V408 to connect 

passenger decks on certain passenger 

vessels. A LULA is a passenger elevator 

that is limited in use and application by 

size, capacity, speed, and rise. Safety 

codes limit the maximum rise of a 

LULA to 25 feet.15 A LULA can be used 

to connect up to three decks. The 

Passenger Vessel Access Advisory 

Committee recommended that a LULA 

be permitted to connect decks on 

passenger vessels that are less than 

5,000 gross tonnage calculated in 

accordance with the International 

Convention on the Tonnage 

Measurement of Ships. The Passenger 

Vessel Access Advisory Committee also 

recommended that where more than one 

elevator is provided on passenger 

vessels that are less than 10,000 gross 

tonnage calculated in accordance with 

the International Convention on the 

Tonnage Measurement of Ships, that the 

additional elevators be permitted to be 

a LULA. The proposed guidelines 

would permit a LULA to connect decks 

on passenger vessels that are less than 

10,000 gross tonnage calculated in 

accordance with the International 

Convention on the Tonnage 

Measurement of Ships. We assume 85 

passenger vessels listed in Appendix I 

to the regulatory assessment, which 

have 3 passenger decks and are not 

eligible to use the exceptions discussed 

below, are less than 10,000 gross 

tonnage calculated in accordance with 

the International Convention on the 

Tonnage Measurement of Ships, and 

new vessels that replace these vessels 

would be permitted to provide a LULA 

to connect the decks. We also assume 12 

passenger vessels listed in Appendix I 

to the regulatory assessment, which 

have 2 passenger decks and would need 

to provide access to passenger amenities 

that are not located on an entry deck 

such as transportation seating areas on 

a vehicle ferry, are less than 10,000 

gross tonnage calculated in accordance 

with the International Convention on 

the Tonnage Measurement of Ships, and 

new vessels that replace these vessels 

would be permitted to provide a LULA 

to connect the decks. 

Question 10. Are any of the vessels 

listed in Appendix I to the regulatory 

assessment that we assume to be less 

than 10,000 gross tonnage calculated in 

accordance with the International 

Convention on the Tonnage 

Measurement of Ships and would be 

permitted to provide a LULA to connect 

decks actually 10,000 or more gross 

tonnage? 

Question 11. Should criterion other 

than gross tonnage be used to determine 

when passenger vessels would be 

permitted to provide a LULA to connect 

decks? 

The proposed scoping provision in 

V206.6 also would permit a LULA to be 

provided in passenger vessels eligible to 

use the exceptions discussed below, and 

where a platform lift is permitted. 

The proposed scoping provision in 

V206.7 would permit platform lifts 

complying with the proposed technical 

provisions in V409 to connect decks 

that are less than 3,000 square feet. 

Safety codes limit the maximum rise of 

a platform lift to 14 feet.16 The proposed 

scoping provision in V206.7 also would 

permit platform lifts to connect to decks 

where vertical clearance constraints on 

a passenger vessel route make use of an 

elevator infeasible. 

Exceptions for Onboard Accessible 

Routes To Connect Decks 

Ten exceptions are proposed in 

V206.2.1 for onboard accessible routes 

to connect decks. Exceptions 1, 2, and 

3 would reduce the compliance costs for 

small passenger vessels. Exception 1 

would not require an onboard accessible 

route to connect the decks on passenger 

vessels that have only two passenger 

decks unless both decks are entry decks. 

Exception 2 would not require an 

onboard accessible route to connect 

decks that are not entry decks where 

each passenger deck is less than 3,000 

square feet. Exception 3 would not 

require an onboard accessible route to 

connect decks where a passenger vessel 

that is otherwise eligible to use 

Exceptions 1 or 2 has more than one 

entry deck and at least one designated 

entry deck: (1) Serves each stop used for 

embarking and disembarking 

passengers; and (2) contains drinking 

fountains, toilet rooms, transportation 

seating areas, and guest rooms with 

mobility features, where such amenities 

are provided on the vessel. 

Exceptions 4 and 5 would reduce the 

compliance costs for high-speed 

passenger vessels that cannot use 

Exceptions 1, 2, or 3. Increasing the 

weight and size of high-speed passenger 

vessels has a significant impact on the 

fuel consumption on these vessels. A 

case study of a high-speed passenger 

only ferry with two entry decks showed 

that adding a platform lift to connect the 

decks on the vessel and providing other 

accessible features would result in 


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lengthening the vessel by 4 feet and 

increase the vessel’s fuel consumption 

by 10 percent. The additional fuel costs 

could inhibit future construction of 

such vessels. 

Exception 4 would not require an 

onboard accessible route to connect 

decks on high-speed passenger vessels 

that have only three passenger decks 

and do not transport vehicles or 

overnight passengers provided that at 

least one designated entry deck: (1) 

Serves each stop used for embarking 

and disembarking passengers; (2) 

contains drinking fountains, toilet 

rooms, transportation seating areas, and 

guest rooms with mobility features, 

where such amenities are provided on 

the vessel; and (3) contains at least one 

exterior passenger area that is not 

covered by other decks, where an 

uncovered exterior passenger area is 

provided on the vessel. Exception 4 

would require access to certain 

passenger amenities on the designated 

entry deck similar to Exception 3 for 

small passenger vessels. Because highspeed passenger vessels eligible to use 

Exception 4 are typically larger than 

vessels eligible to use Exception 3, 

Exception 4 also would require the 

designated entry deck to contain at least 

one exterior passenger area that is not 

covered by other decks, where an 

uncovered exterior passenger area is 

provided on the vessel. Where 

windscreens are provided, this area 

could be located on the bow of the 

vessel. 

Exception 5 would not require an 

onboard accessible route to connect to 

the sun deck on a high-speed passenger 

vessel that does not transport overnight 

passengers where the sun deck has no 

enclosed passenger spaces and is not an 

entry deck provided that at least one 

exterior passenger area that is not 

covered by other decks is provided on 

an entry deck or a deck connected to an 

entry deck by an onboard accessible 

route. High-speed vehicle ferries and 

high-speed passenger only ferries with 

two entry decks that serve different 

stops used for embarking and 

disembarking passengers that are not 

eligible to use Exception 4 can use 

Exception 5 for a sun deck. 

Exceptions 6 and 7 would reduce the 

compliance costs for vehicle ferries that 

are designed to accommodate vehicles 

with high clearances. Where a passenger 

deck, other than an entry deck, is 

divided into two separate segments and 

no horizontal circulation path is 

provided between the two segments, 

Exception 6 would require an onboard 

accessible route to connect to only one 

segment of the divided deck. Where 

decks containing vehicle parking lanes 

are designed to be raised and lowered 

and do not provide any other passenger 

amenities, Exception 7 would not 

require an onboard accessible route to 

connect to such decks. Although 

adjustable decks would be exempt from 

being connected to onboard accessible 

routes, they would count as a passenger 

deck for purposes of determining the 

number of passenger decks the vessel 

contains. 

Exception 8 would not require an 

onboard accessible route to connect to 

decks, other than entry decks, that are 

less than 300 square feet. 

Exception 9 would not require an 

onboard accessible route to connect to 

decks below the bulkhead deck. This 

exception addresses concerns about 

down flooding and onboard accessible 

routes between main vertical zones. 

Passenger spaces typically are not 

located below the bulkhead deck, and 

other provisions ensure that passenger 

amenities such as toilet rooms and guest 

rooms with mobility features are located 

on decks that are connected to an 

onboard accessible route. 

Exception 10 would apply to 

alterations to qualified historic 

passenger vessels and would not require 

an onboard accessible route to connect 

the decks on such vessels where the 

State Historic Preservation Officer or 

Advisory Council on Historic 

Preservation determines that 

compliance with the provisions for 

onboard accessible routes would 

threaten or destroy the historic 

significance of a qualified historic 

passenger vessel. 

We reviewed data on 696 ferries, 

multi-purpose vessels, and small cruise 

ships that are expected to reach the end 

of their expected service over a 20 year 

period and are assumed to be replaced 

by new vessels in the regulatory 

assessment. The data is summarized in 

Table 9 of the regulatory assessment. We 

estimate 124 of the new vessels (18%) 

would be required to provide an 

elevator, LULA, or platform lift to 

connect decks, and the proposed 

exceptions would apply to 431 of the 

new vessels (62%). We estimate 62 

vessels (9%) currently provide an 

elevator, LULA, or platform lift, and 

assume the new vessels that replace 

these vessels would also provide an 

elevator, LULA, or platform lift in the 

absence of the proposed guidelines. 

Eleven of these vessels are small cruise 

ships that would be required to provide 

larger elevators on the new vessels. We 

estimate the other 79 vessels (11%) have 

only one passenger deck, and assume 

the new vessels that replace these 

vessels would not need an elevator, 

LULA, or platform lift. In addition, we 

estimate 23 small cruise ships would be 

required to provide a platform lift to 

connect to a tender boarding platform at 

the stern of the new vessels. 

We request comment on the proposed 

exceptions. 

Question 12. Would providing an 

elevator, LULA, or platform lift on 

passenger vessels not eligible to use the 

proposed exceptions adversely affect the 

safety or stability of the vessel? 

Question 13. Should additional 

exceptions be provided for onboard 

accessible routes to connect decks? 

Comments should explain the basis for 

recommending additional exceptions. 

Elements and Spaces on Decks That Are 

Not Connected to an Entry Deck by an 

Onboard Accessible Route 

The proposed scoping provision in 

V201.1 would require all areas on newly 

designed and newly constructed 

passenger vessels to comply with the 

proposed guidelines. Thus, elements 

and spaces provided on passenger decks 

that are not connected to an entry deck 

by an onboard accessible route would be 

required to comply with the proposed 

guidelines. The proposed scoping 

provision is based on the guidelines for 

landside facilities. Future additions to 

landside facilities can result in 

providing an accessible route to stories 

that were not required to be connected 

by an accessible route when the facility 

was first constructed. The Passenger 

Vessel Association noted in comments 

on earlier drafts of the guidelines that 

future additions to existing passenger 

vessels are rare. To reduce the 

compliance costs, we are considering an 

alternative provision for the final 

guidelines that would require elements 

and spaces provided on passenger decks 

that are not connected to an entry deck 

by an onboard accessible route to 

comply only with provisions that meet 

the needs of individuals with mobility 

disabilities who can use stairs and 

individuals with hearing and vision 

disabilities. This would include the 

provisions for protruding objects (V204), 

operable parts (V205), general 

emergency alarms (V215), signage 

(V216), and assistive listening systems 

(V219). We request comment on this 

alternative provision. 

Question 14. In addition to the 

provisions indicated above, what other 

provisions should apply to elements 

and spaces provided on passenger decks 

that are not connected by an onboard 

accessible route to an entry deck to meet 

the needs of individuals with mobility 

disabilities who can use stairs and 

individuals with hearing and vision 

disabilities? 


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Onboard Accessible Routes Within 

Decks 

The proposed scoping provisions in 

V206.2.2 through V206.2.9 would 

require at least one onboard accessible 

route complying with the proposed 

technical provisions in Chapter V 4 to 

connect to the following: Accessible 

spaces and elements; dining areas; 

performance areas and assembly seating 

areas; and certain recreation facilities. 

Location 

The proposed scoping provision in 

V206.3 would require onboard 

accessible routes to coincide with or be 

located in the same area as general 

passenger circulation paths. Where two 

interior accessible spaces are connected 

by an interior passenger circulation 

path, an interior onboard accessible 

route would be required to connect the 

same spaces. The interior onboard 

accessible route would be required to be 

not more than 300 feet longer than the 

shortest interior passenger circulation 

path connecting the two spaces. An 

exception is proposed that would 

exempt smaller passenger vessels where 

the largest deck is less than 3,000 square 

feet. 

The Passenger Vessel Access 

Advisory Committee recommended the 

300 feet distance. The 300 feet distance 

is about twice the distance between 

main vertical zones required by the U.S. 

Coast Guard. See 46 CFR 116.415(d). We 

request comment on the 300 feet 

distance. 

Entry and Departure Points 

The proposed scoping provision in 

V206.4 would require each passenger 

entry and departure point on a 

passenger vessel to be to on an onboard 

accessible route. Where multiple tender 

boarding platforms are provided, only 

one platform on each side of the vessel 

would be required to be on an onboard 

accessible route. 

Doors, Doorways, and Gates 

The proposed scoping provision in 

V206.5 would require at least one door, 

doorway, or gate provided at accessible 

deck entry and departure points, and at 

least one door, doorway, or gate serving 

each accessible room or space to comply 

with the proposed technical provisions 

for doors, doorways, and gates in V404. 

Elevators 

The proposed scoping provision for 

elevators in V206.5 is discussed under 

Onboard Accessible Routes to Connect 

Passenger Decks. 

Platform Lifts 

The proposed scoping provision for 

platform lifts in V206.7 is discussed 

under Onboard Accessible Routes to 

Connect Passenger Decks. In addition, 

platform lifts would be permitted to be 

a component of an onboard accessible 

route in alterations to existing passenger 

vessels. Platform lifts also would be 

permitted to provide an onboard 

accessible route to wheelchair spaces in 

assembly areas; performance areas and 

speakers’ platforms; levels within 

passenger guest rooms with mobility 

features; tender boarding platforms; and 

play components within play areas or 

soft contained play structures. 

Security Barriers 

The proposed scoping provision in 

V206.8 would require security barriers 

to not obstruct onboard accessible 

routes or accessible means of escape. 

Where security barriers incorporate 

screening devices such as metal 

detectors or fluoroscopes that cannot 

comply with the proposed provision, an 

exception is proposed that would 

permit the onboard accessible route to 

be located adjacent to the security 

barrier. The onboard accessible route 

would have to permit passengers with 

disabilities to maintain visual contact 

with their personal items to the same 

extent provided to other passengers 

passing through the security barrier. 

V207 Accessible Means of Escape 

This section would require a 

passenger vessel to provide an 

accessible means of escape where the 

administrative authority requires the 

vessel to have a means of escape. The 

section would require the accessible 

means of escape to provide a 

substantially equivalent level of 

protection from hazards as is required 

by the administrative authority for the 

means of escape. An accessible means of 

escape would not be required in 

alterations to existing vessels. 

We propose the following guidance 

for providing accessible means of 

escape. Accessible means of escape 

should be independently usable by 

passengers with disabilities and should 

be made up of onboard accessible route 

components to the extent possible. 

However, an accessible means of escape 

may include inaccessible components 

where passengers with disabilities 

would be assisted by crew members. For 

example, a stairway or an exit only 

doorway with coamings may be part of 

an accessible means of escape. If 

passengers with disabilities would have 

to wait for crew assistance at or near the 

stairway or doorway, the waiting area 

should be sufficiently protected from 

hazards in order to provide them a level 

of protection that is substantially 

equivalent to the level of protection 

afforded by the means of escape 

provided for passengers who can use 

stairs unassisted. Similarly, elevators 

and platform lifts may require crew 

operation during emergencies. If 

passengers with disabilities would have 

to wait at or near elevator or platform 

lift landings, the waiting area should 

afford them substantially equivalent 

protection. Protected waiting areas 

would not be needed where another 

equivalent method of protection is 

provided, such as where passenger 

vessels are protected by automatic 

sprinkler systems or areas are open to 

the weather. 

Protected waiting areas should be 

sized to accommodate clear deck spaces 

complying with the proposed technical 

provisions in V305 based on the 

occupant load of all accessible spaces to 

be served by the protected waiting area. 

Protected waiting areas should be 

equipped with an audible and visible 

two-way communication system for 

summoning crew assistance. Doors to 

protected waiting areas should be 

identified by a sign stating ‘‘Protected 

Waiting Area’’ that includes the 

International Symbol of Accessibility. 

Signs should be provided in the 

protected waiting area that provide 

information on their use during 

emergencies and directions to other 

accessible means of escape. 

V208 Passenger Vessel Boarding 

Systems 

This section defers to DOT and DOJ 

to address when accessible passenger 

boarding systems would be required 

since passenger boarding systems can be 

provided at landside facilities and 

involve operational issues between the 

owner or operator of the landside 

facility and the passenger vessel owner 

or operator that DOT and DOJ are 

authorized to address. 

Technical provisions for accessible 

passenger boarding systems are 

proposed in Chapter V 4, including 

walking surfaces with a running slope 

not steeper than 1:20 complying with 

the proposed technical provisions in 

V403; doors and doorways complying 

with the proposed technical provisions 

in V404; ramps complying with the 

proposed technical provisions in V405; 

elevators complying with the proposed 

technical provisions in V407; limited 

use-limited application elevators 

(LULA) complying with the proposed 

technical provisions in V408; platform 

lifts complying with the proposed 

technical provisions in V409; gangways 


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17Rinsing showers with transfer type, standard 

roll-in type, or alternate roll-in type shower 

compartments would be required to comply with 

the proposed technical provisions for size and 

clearances for shower compartments (V608.2); grab 

bars (V608.3); and seats (V608.4). 

18Only toilet rooms and bathrooms in passenger 

guest rooms required to provide mobility features 

would be required to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions in V603. 

complying with the proposed technical 

provisions in V410; and manually 

powered boarding lifts complying with 

the proposed technical provisions in 

V411. 

V209 [Reserved] 

Earlier drafts of the guidelines 

included a scoping provision for stairs 

in V209. The proposed guidelines do 

not include a scoping provision for 

stairs. The sections will be renumbered 

in the final guidelines. 

V210 Rinsing Showers 

This section would apply where 

rinsing showers are provided for 

passengers. It does not require rinsing 

showers to be provided. The section 

would require rinsing showers to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions for rinsing showers in V608, 

including clear deck space (V608.2.4); 

shower spray unit and water (V608.6); 

thresholds (V608.7); and enclosures not 

obstructing controls (V608.8).17 Where 

rinsing showers are clustered at a single 

location, the section would require at 

least one of the rinsing showers to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions for rinsing showers in V608. 

V211 Drinking Fountains 

This section would apply where 

drinking fountains are provided for 

passengers. It does not require drinking 

fountains to be provided. The section 

would require a minimum number (one 

or 50 percent of the total number) of 

drinking fountains provided on a deck 

to comply with the proposed technical 

provisions in V602 for clear deck space 

(V602.2); operable parts (V602.3); spout 

height and location (V602.4 and 

V602.5); and water flow (V602.6). The 

section also would require a minimum 

number (one or 50 percent of the total 

number) of drinking fountains provided 

on a deck to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions in V602 for 

standing persons (V602.7). 

Where drinking fountains are 

provided for passengers on decks that 

are not connected by an onboard 

accessible route to an entry deck, the 

section would require drinking 

fountains complying with the proposed 

technical provisions in V602 to be 

provided on an entry deck or on a deck 

connected to an entry deck by an 

onboard accessible route. This would 

ensure that the two types of drinking 

fountain are available to passengers 

with disabilities who cannot use stairs. 

V212 Galleys, Pantries, and Sinks 

This section would apply where 

galleys, pantries, and sinks are provided 

for passengers. It does not require these 

features to be provided. The section 

would require galleys and pantries to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions in V804 for clearance 

(V804.2); sinks (V804.3); storage 

(V804.4); and appliances (V804.5). 

Where sinks are provided, the section 

would require at least 5 percent, but no 

fewer than one, of each type of sink 

provided in an accessible room or space 

to comply with proposed technical 

provisions in V606, including clear deck 

space (V606.2); height (V606.3); faucets 

(V606.4); and exposed pipes and 

surfaces (V606.5). Mop or service sinks 

would not be required to comply with 

this section. 

V213 Toilet Facilities and Bathing 

Facilities 

This section would apply where toilet 

facilities and bathing facilities are 

provided for passengers. It does not 

require these facilities to be provided. 

The section would require each toilet 

room and bathing room to comply with 

the proposed technical provisions in 

V603, including clearances (V603.2); 

mirrors (V603.3); and coat hooks and 

shelves (V603.4).18

Five exceptions are proposed. 

Exception 1 would apply to alterations 

of existing passenger vessels. Where it is 

technically infeasible to comply with 

the proposed technical provisions in 

V603, existing toilet rooms and bathing 

rooms would be required to comply to 

the maximum extent feasible, or to 

provide an unisex toilet room or bathing 

room complying with the proposed 

technical provisions in V603 in the 

same area and on the same deck as the 

existing non-complying toilet room or 

bathing room. 

Exception 2 would apply to 

alterations to qualified historic 

passenger vessels and would require no 

fewer than one toilet room for each sex 

or one unisex toilet room complying 

with the proposed technical provisions 

in V603 to be provided on the vessel 

where the State Historic Preservation 

Officer or Advisory Council on Historic 

Preservation determines that 

compliance with the proposed 

provisions for toilet rooms would 

threaten or destroy the historic 

significance of a qualified historic 

passenger vessel. 

Exception 3 would apply where 

multiple single user portable toilet or 

bathing units are clustered at a single 

location. At least 5 percent of the toilet 

units and bathing units at each cluster 

would be required to comply with the 

proposed technical provisions in V603. 

Exception 4 would apply where 

multiple single user toilet rooms are 

clustered at a single location. At least 50 

percent of the of the single user toilet 

rooms for each use at each cluster 

would be required to comply with the 

proposed technical provisions in V603. 

Exception 5 would apply to highspeed passenger vessels that do not 

transport overnight passengers. Where 

multiple single user toilet rooms are 

clustered at a single location on such 

vessels, at least 5 percent of the single 

user toilet rooms for each use at each 

cluster would be required to comply 

with the proposed technical provisions 

in V603. This exception would reduce 

compliance costs for high-speed 

passenger vessels where weight and 

vessel size have a significant impact on 

the vessel’s fuel consumption. 

We request comment on the proposed 

exceptions. 

Question 15. Should additional 

exceptions be provided for toilet rooms? 

Comments should explain the basis for 

recommending additional exceptions. 

Where toilet rooms are provided for 

passengers on decks that are not 

connected by an onboard accessible 

route to an entry deck, the section 

would require at least one toilet room 

for each sex or one unisex toilet room 

complying with the proposed technical 

provisions in V603 to be provided on an 

entry deck or on a deck connected to an 

entry deck by an onboard accessible 

route. This would ensure that a toilet 

room is available to passengers with 

disabilities who cannot use stairs. 

The section would require unisex 

toilet rooms to contain one lavatory and 

either one water closet or one water 

closet and one urinal; and unisex 

bathing rooms to contain one lavatory, 

one water closet, and either one shower 

or one bathtub. Doors to unisex toilet 

rooms and unisex bathing rooms would 

be required to have privacy latches. 

The section would require plumbing 

fixtures and accessories provided in 

toilet rooms and bathing rooms 

complying with V603 to comply with 

the following proposed technical 

provisions: 

• At least one toilet compartment 

(stall) would be required to comply with 

the proposed technical provisions for 

wheelchair accessible compartments in 

V604.8.1. Where six or more toilet 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 38115 

19 International Maritime Organization, 

Guidelines for the Design and Installation of a 

Visible Element to the General Emergency Alarm 

System on Passenger Ships, MSC.1/Circ.1418, June 

13, 2012 at: http://www.imo.org/OurWork/ 

Circulars/Pages/IMODOCS.aspx. 

compartments are provided, or where 

the combination of urinals and water 

closets totals six or more fixtures, at 

least one toilet compartment would be 

required to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions for ambulatory 

accessible compartments in V604.8.2. 

The ambulatory accessible compartment 

would be in addition to the wheelchair 

accessible compartment. 

• At least one water closet would be 

required to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions for water closets in 

V604. 

• Where more than one urinal is 

provided, at least one urinal would be 

required to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions for urinals in V605. 

• At least one lavatory would be 

required to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions for lavatories in 

V606 and would not be allowed to be 

located in a toilet compartment. 

• At least one mirror would be 

required to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions for mirrors in 

V603.3. 

• At least one bathtub would be 

required to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions for bathtubs in 

V607, or at least one shower would be 

required to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions for showers in 

V608. 

• At least one of each type of coat 

hook and shelf would be required to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions for coat hooks and shelves in 

V603.4. 

V214 Washing Machines and Clothes 

Dryers 

This section would apply where 

washing machines and clothes dryers 

are provided for passenger use. Where 

three or fewer washing machines and 

three or fewer clothes dryers are 

provided, at least one washing machine 

and one clothes dryer would be required 

to comply with the proposed technical 

provisions in V611, including clear deck 

space (V611.2); operable parts (V611.3); 

and height (V611.4). Where more than 

three washing machines and more than 

three clothes dryers are provided, at 

least two washing machines and two 

clothes dryers would be required to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions in V611. 

V215 Emergency Alarms 

This section would apply where a 

general alarm system is provided to 

notify passengers in public areas of 

emergencies. The Passenger Vessel 

Emergency Alarms Advisory Committee 

recommended that general emergency 

alarm systems include visible elements 

to alert passengers who are deaf or have 

a hearing loss. This section would 

require general emergency alarm 

systems on U.S. flag vessels to provide 

visible notification appliances 

complying with the NFPA 72 National 

Fire Alarm Code. The International 

Maritime Organization approved nonmandatory guidelines for including 

visible elements in general emergency 

alarm systems in 2012.19 For the final 

guidelines, we are considering requiring 

general emergency alarm systems on 

foreign flag vessels that operate in U.S. 

ports to provide visible notification 

appliances in public areas and to 

reference the International Maritime 

Organization guidelines. We request 

comment on this proposal. 

Question 16. What additional costs 

would be associated with providing 

visible notification appliances in public 

areas as part of the general emergency 

alarm systems on foreign flag vessels 

that operate in U.S. ports? 

Two exceptions are proposed. 

Exception 1 would not require elevators, 

enclosed platform lifts, enclosed 

stairways, and areas only open to 

passengers in emergencies to comply 

with the section. Exception 2 would not 

require alterations to existing passenger 

vessels to comply with the section. 

Question 17. Are visible notification 

appliances effective in open deck areas 

such as sun decks and partially covered 

deck areas for alerting passengers who 

are deaf or have a hearing loss of an 

emergency? If not, what alternative 

systems or devices can be used in these 

areas to alert passengers who are deaf or 

have a hearing loss of an emergency? 

V216 Signs 

This section would apply to signs that 

identify permanent rooms and spaces 

(V216.2); directional and informational 

signs (V216.3); signs for means of escape 

(V216.4); signs identifying accessible 

exterior doors where all exterior doors 

are not accessible (V216.5); signs 

identifying accessible elevators where 

all elevators are not accessible in 

alterations to existing passenger vessels 

(V216.6); signs identifying toilet rooms 

and bathrooms (V216.7); signs for TTYs 

and wheelchair accessible telephones 

(V216.8 and V216.9); signs for assistive 

listening systems (V216.10); and signs 

for accessible check-out counters 

(V216.11). The section would require 

signs to identify, and in some cases 

provide direction to, these elements and 

spaces. The section would require the 

signs to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions for visual 

characters in V703.5. The section also 

would require certain signs to comply 

with the proposed technical provisions 

for raised letters in V703.2; Braille in 

V703.3; and installation height and 

location in V703.4. 

Comments on earlier drafts of the 

guidelines recommended that signs 

indicating the availability of assistive 

listening systems include information 

about the system. The section would 

require signs indicating the availability 

of assistive listening systems to also 

indicate the type of transmitter and 

receiver used. Where passenger vessels 

have a central passenger service station 

to distribute receivers for assistive 

listening systems and other effective 

methods are used to notify passengers 

about the availability, location, and type 

of transmitter and receiver used, signs 

would not be required for assistive 

listening systems. 

The section would require directional 

signs indicating the location of the 

nearest accessible means of escape to be 

provided at all exit doors, platform lifts, 

and elevators that serve accessible 

spaces but are not part of an accessible 

means of escape. An exception is 

proposed that would not require 

directional signs where platform lifts 

and elevators are directly accessed from 

protected stairway landings. Comments 

on earlier drafts of the guidelines noted 

that these directional signs, which are 

intended for passengers with disabilities 

who cannot use stairs, may be confusing 

for other passengers in emergencies 

since the accessible means of escape for 

passengers with disabilities who cannot 

use stairs may differ from the means of 

escape for other passengers. For 

instance, the signs may direct 

passengers with disabilities who cannot 

use stairs to crew-operated elevators or 

platform lifts that are not intended for 

use by other passengers. 

Question 18. Are there other effective 

ways to provide information about the 

location of escape paths to passengers 

with disabilities who cannot use stairs 

and other passengers in a way that 

would minimize any potential for 

confusion as to which escape path to 

use? 

V217 Telephones 

Where a public telephone is provided 

on a deck, this section would require at 

least one wheelchair accessible public 

telephone complying with the proposed 

technical provisions in V704.2; and at 

least one public TTY complying with 

the proposed technical provisions in 

V704.4 to be provided on the deck. The 

section also would require all public 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
38116 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

20A telecoil is a circuit inside the hearing aid that 

is designed to pick up electromagnetic signals. 

21U.S. Census Bureau, Americans with 

Disabilities: 2010 at: http://www.census.gov/prod/ 

2012pubs/p70–131.pdf. 

22Frank R. Lin, John K. Niparko, and Luigi 

Ferrucci, Hearing Loss Prevalence in the United 

States, JAMA Internal Medicine (November 14, 

2011) at: http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/ 

article.aspx?articleid=1106004. 

telephones to have volume controls 

complying with the proposed technical 

provisions in V704.3, and to be hearing 

aid compatible. 

V218 Two-Way Communication 

Systems 

Where a two-way communication 

system is used to gain admittance to a 

passenger vessel or to restricted areas 

within the vessel that are open to 

passengers, this section would require 

the system to provide both audible and 

visible signals. The section would not 

apply to areas intended for use only by 

employees since employees areas would 

be covered by the proposed exception in 

V203.2. 

V219 Assistive Listening Systems 

Where an audio amplification system 

is provided in an assembly area or 

transportation seating area to 

communicate information that is 

integral to the use of the areas, this 

section would require an assistive 

listening system to be provided. An 

assistive listening system would be 

defined in V106.5 as an amplification 

system utilizing transmitters, receivers, 

and coupling devices to bypass the 

acoustical space between a sound 

source and a listener by means of 

induction loop, radio frequency 

modulation (FM), or infrared 

equipment. 

Comments on earlier drafts of the 

guidelines recommended that assistive 

listening systems be provided in rooms 

and spaces that do not have audio 

amplification systems. Portable assistive 

listening systems can be used in rooms 

and spaces that do not have audio 

amplification systems. The proposed 

guidelines do not address portable 

equipment. However, portable assistive 

listening systems may be used to meet 

the requirements in the DOJ and DOT 

regulations on use of auxiliary aids and 

services to ensure effective 

communication. See 28 CFR 35.160 and 

36.303, and 49 CFR 39.51 and 39.89. 

The section does not specify the type 

of assistive listening system to be 

provided. Comments on earlier drafts of 

the guidelines noted the benefits of 

induction loop systems over FM and 

infrared systems. Individuals who wear 

hearing aids equipped with telecoils do 

not need a separate receiver with an 

induction loop system.20 Where 

induction loop systems are provided, 

individuals who do not use hearing aids 

and individuals who use hearing aids 

not equipped with telecoils would need 

a receiver. A receiver is also needed 

with FM and infrared systems. 

The section would require a 

minimum number of receivers to be 

provided for assistive listening systems 

in accordance with Table V219.3. The 

table would reduce the number of 

receivers as the total seating capacity of 

the assembly areas and transportation 

seating areas on the passenger vessel 

increases. For example, the table would 

require assembly areas and 

transportation seating areas with: 

• 500 seats to provide a minimum of 

20 receivers (4%); 

• 1,000 seats to provide a minimum 

of 36 receivers (3.6%); and 

• 2,000 seats to provide a minimum 

of 55 receivers (2.75%). 

A proposed exception would permit 

the number of receivers to be based on 

the maximum number of passengers that 

the passenger vessel is permitted to 

carry. 

At least 25 percent, but no fewer than 

two, of the receivers would be required 

to be hearing aid compatible (e.g., neck 

loops that interface with telecoils in 

hearing aids). Because induction loop 

systems are compatible with hearing 

aids equipped with telecoils, a proposed 

exception would reduce the minimum 

number of receivers by the number that 

would be required to be hearing aid 

compatible where induction loop 

systems are provided. For example, an 

assembly area with 500 seats would be 

required to provide a minimum of 20 

receivers, and at least 5 of these 

receivers would be required to be 

hearing aid compatible. If an induction 

loop system is provided, the proposed 

exception would require a minimum of 

15, instead of 20, receivers since the 

induction loop system is compatible 

with hearing aids equipped with 

telecoils. 

There are several national surveys 

that measure hearing loss. The surveys 

vary in question wording and what they 

measure. Consequently, the data vary. 

The Survey of Income and Program 

Participation (SIPP) sponsored by the 

U.S. Census Bureau asks questions 

about hearing aid use; difficulty hearing 

a normal conversation (even with a 

hearing aid); and deafness (unable to 

hear). The SIPP data show among 

persons aged 15 and older 7.6 million 

(3.1%) had difficulty hearing a normal 

conversation, including 5.6 million 

(2.3%) used a hearing aid and 1.1 

million (0.5%) were deaf.21 The 

National Health and Nutritional 

Examination Surveys (NHANES) 

sponsored by National Center for Health 

Statistics asks questions about hearing 

trouble (no trouble, a little, a lot, deaf) 

and includes audiometric testing of 

participants. The NHANES data show 

among persons aged 12 and older 30 

million (12.7%) had bilateral hearing 

loss and the number increases to 48.1 

million (20.3%) when unilateral hearing 

loss is included.22

Where an audio amplification system 

is provided in public areas to 

communicate emergency information to 

passengers, such as passenger safety 

briefings and instructions on evacuation 

procedures, the section would require 

an assistive listening system to be 

provided. The Passenger Vessel 

Emergency Alarms Advisory Committee 

recommended this proposed provision. 

We tested a portable FM system on a 

four passenger deck steel ferry that was 

310 feet long, and found that all interior 

and exterior passenger spaces on the 

vessel received the FM signal. Where 

passengers are assigned to go to specific 

muster stations in an emergency when 

the general emergency alarm is 

activated, an assistive listening system 

would not be required. 

Question 19. Is an induction loop 

system effective on passenger vessels 

that have structural metal in the decks 

and bulkheads (walls) that may interfere 

with the signal? 

Where audio amplification systems 

provide emergency information, 

passengers who have a hearing loss 

need information about the availability 

of the assistive listening system and 

where to obtain receivers in order to use 

the system. 

Question 20. How should information 

be provided to passengers who have a 

hearing loss about the availability of the 

assistive listening system for safety 

briefings, instructions on evacuation 

procedures, and other emergency 

announcements? If signs are provided, 

what information should be provided on 

the signs and where should the signs be 

placed? 

The Passenger Vessel Emergency 

Alarms Advisory Committee also 

recommended that other methods 

should be used to effectively 

communicate emergency and nonemergency information to passengers 

who are deaf. 

Question 21. Would visual displays 

on passenger vessels provide an 

effective method for communicating 

emergency and non-emergency 

information to passengers who are deaf? 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 38117 

23U.S. Census Bureau, Americans with 

Disabilities: 2010 at: http://www.census.gov/prod/ 

2012pubs/p70–131.pdf. 

24U.S. Census Bureau, Americans with 

Disabilities: 2010 at: http://www.census.gov/prod/ 

2012pubs/p70–131.pdf. 

If visual displays are provided for 

communicating emergency and nonemergency information to passengers, 

are assistive listening systems needed 

for such information? What passenger 

areas should provide the visual displays 

and where should they be placed within 

each area? Have visual displays been 

installed on passenger vessels for 

communicating emergency and nonemergency information? What costs 

would be associated with providing the 

visual displays? 

Question 22. Do passenger vessels 

have the capability to communicate 

emergency and non-emergency 

information such as arrival and 

departure time to passengers through 

their personal communications devices 

(e.g., send text messages to passengers’ 

smartphones when they subscribe to 

receive such information)? Can such 

information be provided to passengers 

through their personal communications 

devices when passenger vessels are 

beyond the range of cellular phone 

towers? What costs would be associated 

with passenger vessels providing such 

information to passengers through their 

personal communications devices? 

V220 Automatic Teller Machines and 

Fare Machines 

Where automatic teller machines and 

fare machines are provided on 

passenger vessels, this section would 

require at least one of each type of 

machine provided at each location to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions in V707, including clear deck 

space (V707.2); operable parts (V707.3); 

privacy (V707.4); speech output 

(V707.5); input (V707.6); display screen 

(V707.7); and Braille instructions 

(V707.8). 

V221 Assembly Areas 

An assembly area would be defined in 

V106.5 as a portion of a passenger vessel 

that is used for entertainment, 

educational gatherings, or similar 

purposes. This section would require a 

minimum number of wheelchair spaces 

to be provided in assembly areas with 

fixed seats in accordance with Table 

V221.2.1.1. The table would reduce the 

number of wheelchair spaces as the total 

seating capacity of the assembly area 

increases. For example, the table would 

require assembly areas with: 

• 300 seats to provide a minimum of 

5 wheelchair spaces (1.6%); 

• 500 seats to provide a minimum of 

6 wheelchair spaces (1.2%); and 

• 1,000 seats to provide a minimum 

of 10 wheelchair spaces (1%). 

The Survey of Income and Program 

Participation sponsored by the U.S. 

Census Bureau show among persons 

aged 15 and older 3.6 million (1.5%) 

used a wheelchair or scooter.23

The section would require the 

wheelchair spaces to be an integral part 

of the fixed seating plan. The section 

includes proposed scoping and 

technical provisions for dispersion of 

wheelchair spaces where seats are 

arranged to provide lines of sight to 

fixed screens or performance areas to 

ensure that passengers who use 

wheelchairs have an equivalent choices 

of seating locations and viewing angles 

(V221.2.3 and V802.2). The section also 

includes proposed scoping and 

technical provisions for dispersion of 

wheelchair spaces where seats are not 

arranged to provide lines of sight to 

fixed screens or performance areas 

(V221.2.4). 

The cruise industry expressed 

concerns about the vertical dispersion of 

wheelchair spaces in assembly spaces in 

comments on earlier drafts of the 

guidelines. Construction constraints 

specific to cruise ships can limit the 

number of onboard accessible route 

connections between decks and seating 

sections in theaters on large cruise 

ships. We reviewed the designs of 

theaters on several large cruise ships. 

Based on the theater designs, it appears 

that the vertical dispersion can be 

achieved with minimal loss of seats 

where onboard accessible route 

connections are provided between more 

than one deck and the seating sections 

in the theaters. The wheelchair spaces 

also would have to meet the provisions 

for horizontal dispersion and 

substantially equivalent viewing angles. 

Some of the theater designs had 

columns and equipment overhangs that 

could obstruct viewing angles and can 

be addressed by careful layout of 

wheelchair spaces when designing the 

theaters. We request comment on the 

proposed provisions for dispersion and 

fixed lines of sight. 

The section also would require a 

companion seat for each wheelchair 

space, and a minimum number of 

designated aisle seats located closest to 

onboard accessible routes. The technical 

provisions for companion seats in 

V802.3 would require companion seats 

to provide shoulder alignment with the 

adjacent wheelchair spaces, except 

where the seating is not arranged to 

provide lines of sight to fixed screens or 

performance areas and where seating is 

provided at tables and counters. The 

technical provisions for designated aisle 

seats in V802.4 would require the seats 

to provide folding or retractable 

armrests, where armrests are provided 

on seating in the immediate area, and to 

be identified by a sign or marker. 

V222 Transportation Seating Areas 

A transportation seating area would 

be defined in V106.5 as an area, other 

than an assembly area, where fixed seats 

are provided for passengers. This 

section would require a minimum 

number of wheelchair spaces in 

transportation seating areas in 

accordance with Table V222.3. The 

table would reduce the number of 

wheelchair spaces as the total seating 

capacity of the transportation seating 

increases. For example, the table would 

require transportation seating areas 

with: 

• 100 seats to provide a minimum of 

2 wheelchair spaces (2%); 

• 300 seats to provide a minimum of 

5 wheelchair spaces (1.6%); and 

• 650 seats to provide a minimum of 

7 wheelchair spaces (1%). 

The Survey of Income and Program 

Participation sponsored by the U.S. 

Census Bureau show among persons 

aged 15 and older 3.6 million (1.5%) 

used a wheelchair or scooter.24

An exception is proposed for 

passenger vessels that provide more 

fixed seats in transportation seating 

areas than the vessel is permitted to 

carry. The proposed exception would 

permit the number of wheelchair spaces 

to be based on the maximum number of 

passengers that the passenger vessel is 

permitted to carry. 

The section would require the 

wheelchair spaces to be an integral part 

of and dispersed throughout the fixed 

seating plan. Companion seats would 

not be required in transportation seating 

areas. 

Where transportation seating areas are 

provided on decks that are not 

connected by an onboard accessible 

route to an entry deck, the section 

would require at least one 

transportation seating area to be 

provided on an entry deck or on a deck 

connected to an entry deck by an 

onboard accessible route. This would 

ensure that transportation seating is 

available to passengers with disabilities 

who cannot use stairs. Vehicle ferries 

that are eligible to use the exceptions for 

onboard accessible routes to connect 

decks would need to provide a platform 

lift or elevator to connect to decks 

where the entry deck is used for 

vehicles only and a transportation 

seating area is provided only on another 

deck. 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
38118 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

25Mitch P. LaPlante and H. Stephen Kaye, 

Mobility Device Use and Hearing Impairments 

Among Individuals and Households: 1990–2010 

(February 15, 2013) at: http://www.accessboard.gov/pvag/. 

26Cruise ship passengers can rent wheelchairs 

and scooters from Special Needs at Seas at: 

http://www.specialneedsatsea.com/. 

27Cruise Lines International Association, 

Passenger Vessel Access Guidelines Access Scoping 

Economic Impact Study (June 23, 2008) at: http:// 

www.access-board.gov/pvag/. 

28A sample of about 500 wheeled mobility 

devices shows that the minimum clear width 

needed for a manual wheelchair user ranges from 

27 to 31 inches; for a power wheelchair user ranges 

from 27 to 33 inches; and for a scooter user ranges 

from 24 to 33 inches. Center for Inclusive Design 

and Environmental Access, Design Resources DR– 

15 Clear Floor Area for Wheeled Mobility: 

Redefining the ‘‘common wheelchair’’ (January 4, 

2011) at: http://udeworld.com/documents/ 

designresources/pdfs/CFA.pdf. 

V223 Medical Care Facilities 

This section would apply where 

passenger ships have medical facilities 

with patient sleeping rooms. The 

section would require at least 10 percent 

of the patient sleeping rooms to provide 

mobility features complying with the 

proposed technical provisions in V805, 

including turning space (V805.2); clear 

deck space (V805.3); and toilet and 

bathing rooms (V805.4). 

V224 Passenger Guest Rooms 

This section would apply to cruise 

ships and other passenger vessels that 

transport passengers overnight and 

provide passenger guest rooms. Some 

passenger vessels such as ferries or 

excursion vessels may provide guest 

rooms that can be reserved by 

passengers for day use. We will define 

passenger guest rooms in the final 

guidelines and are considering defining 

the term to include rooms used by 

passengers for overnight 

accommodations or for day use. If the 

final guidelines define passenger guest 

rooms to include rooms for day use, a 

minimum number of the rooms would 

need to provide mobility features and 

communication features in accordance 

with the proposed scoping provisions 

discussed below and would need to be 

located on an entry deck or on a deck 

that is connected to an entry deck by an 

onboard accessible route. 

Question 23. How many passenger 

vessels provide guest rooms that can be 

reserved by passengers for day use? 

How many of these guest rooms are 

provided on the passenger vessel? Are 

any of these guest rooms provided on an 

entry deck or a deck that is connected 

to an entry deck by an onboard 

accessible route? What features are 

provided in these guest rooms to which 

the proposed guidelines would apply? 

We are interested in information for 

estimating the costs and benefits of 

applying the proposed guidelines to 

these guest rooms? 

V224.2 Guest Rooms With Mobility 

Features 

This section would require passenger 

vessels to provide a minimum number 

of guest rooms with mobility features 

based on the total number of guest 

rooms in accordance with Table V224.2. 

For instance, a cruise ship with 501 to 

1,000 guest rooms would be required to 

provide a minimum of 3 percent of 

guest rooms with mobility features. A 

cruise ship with more than 1,000 guest 

rooms would be required to provide a 

minimum of 30 guest rooms with 

mobility features for the first 1,000 guest 

rooms (3%), plus 2 guest rooms with 

mobility features for each additional 100 

guest rooms or fraction thereof over 

1,000 (2%). The section would require 

a portion of the guest rooms with 

mobility features to provide a roll-in 

shower. The section would also require 

guest rooms with mobility features to be 

dispersed among the various classes of 

guest rooms. The minimum number of 

guest rooms with mobility features that 

would be required on passenger vessels 

is consistent with the guidelines for 

landside facilities such as hotels and 

resorts. We request comment on this 

proposed scoping provision. 

Guest rooms with mobility features 

are typically larger than other guest 

rooms to accommodate passengers who 

use wheelchairs or scooters. The 

proposed technical provisions for guest 

rooms with mobility features would 

require wider doorways; turning space 

within the guest room; clear deck space 

on both sides of a bed or between two 

beds and at the closet; turning space 

within the bathroom and clear deck 

space at the bathtub or shower, lavatory 

or sink, and toilet (the turning space and 

clear deck spaces can overlap); and grab 

bars at the toilet and at the bathtub or 

shower. 

The Survey of Income and Program 

Participation (SIPP) sponsored by the 

U.S. Census Bureau has asked questions 

about use of mobility devices, including 

wheelchairs, scooters, canes, crutches, 

and walkers, by persons aged 15 and 

older since 1990. The SIPP provides 

stability in measuring disability over a 

long period with a large sample that is 

representative of the U.S. population. 

We had a report prepared that converted 

the SIPP data on individuals who used 

mobility devices to households that 

have a member who used a mobility 

device because families typically go on 

cruises for vacation and leisure travel.25

This report is referred to as the 

household report. 

The household report shows 

households with a member who used a 

wheelchair or scooter doubled from 1.5 

percent in 1990 to 3 percent in 2010. If 

past trends continue, a linear 

extrapolation to 2025 projects about 4 

percent of households will have a 

member who uses a wheelchair or 

scooter. We assume households with a 

member who uses a wheelchair or 

scooter would need a guest room with 

mobility features. 

The household report also shows 

households with a member who used a 

cane, crutches, or walker grew from 4.5 

percent in 1990 to 7 percent in 2010. If 

past trends continue, a linear 

extrapolation to 2025 projects about 9 

percent of households will have a 

member who uses a cane, crutches, or 

walker. Households with a member who 

uses a cane, crutches, or walker may 

rent a wheelchair or scooter for distance 

travel on a cruise ship and for shore 

excursions.26 We assume these 

households may need a guest room with 

mobility features. We assume 

households with a member who uses a 

cane, crutches, or walker may also need 

features such as grab bars at toilets and 

at bathtubs or showers that are provided 

in guest rooms with mobility features, 

regardless of whether they rent a 

wheelchair or scooter for distance travel 

on a cruise ship and for shore 

excursions. 

The cruise industry submitted a 

report indicating that about 70 percent 

of the passengers who used wheelchairs 

or scooters on 45 cruise ships in 2005 

did not occupy a guest room with 

mobility features.27 The report 

suggested that these passengers may 

have used wheelchairs or scooters for 

distance travel on the cruise ships and 

for shore excursions, and may not have 

needed a guest room with mobility 

features. The entry doorway to guest 

rooms is typically 22 to 24 inches wide 

and is too narrow for a wheelchair or 

scooter to pass through.28 The proposed 

guidelines would require 32 inches 

minimum clear opening at the entry 

doorway to guest rooms with mobility 

features. The report did not consider 

other possible reasons why a significant 

percent of passengers who used 

wheelchairs or scooters did not occupy 

a guest room with mobility features. 

Passengers who do not have a disability 

may have reserved guest rooms with 

mobility features because they are larger 

than other guest rooms resulting in the 

rooms not being available to passengers 

with disabilities. Some cruise lines had 

a practice of requesting passengers with 

disabilities to provide a doctor’s note to 

reserve a guest room with mobility 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 38119 

29Mitch P. LaPlante and H. Stephen Kaye, 

Mobility Device Use and Hearing Impairments 

Among Individuals and Households: 1990–2010 

(February 15, 2013) at: http://www.accessboard.gov/pvag/. 

features. This practice may have 

discouraged passengers with disabilities 

from reserving guest rooms with 

mobility features. DOT issued 

regulations in 2010 that require cruise 

lines to hold guest rooms with mobility 

features for passengers with disabilities 

until all other rooms in the same class 

are sold, and ban the practice of 

requesting passengers with disabilities 

to provide a doctor’s note to reserve a 

guest room with mobility features. See 

49 CFR 39.39(b)(2) and (f). 

Question 24. How often are 

individuals with mobility disabilities or 

households with a member who has a 

mobility disability who request a guest 

room with mobility features unable to 

reserve the type of guest room (e.g., 

interior, oceanview, balcony, suite) they 

request, but the same type of guest 

rooms without mobility features are 

available? 

The cruise industry is concerned 

about the loss of guest rooms and 

revenue due to the proposed scoping 

provision for guest rooms with mobility 

features. According to the cruise 

industry, two guest rooms with mobility 

features occupy the same square footage 

as three guest rooms resulting in the loss 

of one guest room for every two guest 

rooms with mobility features. We 

estimate the loss of guest rooms and 

revenue for large cruise ships permitted 

to carry 300 or more passengers in 

Chapter 3 of the regulatory assessment. 

We estimate the 113 large cruise ships 

operating in U.S. ports as of 2011 

contained 123,516 guest rooms, 

including 2,392 guest rooms with 

mobility features (1.9% of the total 

number of guest rooms). We assume 5 

percent of the guest rooms in the cruise 

fleet are replaced annually and the total 

number of guest rooms increases by 3 

percent annually. Based on these 

assumptions, we estimate 786 guest 

rooms would be lost over 20 years under 

the proposed scoping provision against 

the baseline of the cruise industry 

practice in the absence of the 

guidelines. According to the cruise 

industry, each guest room produced 

$140,000 gross revenue in 2005. 

Adjusting this figure for inflation to 

$161,250 in 2011 dollars, we estimate 

the gross revenue loss annualized over 

20 years is $50 million discounted at 7 

percent, and $58 million discounted at 

3 percent. We note, however, that gross 

revenue loss overstates the cost. The 

correct measure for estimating the cost 

of lost guest rooms is net revenue, 

which is gross revenue less the costs to 

serve the passengers who would occupy 

the guest rooms. 

Question 25. For cruise ships 

operating in U.S. ports, is it reasonable 

to assume that 5 percent of the guest 

rooms in the cruise fleet are replaced 

annually and the total number of guest 

rooms increases by 3 percent annually? 

Comments should include information 

to support alternative assumptions. 

Question 26. Is there other 

information available to improve our 

cost estimates? We are particularly 

interested in information on net revenue 

per guest room, which accounts for the 

costs to serve the passengers who 

occupy the guest rooms. 

Cruise lines construct classes of cruise 

ships or sister vessels based on the same 

design without major modification. 

Each new class of cruise ships is 

generally larger than the previous class. 

As shown in Appendix II to the 

regulatory assessment, cruise ships 

constructed in 2010 and 2011 have over 

50 percent more guest rooms than cruise 

ships constructed in the 1990’s. Cruise 

lines can mitigate the loss of revenue 

due to providing guest rooms with 

mobility features by increasing the 

number of guest rooms when designing 

new classes of cruise ships. 

Question 27. How will cruise lines 

comply with the proposed scoping 

provision for guest rooms with mobility 

features? Will cruise lines construct 

larger cruise ships than they would have 

in the absence of the proposed 

guidelines so they do not lose guest 

rooms or space for other purposes; will 

cruise lines choose to reduce guest 

rooms or space used for other purposes; 

or will cruise lines do a combination of 

these choices or something else? 

Question 28. Is there information 

available on the percent of the 

population with mobility disabilities 

that takes cruises compared to the 

percent of the population without 

mobility disabilities? 

As noted above, households with a 

member who used a cane, crutches, or 

walker grew from 4.5 percent in 1990 to 

7 percent in 2010, and a linear 

extrapolation to 2025 projects about 9 

percent of households will have a 

member who uses a cane, crutches, or 

walker. These households may rent a 

wheelchair or scooter for distance travel 

on cruise ships and for shore 

excursions, and may need guest rooms 

with wider doorways and space to store 

the wheelchair or scooter. Regardless of 

whether these households rent a 

wheelchair or scooter, the household 

member who uses a mobility device 

may need grab bars in the bathroom for 

stability and support. 

Question 29. Would it be practical 

operationally to provide two types of 

guest rooms with mobility features: (1) 

One for passengers with mobility 

disabilities who use a wheelchair or 

scooter for distance travel only and not 

in guest rooms; and (2) the other for 

passengers with mobility disabilities 

who use a wheelchair or scooter in guest 

rooms? What specific features would be 

needed in guest rooms used by 

passengers with mobility disabilities 

who use wheelchairs or scooters for 

distance travel only and not in guest 

rooms? Would providing two types of 

guest of guest rooms with mobility 

features reduce the loss of guest rooms 

and revenue? 

V224.4 Guest Rooms With 

Communication Features 

This section would require passenger 

vessels to provide a minimum number 

of guest rooms with communication 

features based on the total number of 

guest rooms in accordance with Table 

V224.4. For instance, a passenger vessel 

with 501 to 1,000 guest rooms would be 

required to provide a minimum of 5 

percent of guest rooms with 

communication features. A passenger 

vessel with more than 1,000 guest rooms 

would be required to provide a 

minimum of 50 of guest rooms with 

communication features for the first 

1,000 guest rooms (5%), plus 3 guest 

rooms with mobility features for each 

additional 100 guest rooms over 1,000 

(3%). The section would require guest 

rooms with communication features to 

be dispersed among the various classes 

of guest rooms. The minimum number 

of guest rooms with communication 

features that would be required on 

passenger vessels is consistent with the 

guidelines for landside facilities such as 

hotels and resorts. We request comment 

on this proposed scoping provision. 

The Survey of Income and Program 

Participation (SIPP) sponsored by the 

U.S. Census Bureau asks questions 

about hearing aid use; difficulty hearing 

what is said in a normal conversation 

(even when wearing a hearing aid); and 

deafness (unable to hear) for persons 

aged 6 and older. We had a report 

prepared that converted the SIPP data 

on individuals who had hearing 

impairments to households that have a 

member who had a hearing impairment 

because families typically go on cruises 

for vacation and leisure travel.29 This 

report is referred to as the household 

report. 

The household report shows about 9 

percent of households in 2010 had a 

member with a hearing impairment (i.e., 

had difficulty hearing a normal 

conversation, used a hearing aid, or was 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
38120 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

30Frank R. Lin, John K. Niparko, and Luigi 

Ferrucci, Hearing Loss Prevalence in the United 

States, JAMA Internal Medicine (November 14, 

2011) at: http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/ 

article.aspx?articleid=1106004. 

31U.S. Census Bureau, Americans with 

Disabilities: 2010 at: http://www.census.gov/prod/ 

2012pubs/p70–131.pdf. 

32 International Maritime Organization, 

Guidelines for the Design and Installation of a 

Visible Element to the General Emergency Alarm 

System on Passenger Ships, MSC.1/Circ.1418, June 

13, 2012 at: http://www.imo.org/OurWork/ 

Circulars/Pages/IMODOCS.aspx. 

deaf). The percent of households that 

have a member who used a hearing aid 

or was deaf is about 5 percent. 

The SIPP reports fewer individuals 

with hearing impairments compared to 

the National Health and Nutritional 

Examination Survey (NHANES). 

NHANES asks questions about hearing 

trouble (no trouble, a little, a lot, deaf) 

and includes audiometric testing of 

participants. NHANES data for persons 

aged 12 and older show 30 million 

(12.7%) had a bilateral hearing loss and 

the number increases to 48.1 million 

(20.3%) when unilateral hearing loss is 

included.30 SIPP data for persons aged 

15 and older show 7.6 million (3.1%) 

had difficulty hearing a normal 

conversation, including 5.6 million 

(2.3%) used a hearing aid and 1.1 

million (0.5%) were deaf.31

Guest rooms with communication 

features would be required to provide 

visible notification appliances in the 

room to alert and awaken passengers 

who are deaf or who have a hearing loss 

of general emergency alarms and guest 

room smoke detector alarms. For U.S. 

flag vessels, the visible notification 

appliances would be required to comply 

with the NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm 

Code. For foreign flag vessels that 

operate in U.S. ports, we are considering 

referencing the International Maritime 

Organization guidelines in the final 

guidelines.32 We request comment on 

this proposal. 

Question 30. What additional costs 

would be associated with providing 

visible notification appliances in guest 

rooms with communication features on 

foreign flag vessels that operate in U.S. 

ports? 

Guest rooms with communication 

features also would be required to 

provide visible devices to alert room 

occupants of incoming telephone calls 

and a door knock or bell, and 

telephones in the rooms would be 

required to have volume controls and an 

electrical outlet within 48 inches of the 

telephone to facilitate use of a TTY. 

The Passenger Vessel Emergency 

Alarms Advisory Committee 

recommended that portable devices be 

permitted in guest rooms and that the 

Cruise Lines International Association 

develop guidelines to ensure that 

portable devices would be effective and 

reliable in alerting and awakening 

passengers who are deaf or have a 

hearing loss when general emergency 

alarms and guest room smoke detector 

alarms are activated. The Cruise Lines 

International Association convened a 

group to develop guidelines for portable 

devices but, after the group met, it 

concluded that it did not have the 

expertise for the task. In the absence of 

guidelines that ensure portable devices 

would be effective and reliable in 

alerting and awakening passengers who 

are deaf or have a hearing loss when 

general emergency alarms and guest 

room smoke detector alarms are 

activated, we did not consider portable 

devices. 

V225 Storage 

This section would require at least 

one of each type of storage in accessible 

spaces to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions for storage in V807, 

including clear deck space (V807.2); 

height (V807.3); and operable parts 

(V807.4). 

V226 Tables and Counters 

This section would require at least 5 

percent of the seating or standing spaces 

at tables or counters provided for 

passenger use in areas other than 

assembly areas and transportation 

seating areas to comply with the 

proposed technical provisions for tables 

and counters in V902, including clear 

deck space (V902.2) and height 

(V902.3). The section would require the 

accessible tables or counters to be 

dispersed throughout the area where the 

tables and counters are provided. 

V227 Sales and Service 

This section would apply to check-out 

aisles, sales and service counters, food 

service lines, and queues and waiting 

lines. The section would require a 

minimum number of check out aisles to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions in V904.3, including walking 

surfaces (V904.3.1); counter height 

(V904.3.2); and check writing surfaces 

(V904.3.3). For instance, where 1 to 4 

check out aisles are provided, at least 

one would be required to comply with 

the proposed technical provisions in 

V904.3. 

The section would require at least one 

of each type of sales counter and service 

counter to comply with the proposed 

technical provisions in V904.4, which 

would specify dimensions for an 

accessible portion of the counter and 

would require a clear deck space for a 

parallel approach or forward approach 

to the accessible portion of the counter. 

An exception is proposed for sales 

counters and service counters on 

smaller passenger vessels where the 

largest deck is less than 3,000 square 

feet and the employee side of the 

counter is 80 inches or less in linear 

length. 

The section would require food 

service lines to comply with the 

proposed technical provisions in 

V904.5, which would require selfservice shelves and dispensing devices 

to be within the proposed technical 

provisions for reach ranges in V308 and 

would specify dimensions for the height 

of tray slides. 

The section would require queues and 

waiting lines that serve check-out aisles 

or sales counters and service counters 

that meet the proposed technical 

provisions in V904.3 or V904.4 to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions for walking surfaces in V403. 

V228 Depositories, Vending Machines, 

Change Machines, and Mail Boxes 

This section would require at least 

one of each type of depository, vending 

machine, and change machine to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions for operable parts in V309, 

including clear deck space (V309.2); 

height (V309.3); and operation (V309.4). 

Where mail boxes are provided in an 

interior location for passenger use, the 

section would require at least 5 percent, 

but no fewer than one, of each type to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions for operable parts in V309 

described above. 

V229 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker 

Rooms 

This section would require at least 5 

percent, but no fewer than one, of each 

type of dressing, fitting, and locker 

rooms provided in each cluster for 

passenger use to comply with the 

proposed technical provisions in V803, 

including turning space (V803.2); door 

swing (V803.3); benches (V804.3); and 

coat hooks and shelves (V803.5). 

V230 Through V237 Recreational 

Facilities 

These sections would apply where the 

following recreation facilities are 

provided on passenger vessels: exercise 

machines and equipment (V230); 

miniature golf facilities (V231); play 

areas (V232); saunas and steam rooms 

(V233); swimming pools, wading pools, 

and spas (V234); shooting facilities 

(V235); gaming and arcade machines 

(V236); and post-mounted binoculars 

(V237). The sections would require a 

minimum number of these facilities to 


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comply with the proposed technical 

provisions for the facilities. 

Earlier drafts of the guidelines 

considered requiring sloped entries to 

pools as an alternative to pool lifts. The 

cruise industry noted that sloped entries 

to pools are not provided on cruise 

ships due to the space constraints. The 

proposed guidelines do not require 

sloped entries to pools. The proposed 

guidelines would allow sloped entries 

or transfer systems as an accessible 

means of entry to wading pools. The 

proposed guidelines would require at 

least one pool lift to be provided for 

each swimming pool. Where more than 

one swimming pool is provided in a 

cluster, an exception is proposed that 

would require at least one of each type 

of pool to provide a pool lift and the 

other pools to provide transfer walls, 

transfer systems, or pools stairs 

complying with the applicable proposed 

technical provisions in Chapter V 10. 

Service Animal Relief Areas 

Individuals with disabilities who use 

service animals have reported traveling 

difficulties due to the absence of service 

animal relief areas on passenger vessels. 

We are considering requiring service 

animal relief areas on passenger vessels 

in the final guidelines. 

Question 31. Are service animal relief 

areas currently provided on passenger 

vessels? What criteria should be used to 

determine when service animal relief 

areas are needed? For instance, should 

need for service animal relief areas be 

based on the length of trip or total travel 

time? How many service animal relief 

areas should be provided on passenger 

vessels? Should the number vary based 

on the size of passenger vessel? Where 

should service animal relief areas be 

located on passenger vessels? What 

should be the design criteria for service 

animal relief areas? What costs are 

associated with providing service 

animal relief areas? 

Chapter V 3: Building Blocks 

Chapter V 3 contains proposed 

technical provisions that form the 

building blocks for accessible features. 

They are referenced in proposed 

scoping provisions in Chapter V 2 and 

in proposed technical provisions in 

Chapters V 4 through V 11. The 

proposed technical provisions in 

Chapter V 3 include deck surfaces 

(V302); changes in level (V303); turning 

space (V304); clear deck space (V305); 

knee and toe clearance (V306); 

protruding objects (V307); reach ranges 

(V308); and operable parts (V309). The 

proposed technical provisions in 

Chapter V 3 are the same as those for 

landside facilities except as noted 

below. 

A proposed exception would not 

require openings and changes in level in 

deck surfaces for vehicle tie-downs on 

ferries that are flush with the deck 

surface and are not located within an 

onboard accessible route to comply with 

the proposed technical provisions for 

openings and changes in level. Another 

proposed exception would permit larger 

openings for drains that are not located 

within an onboard accessible route 

where the administrative authority 

determines that larger openings are 

needed for deck drainage. 

V307 Protruding Objects 

Where doors are required by the 

administrative authority to have 

coamings, an exception is proposed that 

would permit the vertical clearance at 

the door to be measured from the finish 

deck surface adjacent to the coamings 

and not the top of the coamings. 

A comment on earlier drafts of the 

guidelines noted that U.S. Coast Guard 

regulations permit vertical clearances to 

be 74 inches on circulation paths and 

that the proposed technical provisions 

for protruding objects would require 80 

inches minimum vertical clearance, 

which would affect deck height and 

may create stability problems. The ferry 

case studies found that there were no 

stability problems due to this proposed 

technical provision. 

Chapter V 4: Onboard Accessible 

Routes and Accessible Passenger 

Boarding Systems 

Chapter V 4 contains proposed 

technical provisions for the components 

of onboard accessible routes and 

accessible passenger boarding systems, 

including walking surfaces with 

running slopes less than 1:20 (V403); 

doors, doorways, and gates (V404); 

ramps (V405); curb ramps (V406); 

elevators (V407); limited use-limited 

application elevators (V408); and 

platform lifts (V409). In addition, 

Chapter V 4 contains proposed technical 

provisions for components that are 

specific to accessible passenger 

boarding systems, including gangways 

(V410) and manually powered boarding 

lifts (V411). The proposed technical 

provisions in Chapter V 4 are the same 

as those for landside facilities except as 

noted below. 

V403 Walking Surfaces 

Walking surfaces on vehicle decks 

would be permitted to overlap vehicle 

ways. For smaller passenger vessels 

where the largest deck is less than 3,000 

square feet, proposed exceptions would 

permit the clear width of the walking 

surface to be 32 inches wide minimum 

instead of 36 inches wide minimum and 

would permit fold-down seats to project 

into walking surface clearances when 

the seats are in the down position. The 

proposed exceptions would reduce the 

impact on smaller passenger vessels 

such as ferries permitted to carry 150 or 

fewer passengers. 

V404 Doors, Doorways, and Gates 

Exceptions are proposed for doors and 

gates intended to be operated only by 

employees, and for doors and gates at 

entry and departure points. 

V404.2.5 Thresholds and Coamings 

U.S. Coast Guard regulations and 

international conventions require 

certain doors on passenger vessels to 

have raised thresholds known as 

coamings that are three or more inches 

in height to provide a watertight barrier 

at the base of the doors. Coamings are 

essential to vessel stability and safety, 

but present barriers to accessibility. This 

section contains proposed technical 

provisions for thresholds provided at 

doorways without coamings, and for 

single ramp access or double ramp 

access and automatic doors at doorways 

with coamings. 

An exception is proposed that would 

permit a 3⁄4 inch high maximum nonbeveled threshold on the sealing side of 

weathertight doors where required by 

the administrative authority to meet 

weathertight door sealing requirements 

provided that the thresholds contrast 

visually with adjacent deck surfaces. 

This exception can be used at doorways 

without coamings, and doorways with 

coamings where single ramp access or 

double ramp access and automatic doors 

are provided. Before using this 

exception at doorways with coamings 

where single ramp access or double 

ramp access and automatic doors are 

provided, alternatives should be 

explored with the administrative 

authority such as installing drainage 

systems where weathertight doors seal 

against the top of ramp surfaces. 

V404.2.5.1 Doorways Without 

Coamings 

This section would require thresholds 

at doorways without coamings to be 1⁄2

inch high maximum with a beveled 

edge on each side. An exception is 

proposed that would permit existing or 

altered thresholds to be 3⁄4 inch high 

maximum with a beveled edge on each 

side. 

V404.2.5.2 Doorways With Coamings 

This section would require doorways 

with coamings to conform to the 


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33 Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, 

ADA Access to Passenger Vessels: Finding Safety 

Equivalence Solutions for Watertight Doors with 

Coamings at: http://www.access-board.gov/pvag/. 

minimum coaming height determined 

by the administrative authority. 

Question 32. Do passenger vessels 

exceed the minimum coaming height 

determined by the administrative 

authority? If so, comments should 

provide information explaining 

conditions where the minimum 

coaming height is exceeded. 

The Passenger Vessel Access 

Advisory Committee recommended that 

single ramp access or double ramp 

access and automatic doors be provided 

at doorways with coamings. We 

sponsored a research project by the 

Volpe National Transportation Systems 

Center to examine potential access 

solutions to doorways with coamings.33

A working group organized by the U.S. 

Coast Guard and the Passenger Vessel 

Association reviewed the research 

project report. The proposed technical 

provisions for doorways with coamings 

considered in the earlier drafts of the 

guidelines are revised based on the 

research project report, case studies, and 

input from the U.S. Coast Guard and 

Passenger Vessel Association working 

group. 

For single ramp access, this section 

would require a ramp on the side of the 

doorway to be protected from water 

infiltration. Changes in level would not 

be permitted within the maneuvering 

clearances specified on the other side of 

the door. 

For double ramp access, this section 

would require ramps on each side of the 

doorway and automatic doors at the 

doorway. A exception is proposed that 

would not require automatic doors 

where the doors are intended to be 

operated only by employees. 

For both single ramp access and 

double ramp access, this section would 

require the ramp width to be equal to or 

greater than the width of the 

maneuvering clearances specified on the 

side of the doorway where the ramp is 

provided. An exception is proposed that 

would not require landings at the top of 

ramps provided at doorways with 

coamings. 

For smaller passenger vessels where 

the largest deck is less than 3,000 square 

feet, exceptions are proposed that would 

permit doorways with coamings that 

provide single ramp access to have 

steeper running slopes on ramp runs 

and the maneuvering clearances on the 

side of the doorway without a ramp to 

be 48 inches minimum in depth. 

An exception is proposed that would 

not require single ramp access or double 

ramp access and automatic doors where 

the administrative authority permits 

coamings to be removable; the doors are 

intended to be operated only by 

employees; the coamings are readily 

removable by the employees; and the 

weather deck areas accessed by the 

doors are not open to passengers when 

the vessel is underway except in 

emergencies. 

Where the administrative authority 

determines that it is not feasible to 

provide single ramp access or double 

ramp access and automatic doors at 

doorways with coamings due to space 

limitations and watertight doors are 

provided instead of weathertight doors, 

an exception is proposed that would 

permit the thresholds on the sides of the 

watertight doors containing the door 

seal to have non-beveled thresholds 1 1⁄4

inches high maximum provided that the 

thresholds contrast visually with 

adjacent deck surfaces. 

V404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware 

This section would require the force 

to activate operable parts of door and 

gate hardware to not exceed 5 pounds. 

Where the administrative authority 

determines that greater force is 

necessary, an exception would permit 

the administrative authority to establish 

the maximum force. 

V404.2.9 Door and Gate Opening Force 

This section would require fire doors 

and watertight doors for passenger use 

to have the minimum opening force 

determined by the administrative 

authority. 

Question 33. Do fire doors and 

watertight doors for passenger use 

exceed the minimum opening force 

determined by the administrative 

authority? If so, comments should 

provide information explaining 

conditions where the minimum opening 

force is exceeded. 

The section would require other doors 

and gates for passenger use, except 

exterior hinged doors and gates, to have 

an opening force of 5 pounds maximum. 

Where the administrative authority 

determines that greater force is 

necessary, an exception would permit 

the administrative authority to establish 

the maximum force. 

A proposed exception would not 

require doors on sailing vessels to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provisions for opening force. 

V405 Ramps 

For smaller passenger vessels where 

the largest deck is less than 3,000 square 

feet, proposed exceptions would permit 

the clear width of ramp runs (including 

the clear width between handrails, 

where provided) to be 32 inches 

minimum instead of 36 inches 

minimum; and the length of landings at 

the top and bottom of ramp runs to be 

48 inches long minimum instead of 60 

inches long minimum. 

V407 Elevators 

This section would permit any door 

location on elevator cars that have 36 

inches minimum door clear width. 

V407 Elevators and V408 Limited UseLimited Application Elevators 

Where elevator cars provide 

emergency two-way communication 

systems, these sections would require 

the systems to provide a visual signal 

acknowledging that an emergency signal 

was received at the bridge or other space 

where emergency actions are directed. 

Where a passenger vessel has more 

than one entry deck, an exception is 

proposed that would not require the 

elevator car control button for the entry 

deck to be identified with the entry deck 

tactile symbol. 

V409 Platform Lifts 

This section would require platform 

lifts to have a 450 pounds minimum 

rated load. We are considering 

increasing the rated load to 660 pounds 

for inclined platform lifts and 750 

pounds for vertical platform lifts in the 

final guidelines. Product reviews of 

available inclined and vertical platform 

lifts show that they meet the higher 

rated loads. 

Question 34. Are inclined lifts 

complying with the ASME A18.1- 2011 

Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and 

Stairway Chairlifts available that have 

rated loads greater than 660 pounds? 

How much more do inclined platform 

lifts with a 660 pounds rated load and 

vertical platform lifts with a 750 pounds 

rated load cost compared to platform 

lifts with a 450 pounds rated load? What 

are the benefits of inclined platform lifts 

with a 660 pounds rated load and 

vertical platform lifts with a 750 pounds 

rated load compared to platform lifts 

with a 450 pounds rated load? 

For smaller passenger vessels where 

the largest deck is less than 3,000 square 

feet, a proposed exception would permit 

the lift platform to be to be 32 inches 

wide minimum where it is approached 

at the short side in order to allow the 

use of inclined platform lifts. 

V410 Gangways 

This section contains proposed 

technical provisions for gangways that 

are part of accessible passenger boarding 

systems, including slope (V410.2); cross 

slope (V410.3); surfaces (V410.4); clear 

width (V410.5); transition plates 


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(V410.6); landings (V410.7); handrails 

(V410.8); edge protection (V410.9); and 

wet conditions (V410.10). 

The section would require gangway 

runs to have a running slope of 1:12 

maximum. For gangways carried on 

passenger vessels, a proposed exception 

would limit the total length of the 

gangway run or series of gangway runs 

to the beam of the passenger vessel 

(width of the vessel at its widest point). 

For gangways provided at landside 

facilities, a proposed exception would 

limit the total length of the gangway run 

or series of gangway runs to 120 feet. 

This would result in gangways with 

running slopes steeper than 1:12 in 

locations where there are severe tidal or 

water fluctuations. However, 

satisfactory solutions cannot be 

achieved under all conditions in the 

marine environment. We defer to DOT 

and DOJ to address when accessible 

passenger boarding systems, including 

gangways, would be required since 

passenger boarding systems can be 

provided at landside facilities and 

involve operational issues between the 

owner or operator of the landside 

facilities and the passenger vessel owner 

or operator that DOT and DOJ are 

authorized to address. 

The section would prohibit changes 

in level, other than running slope and 

cross slope, on surfaces of gangway 

runs. A proposed exception would 

permit changes in level 1⁄4 inch without 

a bevel and 1⁄2 inch with a bevel on 

surfaces of gangway runs where 

conditions result in gangways with 

slopes greater than 1:4. Another 

proposed exception would permit 

changes in level on the portion of the 

surface of a gangway run that is outside 

a 36 inches wide minimum surface 

located between handrails and free of 

changes in level. 

For vehicle ferries, a proposed 

exception for running slope would be 

permitted where the only way for 

pedestrian passengers to embark or 

disembark is by way of a gangway that 

also functions as a vehicle transfer 

bridge. Another proposed exception 

would permit readily removable 

handrails on gangways that also 

function as a vehicle transfer bridge. 

For smaller passenger vessels where 

the largest deck is less than 3,000 square 

feet, a proposed exception would permit 

the clear width of gangway runs 

(including the width between handrails, 

where provided) to be 32 inches 

minimum instead of 36 inches 

minimum. 

V411 Manually Powered Boarding 

Lifts 

This section contains the proposed 

technical provisions for manually 

powered boarding lifts, including design 

load (V411.2); controls (V411.3); 

emergency operation (V411.4); 

equipment failure (V411.5); platform 

barriers (V411.6); platform surface and 

size (V411.7); platform approaches 

(V411.8); platform direction (V411.10); 

and handrails (V411.11). Manually 

powered boarding lifts can be used as a 

component of an accessible passenger 

boarding system or to access tender 

boarding platforms in certain 

conditions. 

Chapter V 5: General Passenger Vessel 

Elements 

Chapter V 5 contains the proposed 

technical provisions for pool stairs, 

including treads and risers (V502.2); 

closed risers (V502.3); tread surface 

(V502.4); nosings (V502.5); and 

handrails (V502.6);. Chapter V 5 also 

contains the proposed technical 

provisions for handrails, including 

where they would be required (V503.1 

and V503.2); continuity (V503.3); height 

(V503.4); clearance (V503.5); gripping 

surface (V503.6); cross section (V 503.7); 

surfaces (V5003,8); fittings (V503.9); and 

handrail extensions (V503.10). The 

proposed technical provisions in 

Chapter V 5 are the same as those for 

landside facilities except as noted 

below. 

Where the administrative authority 

requires handrails along walking 

surfaces with slopes not steeper than 

1:20 to be located more than 38 inches 

above the deck, a proposed exception 

would not require the handrails to 

comply with the proposed technical 

provision for height. 

Chapter V 6: Plumbing Elements and 

Facilities 

Chapter V 6 contains the proposed 

technical provisions for drinking 

fountains (V602); toilet and bathing 

rooms (V603); water closets and toilet 

compartments (V604); urinals (V605); 

lavatories and sinks (V606); bathtubs 

(V607); shower compartments and 

rinsing showers (V608); grab bars 

(V609); tub and shower seats (V610); 

laundry equipment (V611); and saunas 

and steam rooms (V612). The proposed 

technical provisions in Chapter V 6 are 

the same as those for landside facilities. 

Comments from the cruise industry 

on earlier drafts of the guidelines noted 

the need for flexibility in designing 

bathrooms in guest rooms with mobility 

features. The proposed technical 

provisions in V603.2.2 permit clear deck 

spaces, clearances at fixtures, and 

turning spaces in bathrooms to overlap 

(e.g., clearances at water closets and 

roll-in showers can overlap). A grab bar 

would be required on the side wall 

opposite the seat in roll-in showers only 

if a side wall is provided. If no sidewall 

is provided, a grab bar would not be 

required. 

Chapter V 7: Communication Elements 

and Features 

Chapter V 7 contains the proposed 

technical provisions for visible 

notification appliances for general 

emergency alarms in public areas 

(V702); signs (V703); telephones (V704); 

two-way communication systems 

(V705); assistive listening systems 

(V706); and automatic teller machines 

and fare machines (V707). Except for 

general emergency alarms, which are 

discussed under Chapter V 2, the 

proposed technical provisions in 

Chapter V 7 are the same as those for 

landside facilities. 

Chapter V 8: Special Rooms, Spaces, 

and Elements 

Chapter V 8 contains the proposed 

technical provisions for wheelchair 

spaces, companion seats, and 

designated aisle seats (V802); dressing, 

fitting, and locker rooms (V803); galleys 

and pantries (V804); medical care 

facilities (V805); passenger guest rooms 

(V806); and storage (V807). The 

proposed technical provisions in 

Chapter V 8 are the same as for landside 

facilities except as noted below. 

V802 Wheelchair Spaces 

For ferries permitted to carry 150 or 

fewer passengers that provide only one 

transportation seating area under 100 

square feet, a proposed exception would 

permit wheelchair spaces in the 

transportation seating area to overlap 

onboard accessible routes, accessible 

means of escape, and means of escape 

required by the administrative 

authority. A proposed exception would 

not require shoulder alignment of 

wheelchair spaces and companion seats 

at tables and counters. 

V806.2 Guest Rooms With Mobility 

Features 

A proposed exception would permit 

shelving to be used in bathrooms to 

provide comparable counter top space. 

Where doors connect adjacent guest 

rooms and one of the guest rooms does 

not provide mobility features, a 

proposed exception would not require 

the door on the side of the guest room 

that does not provide mobility features 

to comply with the proposed technical 

provisions for maneuvering clearances. 


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Where windows are provided in guest 

rooms with mobility features for 

operation by passengers, this section 

would require at least one window to 

meet the proposed technical provisions 

for operable parts in V309, including 5 

pounds maximum force to operate. 

Question 35. Are marine windows 

available that do not require more than 

5 pounds force to operate? Can methods 

or products used to facilitate window 

operation in landside facilities be used 

in the marine environment? Are 

automated marine windows available? 

Question 36. In new construction, can 

balcony doors that are not required to 

have coamings be designed to meet the 

proposed technical provisions in 

V404.2.5.1 for height (1⁄2-inch 

maximum) and openings (not allow 

passage of a sphere more than 1⁄2 inch 

in diameter)? Can drains be provided at 

balconies to prevent water from entering 

guest rooms? 

For the final guidelines, we are 

considering technical provisions for 

beds that are fixed in place, including 

bed height and clearance between upper 

and lower berths. 

Question 37. Is the 17 inches to 19 

inches height specified for shower seats 

and water closets appropriate for beds 

in guest rooms with mobility features? 

What should be the minimum clear 

height above the lower berth where 

upper and lower berths are provided? 

Chapter V 9: Built-In Elements 

Chapter V 9 contains the proposed 

technical provisions for built-in 

elements, including tables and counters 

(V902); benches (V903); and sales and 

service counters (V904). The proposed 

technical provisions in Chapter V 9 are 

the same as for landside facilities except 

as noted below. 

Proposed exceptions would permit 

clear deck spaces at low beverage tables 

and narrow counters to be positioned 

for a parallel approach by passengers 

who use wheelchairs. 

Chapter V 10: Recreation Facilities 

Chapter V 10 contains the proposed 

technical provisions for recreation 

facilities, including exercise machines 

and equipment (V1002); miniature golf 

facilities (V1003); play areas (V1004); 

swimming pools, wading pools, and 

spas (V1005); and shooting positions 

(V1006). The proposed technical 

provisions in Chapter V 10 are the same 

as for landside facilities. 

The proposed technical provisions for 

pool lifts would require single person 

pool lifts to have a weight capacity of 

300 pounds minimum and be capable of 

sustaining a static load of at least one 

and a half times the rated load. 

Question 38. Are there factors unique 

to the marine environment that may 

warrant different technical provisions 

for pool lifts on passenger vessels, 

including lifting capacity? 

Chapter V 11: Tenders 

Chapter V 11 contains proposed 

scoping and technical provisions for 

tenders permitted to carry more than 59 

passengers. Chapter V 11 would require 

tenders to provide at least two 

wheelchair spaces. Chapter V 11 also 

would require at least one onboard 

accessible route to connect each 

wheelchair space to the entry and 

departure points of the tender used by 

passengers in non-emergency conditions 

serving the seating area in which the 

wheelchair space is located. 

Question 39. Are there new tenders 

that do not meet the proposed scoping 

and technical provisions in Chapter V 

11? 

8. Regulatory Analyses 

Executive Order 13563 (Improving 

Regulation and Regulatory Review) and 

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory 

Planning and Review) 

The Office of Management and Budget 

has reviewed the proposed guidelines in 

accordance with Executive Orders 

13563 and 12866. Among other things, 

Executive Order 13563 directs agencies 

to propose or adopt a regulation only 

upon a reasoned determination that its 

benefits justify its costs; tailor the 

regulation to impose the least burden on 

society, consistent with obtaining the 

regulatory objectives; and, in choosing 

among alternative regulatory 

approaches, select those approaches that 

maximize net benefits. Executive Order 

13563 recognizes that some benefits are 

difficult to quantify and provides that, 

where appropriate and permitted by 

law, agencies may consider and discuss 

qualitatively values that are difficult or 

impossible to quantify, including 

equity, human dignity, fairness, and 

distributive impacts. 

We prepared a regulatory assessment 

of the costs and benefits of the proposed 

guidelines. The regulatory assessment is 

available at: http://www.accessboard.gov/pvag/ and http:// 

www.regulations.gov. We estimate the 

compliance costs separately for: (1) 

ferries, multi-purpose vessels such as 

dinner vessels and excursion vessels, 

and small cruise ships; and (2) large 

cruise ships operating in U.S. ports. We 

consider cruise ships permitted to carry 

between 50 and 299 overnight 

passengers small cruise ships, and 

cruise ship permitted to carry 300 or 

more passengers large cruise ships. 

Ferries, Multi-Purpose Vessels, and 

Small Cruise Ships 

We estimate there were 454 ferries, 

346 multi-purpose vessels, and 32 small 

cruise ships in the size categories 

covered by the proposed guidelines 

operating in U.S. ports as of 2010. These 

832 vessels are listed in Appendix I to 

the regulatory assessment, along with 

the data sources. 

Question 40. Are there vessels listed 

in Appendix I that should not be 

included in the appendix (e.g., vessels 

retired)? Are there vessels not listed in 

Appendix I that should be included in 

the appendix? 

We estimate 387 of the ferries (85%), 

286 of the multi-purpose vessels (83%), 

and 23 of the small cruise ships (72%) 

for a total of 696 of the vessels (84%) are 

expected to reach the end of their 

service life over 20 years. We assume 

these vessels would be replaced by new 

vessels and the new vessels would have 

the same passenger and vehicle 

capacity, passenger amenities, and 

number of passenger decks as the 

vessels they replace. We also assume the 

total number of vessels would be stable 

over 20 years. 

We conducted case studies of ten 

vessels to develop estimates of the 

compliance costs. We divided the 696 

vessels that we assume to be replaced 

over 20 years into 13 groups by type and 

size of vessel and extrapolated the 

compliance costs from the case study 

vessels to these vessels. See Table 8 in 

regulatory assessment for the 13 groups 

of vessels and case study vessels 

matched with each group. The 

compliance costs include the following 

components: 

• Vertical Access Construction Cost. 

This is the cost of installing an elevator, 

limited use-limited application elevator 

(LULA), or platform lift to connect 

passenger decks on a vessel with more 

than one deck. See Table 9 in the 

regulatory assessment for estimates of 

the vertical access construction costs for 

the vessels 

• Other Accessible Feature Costs. 

This includes the cost to expand toilet 

rooms; modify doors and thresholds; 

install automatic doors at doorways 

with coamings and double ramps; add 

assistive listening systems; and provide 

protected waiting areas as part of an 

accessible means of escape where 

passengers with disabilities wait for 

crew assistance during emergencies. See 

Table 10 in the regulatory assessment 

for estimates of the other accessible 

feature costs for the vessels. 

• Lengthening Cost. This is the cost of 

increasing the length of a vessel to 

accommodate the accessible features 


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and maintain passenger and vehicle 

capacity. See Table 11 in the regulatory 

assessment for estimates of the costs to 

lengthen the vessels. 

• Redesign Cost. This is the cost for 

architectural design drawings for a new 

vessel that differs in design from the 

vessel it replaces. See Table 12 in the 

regulatory assessment for estimates of 

the redesign costs for the vessels. 

• Vertical Access Maintenance Cost. 

This is the annual cost of maintaining 

an elevator, LULA, or platform lift to 

connect passenger decks. See Table 13 

in the regulatory assessment for 

estimates of the vertical access 

maintenance costs for the vessels. 

• Automatic Door Maintenance Cost. 

This is the annual cost of maintaining 

and replacing automatic doors at 

doorways with coamings and double 

ramps. See Table 13 in the regulatory 

assessment for estimates of the 

automatic door maintenance costs for 

the vessels. 

• Engine Maintenance Cost. This is 

the annual cost for additional engine 

maintenance due to added weight from 

the accessible features and vessel 

lengthening. See Table 14 in the 

regulatory assessment for estimates of 

the engine maintenance costs for the 

vessels. 

• Fuel Cost. This is the annual cost 

for additional fuel consumption due to 

installing an elevator, LULA, or 

platform lift to connect passenger decks 

and vessel lengthening. See Table 14 in 

the regulatory assessment for estimates 

of the additional annual fuel costs for 

the vessels. 

We estimate the total compliance 

costs for the vessels annualized over 20 

years are $16 million discounted at 7 

percent and 3 percent. See Table 15 in 

the regulatory assessment for the total 

estimated compliance costs. 

Question 41. We request comment on 

the following questions regarding the 

regulatory assessment: 

(a) Is it reasonable to assume the 

number of ferries, multi-purpose 

vessels, and small cruise ships to which 

the proposed guidelines would apply 

would be stable over 20 years? 

Comments should include information 

to support alternate assumptions. 

(b) Are the compliance cost estimates 

reasonable? If the estimates are not 

reasonable, comments should identify 

the specific estimate that is not 

reasonable and alternative methods or 

sources of information to improve the 

estimate. 

(c) Would providing an elevator, 

LULA, or platform lift on the vessels in 

Table 9 in the regulatory assessment 

result in increased electrical loads that 

would require larger electric generator 

systems? Comments should include cost 

estimates for larger electric generator 

systems, where possible. 

(d) Are the assumptions regarding the 

increases in fuel consumption in Table 

14 in the regulatory assessment 

reasonable? Comments should include 

information to support alternate 

assumptions. 

(e) Would increasing the length of the 

vessels in Table 11 in the regulatory 

assessment impact their use of docking 

areas? Comments should describe any 

impacts and how to estimate the costs 

of the impacts. 

(f) Would the proposed guidelines 

result in vessel owners and operators 

reducing the passenger and vehicle 

capacity of the vessels or reducing 

passenger amenities such as fixed 

seating or guest rooms; or would vessel 

owners and operators increase the size 

of the vessels to maintain or increase the 

passenger and vehicle capacity and 

passenger amenities? If the passenger 

and vehicle capacity or passenger 

amenities would be reduced, we are 

interested in information to estimate the 

loss of capacity and net revenue loss. 

(g) Are there other compliance costs 

associated with the proposed guidelines 

that are not identified in the regulatory 

assessment? 

(h) Do the proposed guidelines have 

any unintended consequences for 

passenger vessels? 

Large Cruise Ships 

We estimate there were 113 large 

cruise ships operating in U.S. ports as 

of 2011. These large cruise ships are 

listed in Appendix II to the regulatory 

assessment, along with the data sources. 

Question 42. Are there large cruise 

ships listed in Appendix II that should 

not be included in the appendix (e.g., 

vessels retired)? Are there large cruise 

ships not listed in Appendix II that 

should be included in the appendix? 

New large cruise ships provide many 

accessible features that would be 

required by the proposed guidelines, 

including elevators to connect passenger 

decks; guest rooms with mobility 

features; guest rooms with 

communication features; wheelchair 

spaces and assistive listening systems in 

assembly areas; and pool lifts. We 

proposed to conduct case studies of new 

large cruise ships to examine the impact 

of the proposed guidelines on the 

vessels. However, we did not conduct 

case studies of large cruise ships 

because we could not find cruise ship 

owners and operators to participate in 

case studies. The cruise industry is 

concerned about the impact of the 

proposed scoping provision for guest 

rooms with mobility features. Due to the 

lack of information, we did not estimate 

the costs for large cruise ships to 

comply with the proposed guidelines 

other than the proposed scoping 

provision for guest rooms with mobility 

features. 

Question 43. Would new large cruise 

ships incur incremental design, 

construction, operation and 

maintenance, or any other costs due to 

the proposed guidelines? Which 

proposed provisions would result in 

incremental costs? We are interested in 

information to estimate the incremental 

costs. 

As discussed under V224.2 Guest 

Rooms with Mobility Features, the 

proposed guidelines would require 

cruise ships to provide a minimum 

number of guest rooms with mobility 

features. Guest rooms with mobility 

features are typically larger than other 

guest rooms to accommodate passengers 

who use wheelchairs or scooters. 

According to the cruise industry, two 

guest rooms with mobility features 

occupy the same square footage as three 

guest rooms resulting in the loss of one 

guest room for every two guest rooms 

with mobility features. We estimate the 

number of guest rooms that would be 

lost over 20 years under the proposed 

scoping provision in Chapter 3 of the 

regulatory assessment. We estimate the 

113 large cruise ships operating in U.S. 

ports as of 2011 contained 123,516 guest 

rooms, including 2,392 guest rooms 

with mobility features (1.9% of the total 

number of guest rooms). We assume 5 

percent of the guest rooms in the cruise 

fleet are replaced annually and the total 

number of guest rooms increases by 3 

percent annually. Based on these 

assumptions, we estimate 786 guest 

rooms would be lost over 20 years under 

the proposed scoping provision against 

the baseline of the cruise industry 

practice in the absence of the 

guidelines. According to the cruise 

industry, each guest room produced 

$140,000 gross revenue in 2005. 

Adjusting this figure for inflation to 

$161,250 in 2011 dollars, we estimate 

the gross revenue loss annualized over 

20 years is $50 million discounted at 7 

percent, and $58 million discounted at 

3 percent. 

We do not estimate costs for tenders 

because the proposed provisions for 

tenders are minimal and new tenders 

meet the provisions. 

Benefits 

We do not quantify the benefits of the 

proposed guidelines due to the nature of 

the benefits. The proposed guidelines 

would address the discriminatory 

effects of architectural, transportation, 

and communication barriers 


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34U.S. Census Bureau, Americans with 

Disabilities: 2010 at: http://www.census.gov/prod/ 

2012pubs/p70-131.pdf. 

35Frank R. Lin, John K. Niparko, and Luigi 

Ferrucci, Hearing Loss Prevalence in the United 

States, JAMA Internal Medicine (November 14, 

2011) at: http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/ 

article.aspx?articleid=1106004. 

encountered by individuals with 

mobility, hearing, and vision disabilities 

on passenger vessels. Accessible 

passenger boarding systems would 

enable passengers with mobility 

disabilities to independently board and 

disembark from passenger vessels. 

Wheelchair spaces in seating areas 

would enable passengers who use 

wheelchairs or scooters to sit with other 

passengers. Passengers with mobility 

disabilities would be able to use toilet 

rooms and guest rooms on passenger 

vessels and cruise ships. Assistive 

listening systems would enable 

passengers who have difficulty hearing 

to listen to a narrated tour delivered on 

the public address system of an 

excursion vessel. Passengers who have 

difficulty seeing or are blind would be 

able to walk around passenger vessels 

without encountering protruding 

objects. The proposed guidelines would 

afford individuals with disabilities 

equal opportunity to travel on passenger 

vessels for employment, transportation, 

public accommodation, and leisure. The 

proposed guidelines would enable 

individuals with disabilities to achieve 

greater participation in society, 

independent living, and economic selfsufficiency. The benefits are difficult to 

quantify, but include important national 

values recognized in Executive Order 

13563 such as equity, human dignity, 

and fairness. 

The Survey of Income and Program 

Participation (SIPP) sponsored by the 

U.S. Census Bureau asks questions 

about whether persons have difficulty 

performing a specific set of functional 

activities.34 The SIPP provides estimates 

of disability prevalence that are 

representative of the civilian noninstitutionalized population living in 

the United States. We recognize that not 

all these individuals are likely to 

directly benefit from the proposed 

guidelines because some may not use 

passenger vessels covered by the 

proposed guidelines. We do not have 

information to estimate the number of 

people with mobility disabilities or their 

family members who would directly 

benefit from the proposed guidelines. 

We provide the data below for 

illustrative purposes. 

Persons With Mobility Disabilities 

The proposed provisions for 

accessible passenger boarding systems, 

onboard accessible routes, accessible 

means of escape, toilet rooms, 

wheelchair spaces in assembly areas 

and transportation seating areas, and 

guest rooms with mobility features 

would directly benefit persons with 

mobility disabilities who use passenger 

vessels covered by the proposed 

guidelines. The SIPP data show among 

persons aged 15 and older, 30.6 million 

(12.6%) had limitations associated with 

ambulatory activities of the lower body, 

including difficulty walking, climbing 

stairs, or using mobility devices. This 

number includes: 

• 23.9 million (9.9%) had difficulty 

walking a quarter of a mile; 

• 22.3 million (9.2%) had difficulty 

climbing a flight of stairs; 

• 11.6 million (4.8%) used a cane, 

crutches, or walker to assist with 

mobility; and 

• 3.6 million (1.5%) used a 

wheelchair or scooter. 

Persons Who Have Difficulty Hearing or 

Are Deaf 

The proposed provisions for assistive 

listening systems, general emergency 

alarms, and guest rooms with 

communication features would directly 

benefit persons who have difficulty 

hearing or are deaf and use passenger 

vessels covered by the proposed 

guidelines. The SIPP data show among 

persons aged 15 and older 7.6 million 

(3.1%) had difficulty hearing, including 

5.6 million (2.3%) used a hearing aid 

and 1.1 million (0.5%) were deaf. 

The SIPP reports fewer persons with 

hearing impairments compared to the 

National Health and Nutritional 

Examination Survey (NHANES). 

NHANES includes audiometric testing 

of participants. NHANES data for 

persons aged 12 and older show 30 

million (12.7%) had a bilateral hearing 

loss and the number increases to 48.1 

million (20.3%) when unilateral hearing 

loss is included.35

Persons Who Have Difficulty Seeing or 

Are Blind 

The proposed provisions for 

protruding objects, elevator call buttons 

and signals, and tactile and visual 

characters on signs would directly 

benefit persons who have difficulty 

seeing or are blind and use the 

passenger vessel covered by the 

proposed guidelines. The SIPP data 

show among persons aged 15 and older, 

8.1 million (3.3%) had difficulty seeing, 

including 2.0 million (0.8%) were blind. 

Question 44. Do the proposed 

guidelines have other qualitative 

benefits? Are there methods or sources 

of information for monetizing or 

quantifying the benefits of the proposed 

guidelines? 

Primary Estimates of Costs and Benefits 

The primary estimates of the costs 

and benefits of the proposed guidelines 

are shown in Table 6. We estimate the 

total compliance costs annualized over 

20 years are $66 million discounted at 

7 percent, and $74 million discounted at 

3 percent. 

TABLE 6—PRIMARY ESTIMATES OF COSTS AND BENEFITS OF PROPOSED GUIDELINES ANNUALIZED OVER 20 YEARS

[2011 Dollars] 

Costs ................. 7% Discount rate 3% Discount rate 

$66 million $74 million 

Benefits ............. The proposed guidelines would address the discriminatory effects of architectural, transportation, and communication barriers 

encountered by individuals with mobility, hearing, and vision disabilities on passenger vessels. The proposed guidelines 

would afford these individuals equal opportunity to travel on passenger vessels for employment, transportation, public accommodation, and leisure. The benefits are difficult to quantify, but include important national values recognized in Executive Order 13563 such as equity, human dignity, and fairness. 

Question 45. Are there alternatives in 

addition to those included in the 

proposed guidelines that would: (1) 

achieve the statutory and regulatory 

objective to ensure that passenger 

vessels are readily accessible to and 

usable by passengers with disabilities; 

and (2) reduce the compliance costs for 

passenger vessel owners and operators? 


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Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 

We are required by the Regulatory 

Flexibility Act to consider the impact of 

regulatory proposals on small entities; 

analyze alternatives that minimize the 

impact on small entities; and make the 

analysis available for comment. We 

included an initial regulatory flexibility 

analysis to meet the requirements of the 

Regulatory Flexibility Act in Chapter 7 

of the regulatory assessment. The initial 

regulatory flexibility analysis estimates 

the compliance costs for small entities 

that construct new vessels to replace 

existing vessels. The initial regulatory 

flexibility analysis include tables 

showing the compliance costs for 13 

groups of vessels by type and size. 

Why are we issuing the proposed 

guidelines? 

We are required by section 502 of the 

Rehabilitation Act and section 504 of 

the Americans with Disabilities Act 

(ADA) to issue accessibility guidelines 

for the construction and alteration of 

passenger vessels covered by the ADA. 

We are issuing the proposed guidelines 

pursuant to this statutory authority. The 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

(DOT) and U.S. Department of Justice 

(DOJ) are required to issue accessibility 

standards for the construction and 

alteration of passenger vessels covered 

by the ADA that are consistent with our 

guidelines. Passenger vessel owners and 

operators would not be required to 

comply with the guidelines until they 

are adopted by DOT and DOJ as 

accessibility standards for the 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels covered by the ADA. 

What is the objective of, and legal basis 

for, the proposed guidelines? 

The objective of the proposed 

guidelines is to ensure that newly 

constructed and altered portions of 

passenger vessels are readily accessible 

to and usable by individuals with 

disabilities. The legal basis for the 

proposed guidelines is section 502 of 

the Rehabilitation Act and section 504 

of the ADA. 

How many small entities would be 

affected by proposed guidelines? 

The proposed guidelines would affect 

small businesses identified by the North 

American Industry Classification 

System (NAICS) codes listed in Table 7 

and small governments with a 

population of 50,000 or less that own or 

operate passenger vessels, other than 

ferries or tenders, permitted to carry 

more than 150 passengers or more than 

49 overnight passengers; ferries 

permitted to carry more than 99 

passengers; and tenders permitted to 

carry more than 59 passengers. 

TABLE 7—SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SIZE STANDARDS

NAICS Code Small business size 

483112 Deep Sea Passenger Transportation ............................................................... 500 or fewer employees. 

483114 Coastal and Great Lakes Passenger Transportation ...................................... 500 or fewer employees. 

483212 Inland Water Passenger Transportation .......................................................... 500 or fewer employees. 

487110 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water ............................................... $7 million or less annual receipts. 

713210 Casinos (except Casino Hotels) ....................................................................... $7 million or less annual receipts. 

We estimate 381 small entities own or 

operate 635 vessels in the size categories 

covered by the proposed guidelines. 

This includes 372 small businesses that 

own or operate 257 ferries, 338 multipurpose vessels, and 23 small cruise 

ships permitted to carry 50 to 299 

overnight passengers; and 9 small 

governments that own or operate 16 

ferries and 1 multi-purpose vessel. 

What are the proposed compliance 

requirements? 

The proposed guidelines would apply 

when small entities replace their 

existing vessels with new vessels or add 

new vessels to their fleet. The proposed 

guidelines, themselves, would not 

require existing vessels to be made 

accessible except where altered. The 

proposed guidelines contain proposed 

scoping and technical provisions. The 

proposed scoping provisions specify 

what passenger vessel features would be 

required to be accessible. Where 

multiple features of the same type are 

provided, the proposed scoping 

provisions specify how many of the 

features would be required to be 

accessible. The proposed technical 

provisions specify the design criteria for 

accessible features. The passenger vessel 

features addressed by the proposed 

scoping and technical provisions 

include onboard accessible routes 

connecting passenger decks and 

passenger amenities within decks; 

accessible means of escape; doorways 

and coamings; toilet rooms; wheelchair 

spaces in assembly areas and 

transportation seating areas; assistive 

listening systems; general emergency 

alarms; guest rooms; and other 

passenger amenities. The proposed 

guidelines include proposed technical 

provisions for accessible passenger 

boarding systems. However, we defer to 

DOT and DOJ to address when 

accessible passenger boarding systems 

would be required since passenger 

boarding systems can be provided at 

landside facilities and involve 

operational issues between the owner or 

operator of the landside facility and the 

passenger vessel owner or operator that 

DOT and DOJ are authorized to address. 

What are the compliance costs for small 

entities? 

We estimate the compliance costs for 

small entities that construct new vessels 

to replace existing vessels. As shown in 

Table 8, we estimate 533 vessels owned 

or operated by small entities would 

reach the end of their expected service 

life over 20 years beginning in 2011. We 

assume small entities would construct 

new vessels to replace these vessels. 

The estimated compliance costs are 

based on case studies and are adjusted 

to 2011 dollars. 

TABLE 8—SMALL ENTITY VESSELS REPLACED BY NEW VESSELS OVER 20 

YEARS

Vessel Number 

Number 

replaced over 

20 years 

Ferries ............... 273 238 

Multi-Purpose 

Vessels .......... 339 279 

Small Cruise 

Ships ............. 23 16 

Total .............. 635 533 

The compliance costs include the 

following components: 

• Vertical Access Cost. This is the 

cost of installing an elevator, limited 

use-limited application elevator (LULA), 

or platform lift to connect passenger 

decks on a vessel with more than one 

deck. When small entities construct new 

vessels to replace existing vessels, we 

estimate 65 vessels would be required to 

provide a LULA at a cost of $297,000; 

29 vessels would be required to provide 


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an elevator at a cost of $372,000; 5 small 

cruise ships that currently provide 

elevators would be required to provide 

larger elevators at a cost of $2,700; and 

16 small cruise ships would be required 

to provide a platform lift to tender 

boarding platforms at the stern of the 

vessel at a cost of $27,700. See Table 22 

in the regulatory assessment for the 

types and sizes of the vessels that would 

incur compliance costs for an elevator, 

LULA, or platform lift. 

• Other Accessible Feature Costs. 

This includes the cost to expand toilet 

rooms; modify doors and thresholds; 

install automatic doors at doorways 

with coamings and double ramps; add 

assistive listening systems; and provide 

protected waiting areas as part of an 

accessible means of escape where 

passengers with disabilities wait for 

crew assistance during emergencies. 

When small entities construct new 

vessels to replace existing vessels, we 

estimate 516 vessels would incur 

compliance costs for other accessible 

features. The costs would range from 

$19,000 for mono-hull ferries permitted 

to carry 151 to 1,000 passengers plus 

vehicles to $631,000 for mono-hull 

ferries permitted to carry 1,001 or more 

passengers plus vehicles. The costs are 

higher for mono-hull ferries permitted 

to carry 1,001 or more passengers plus 

vehicles because the estimate is based 

on the case study of a 4,400 passenger 

and 30 vehicle ferry where the owner 

wanted to provide automatic sprinkler 

systems instead of protected waiting 

areas as part of an accessible means of 

escape even though the automatic 

sprinkler systems are more costly. The 

costs would be lower if protected 

waiting areas are provided. See Table 23 

in the regulatory assessment for the 

types and sizes of the vessels that would 

incur compliance costs for other 

accessible features. 

• Lengthening Cost. This is the cost of 

increasing the length of a vessel to 

accommodate the accessible features 

and maintain passenger and vehicle 

capacity. When small entities construct 

new vessels to replace existing vessels, 

we estimate 217 vessels would need to 

be lengthened due to the proposed 

guidelines. The costs would range from 

$60,000 for mono-hull ferries permitted 

to carry 100 to 150 passengers to 

$2,117,000 for some small cruise ships. 

See Table 23 in the regulatory 

assessment for the types and sizes of 

vessels that would incur compliance 

costs to lengthen the vessel. 

• Redesign Cost. This is the cost for 

architectural design drawings for a new 

vessel that differs in design from the 

existing vessel it replaces. When small 

entities construct new vessels to replace 

existing vessels, we estimate 470 vessels 

would need to be redesigned due to the 

proposed guidelines. The costs would 

range from $2,000 for some mono-hull 

ferries permitted to carry 151 to 1,000 

passengers plus vehicles to $261,100 for 

some small cruise ships. See Table 23 in 

the regulatory assessment for the types 

and sizes of the vessels that would incur 

compliance costs to redesign the vessel. 

• Additional Fuel Cost. This is the 

annual cost for additional fuel 

consumption due to installing an 

elevator, LULA, or platform lift to 

connect passenger decks and vessel 

lengthening. When small entities 

construct new vessels to replace existing 

vessels, we estimate 243 vessels would 

incur additional fuel costs due to the 

proposed guidelines. The costs would 

range from $5,000 annually for monohull vessels permitted to carry 151 to 

1,000 passengers to $214,000 annually 

for multi-hull vessels permitted to carry 

151 to 600 passengers. See Table 24 in 

the regulatory assessment for the types 

and sizes of the vessels that would incur 

additional fuel costs. 

• Vertical Access Maintenance Cost. 

This is the annual cost of maintaining 

an elevator, LULA, or platform lift to 

connect passenger decks. When small 

entities construct new vessels to replace 

existing vessels, we estimate 100 vessels 

would incur these annual maintenance 

costs. The costs would be $5,500 for an 

elevator or LULA, and $2,800 for a 

platform lift. See Table 24 in the 

regulatory assessment for the types and 

sizes of the vessels that would incur 

these annual maintenance costs. 

• Additional Engine Maintenance 

Cost. This is the annual cost for 

additional engine maintenance due to 

added weight from the accessible 

features or vessel lengthening. When 

small entities construct new vessels to 

replace existing vessels, we estimate 37 

vessels would incur these annual 

maintenance costs. The costs would be 

$22,000 for multi-hull ferries permitted 

to carry 100 to 150 passengers. See 

Table 24 in the regulatory assessment 

for the types and sizes of the vessels that 

would incur these annual maintenance 

costs. 

• Automatic Door Maintenance Cost. 

This is the annual cost of maintaining 

and replacing the automatic doors 

provided at doorways with coamings 

and double ramps. When small entities 

construct new vessels to replace existing 

vessels, we estimate 54 vessels would 

incur these annual maintenance costs. 

The costs would range from $1,000 for 

mono-hull multi-purpose vessels 

permitted to carry 500 to 1,000 

passengers, to $6,000 for mono-hull 

multi-purpose vessels permitted to carry 

1,001 or more passengers. See Table 24 

in the regulatory assessment for the 

types and sizes of the vessels that would 

incur these annual maintenance costs. 

What significant alternatives did we 

consider? 

We based the proposed guidelines on 

our accessibility guidelines for landside 

facilities. Table 25 in the regulatory 

assessment compares the proposed 

guidelines for passenger vessels to the 

guidelines for landside facilities to show 

the exceptions and alternative 

provisions that we propose to reduce 

the impact on passenger vessels owners 

and operators, including small entities. 

Are there other relevant Federal rules? 

DOT has issued regulations 

implementing the ADA for passenger 

vessels that provide designated public 

transportation services operated by state 

and local governments or specified 

public transportation services operated 

by private entities that are primarily 

engaged in the business of transporting 

people and whose operations affect 

commerce. DOT has reserved a subpart 

in the regulations for accessibility 

standards for the construction and 

alteration of passenger vessels in 

anticipation of our issuing these 

guidelines. See 49 CFR part 39, subpart 

E. DOJ has issued regulations 

implementing the ADA for state and 

local governments and public 

accommodations, including those 

provided on passenger vessels such as 

cruise ships, gaming vessels, and dinner 

vessels. See 28 CFR parts 35 and 36. 

Passenger vessel owners and operators 

would not be required to comply with 

the guidelines until they are adopted by 

DOT and DOJ as accessibility standards 

for the construction and alteration of 

passenger vessels covered by the ADA. 

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism) 

The proposed guidelines adhere to the 

fundamental federalism principles and 

policy making criteria in Executive 

Order 13132. The proposed guidelines 

are issued pursuant to the Americans 

with Disabilities Act (ADA), civil rights 

legislation that was enacted by Congress 

pursuant to its authority to enforce the 

Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. 

Constitution and to regulate commerce. 

The ADA was enacted to provide a clear 

and comprehensive national mandate 

for the elimination of discrimination 

against individuals with disabilities and 

to ensure that the federal government 

plays a central role in enforcing the 

standards. See 42 U.S.C. 12101 (b) (1) 

and (3). The ADA recognizes the 

authority of state and local governments 

to enact and enforce laws that provide 


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for greater or equal protection for the 

rights of individuals with disabilities. 

See 42 U.S.C. 12201 (b). State and local 

government agencies were members of 

the advisory committee that provided 

recommendations for the proposed 

guidelines. We made drafts of the 

guidelines available for public comment 

in 2004 and 2006. State and local 

governments provided comments on the 

drafts. We considered the comments 

when developing the proposed 

guidelines. 

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 

does not apply to proposed or final rules 

that enforce constitutional rights of 

individuals or enforce statutory rights 

that prohibit discrimination on the basis 

of race, color, sex, national origin, age, 

handicap, or disability. Since the 

proposed guidelines are issued pursuant 

to the Americans with Disabilities Act 

(ADA), which prohibits discrimination 

on the basis of disability, an assessment 

of their effect on state, local, and tribal 

governments, and the private sector is 

not required by the Unfunded Mandates 

Reform Act. 

List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 1196 

Civil Rights, Incorporation by 

reference, Individuals with disabilities, 

Transportation. 

Karen L. Braitmayer, 

Chair. 

For the reasons stated in the 

preamble, we propose to add part 1196 

to title 36 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations to read as follows: 

PART 1196—PASSENGER VESSELS 

ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES 

Sec. 

1196.1 Accessibility guidelines. 

Appendix to Part 1196—Passenger Vessels 

Accessibility Guidelines 

Authority: 29 U.S.C. 794f, 42 U.S.C. 12204. 

§ 1196.1 Accessibility guidelines. 

The accessibility guidelines for 

passenger vessels covered by the 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 

are set forth in the appendix to this part. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation 

(DOT) and U.S. Department of Justice 

(DOJ) are required to issue accessibility 

standards for the construction and 

alteration of passenger vessels covered 

by the ADA that are consistent with 

these guidelines. When DOT and DOJ 

issue accessibility standards for the 

construction and alteration of passenger 

vessels covered by the ADA, passenger 

vessel owners and operators are 

required to comply with the standards. 

Appendix to Part 1196—Passenger 

Vessels Accessibility Guidelines 

CHAPTER V 1: APPLICATION AND 

ADMINISTRATION 

V101 Purpose 

V101.1 General. This document contains 

scoping and technical requirements for 

accessibility to passenger vessels by 

individuals with disabilities. The 

requirements are to be applied during the 

design, construction, additions to, and 

alteration of facilities and elements on 

passenger vessels to the extent required by 

regulations issued by the U.S. Department of 

Transportation and the U.S. Department of 

Justice under the Americans with Disabilities 

Act of 1990 (ADA). 

V101.2 Effect on Removal of Barriers in 

Existing Passenger Vessels. This document 

does not address existing passenger vessels 

unless altered at the discretion of a covered 

entity. The U.S. Department of Justice has 

authority over existing passenger vessels that 

are subject to the requirement for removal of 

barriers under title III of the ADA. Any 

determination that this document applies to 

existing passenger vessels subject to the 

barrier removal requirement is solely within 

the discretion of the U.S. Department of 

Justice and is effective only to the extent 

required by regulations issued by the U.S. 

Department of Justice. 

V102 Dimensions for Adults and 

Children. The technical requirements are 

based on adult dimensions and 

anthropometrics. In addition, this document 

includes technical requirements based on 

children’s dimensions and anthropometrics 

for drinking fountains, water closets, toilet 

compartments, lavatories and sinks, and 

tables and counters. 

V103 Equivalent Facilitation. Nothing in 

these requirements prevents the use of 

designs, products, or technologies as 

alternatives to those prescribed, provided 

they result in substantially equivalent or 

greater accessibility and usability. 

V104 Standard Practices 

V104.1 Dimensions. Dimensions that are 

not stated as ‘‘maximum’’ or ‘‘minimum’’ are 

absolute. 

V104.1.1 Construction and 

Manufacturing Tolerances. All dimensions 

are subject to conventional industry 

tolerances except where the requirement is 

stated as a range with specific minimum and 

maximum end points. 

V104.1.2 Slopes. Slopes are measured 

when the passenger vessel is in a static 

design condition at full load. 

V104.2 Calculation of Percentages. Where 

the required number of elements or facilities 

to be provided is determined by calculations 

of ratios or percentages and remainders or 

fractions result, the next greater whole 

number of such elements or facilities shall be 

provided. Where the determination of the 

required size or dimension of an element or 

facility involves ratios or percentages, 

rounding down for values less than one half 

shall be permitted. 

V105 Referenced Standards 

V105.1 General. The standards listed in 

V105.2 are incorporated by reference in this 

document and are part of the requirements to 

the prescribed extent of each such reference. 

The Director of the Federal Register has 

approved these standards for incorporation 

by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 

552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 (Incorporation by 

Reference). Copies of the referenced 

standards may be inspected at the 

Architectural and Transportation Barriers 

Compliance Board, 1331 F Street, NW., Suite 

1000, Washington, DC 20004. 

V105.2 Referenced Standards. The 

specific edition of the standards listed below 

are referenced in this document. Where 

differences occur between this document and 

the referenced standards, this document 

applies. 

V105.2.1 ASTM. Copies of the referenced 

standards may be obtained from the 

American Society for Testing and Materials, 

100 Bar Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, 

Pennsylvania 19428 (http://www.astm.org). 

ASTM F1292–99 Standard Specification 

for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems 

Under and Around Playground Equipment 

(see V1004.2.6.2). 

ASTM F1292–04 Standard Specification 

for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems 

Under and Around Playground Equipment 

(see V1004.2.6.2). 

ASTM F1487–01 Standard Consumer 

Safety Performance Specification for 

Playground Equipment for Public Use (see 

V106.5 ‘‘Use Zone’’). 

ASTM F1951–99 Standard Specification 

for Determination of Accessibility of Surface 

Systems Under and Around Playground 

Equipment (see V1004.2.6.1). 

V105.2.2 NFPA. Copies of the referenced 

standard may be obtained from the National 

Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch 

Park, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169 -7471 

(http://www.nfpa.org). 

NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, 2010 

Edition (see V702.2, and V806.3.3.1). 

V106 Definitions 

V106.1 General. For the purpose of this 

document, the terms defined in V106.5 have 

the indicated meaning. 

V106.2 Terms Defined in Referenced 

Standards. Terms not defined in V106.5 or in 

regulations issued by the U.S. Department of 

Justice and the U.S. Department of 

Transportation to implement the Americans 

with Disabilities Act, but specifically defined 

in a referenced standard, shall have the 

specified meaning from the referenced 

standard unless otherwise stated. 

V106.3 Undefined Terms. The meaning of 

terms not specifically defined in V106.5 or in 

regulations issued by the U.S. Department of 

Justice and the U.S. Department of 

Transportation to implement the Americans 

with Disabilities Act, or in U.S. Coast Guard 

regulations, or in referenced standards shall 

be as defined by collegiate dictionaries in the 

sense that the context implies. 

V106.4 Interchangeability. Words, terms 

and phrases used in the singular include the 

plural and those used in the plural include 

the singular. 

V106.5 Defined Terms. 


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Accessible. A passenger vessel or portion 

thereof that complies with this document. 

Addition. An expansion, extension, or 

increase in the gross deck area of a passenger 

vessel. 

Administrative Authority. For U.S. flag 

vessels, the administrative authority is the 

U.S. Coast Guard. For foreign flag vessels, the 

administrative authority is entity designated 

by the foreign nation that adopts or enforces 

regulations and guidelines for the design, 

construction, or alteration of passenger 

vessels. 

Alteration. A change to a passenger vessel 

that affects or could affect the usability of the 

passenger vessel or portion thereof. 

Alterations include, but are not limited to, 

remodeling, renovation, rehabilitation, 

reconstruction, historic restoration, changes 

or rearrangement of the structural parts or 

elements, and changes or rearrangement in 

the plan configuration of bulkheads (walls) 

and partitions. Normal maintenance, painting 

or wallpapering, or changes to propulsion, 

mechanical and electrical systems are not 

alterations unless they affect the usability of 

the passenger vessel. 

Area of Sport Activity. That portion of a 

room or space where the play or practice of 

a sport occurs. 

Assembly Area. A portion of a passenger 

vessel, used for the purpose of entertainment 

or educational gatherings, or similar 

purposes. For the purposes of these 

requirements, assembly areas include, but are 

not limited to, classrooms, passenger meeting 

rooms, motion picture houses, auditoria, 

theaters, and dinner theaters. 

Assistive Listening System (ALS). An 

amplification system utilizing transmitters, 

receivers, and coupling devices to bypass the 

acoustical space between a sound source and 

a listener by means of induction loop, radio 

frequency modulation (FM), or infrared 

equipment. 

Bulkhead Deck. The upper most deck to 

which watertight bulkheads (walls) and the 

watertight shell extend. 

Camber. The transverse curvature given to 

the weather deck surfaces to shed water 

readily, increase deck surface strength, and 

increase headroom clearance on the 

centerline for the deck below. Also known as 

the rise or crown of a deck. 

Catch Pool. A pool or designated section of 

a pool used as a terminus for water slide 

flumes. 

Characters. Letters, numbers, punctuation 

marks and typographic symbols. 

Children’s Use. Describes spaces and 

elements specifically designed for use 

primarily by people 12 years old and 

younger. 

Circulation Path. An exterior or interior 

way of passage provided for pedestrian 

travel, including but not limited to, weather 

deck areas, passageways, elevators, platform 

lifts, ramps, stairways, and landings. 

Coaming. The vertical plating located at 

the base of a doorway for the purpose of 

stiffening the edges of the opening and 

resisting entry of water. 

Cross Slope. The slope that is 

perpendicular to the direction of travel (see 

running slope). 

Curb Ramp. A short ramp cutting through 

a curb or built up to it. 

Deck. A horizontal division of a passenger 

vessel which contains space designed for 

passenger occupancy and generally 

corresponds to a story in a building. A 

horizontal division without enclosed space, 

such as a sun deck, is considered a deck even 

though it is not provided with a covering. A 

deck containing one or more mezzanines has 

more than one deck level. 

Element. An architectural or mechanical 

component of a passenger vessel, facility, or 

space. 

Elevated Play Component. A play 

component that is approached above the 

ground level of the play area and that is part 

of a composite play structure consisting of 

two or more play components attached or 

functionally linked to create an integrated 

unit providing more than one play activity. 

Entry Deck. A deck which contains 

passenger entry and departure points which 

allow pedestrian passengers to embark or 

disembark a passenger vessel from tenders, 

fixed piers, floating piers, or the land in nonemergency conditions. 

Facility. All or any portion of passenger 

vessels, structures, vessel improvements, 

elements, and pedestrian routes or vehicular 

ways located on a passenger vessel. 

Ferry. A vessel that is used on a regular 

schedule to: (1) provide transportation only 

between places that are not more than 300 

miles apart, and (2) transport only 

passengers, or vehicles or railroad cars used 

in transporting passengers or goods. 

Gangway. A variable-sloped pedestrian 

walkway which consists of one or more runs. 

Ground Level. The level within a deck 

where a play area is located. 

Ground Level Play Component. A play 

component that is approached and exited at 

the ground level. 

Mail Boxes. Receptacles for the receipt of 

documents, packages, or other deliverable 

matter. 

Mezzanine. An intermediate level or levels 

between the deck surface and ceiling of any 

deck with an aggregate deck surface area of 

not more than one-third of the area of the 

room or space in which the level or levels are 

located. Mezzanines have sufficient elevation 

that space for human occupancy can be 

provided on the deck level below. Also 

known as the tween deck. 

Operable Part. A component of an element 

used to insert or withdraw objects, or to 

activate, deactivate, or adjust the element. 

Pictogram. A pictorial symbol that 

represents activities, facilities, or concepts. 

Play Area. A portion of a passenger vessel 

containing play components designed and 

constructed for children. 

Play Component. An element intended to 

generate specific opportunities for play, 

socialization, or learning. 

Qualified Historic Passenger Vessel. A 

passenger vessel that is listed in or eligible 

for listing in the National Register of Historic 

Places or designated as historic under an 

appropriate State or local law. 

Ramp. A walking surface that has a 

running slope steeper than 1:20. 

Running Slope. The slope that is parallel 

to the direction of travel (see cross slope). 

Sailing Vessel. A vessel principally 

equipped for propulsion by sail even if the 

vessel has an auxiliary means of propulsion. 

Sheer. The fore-and-aft curvature from bow 

to stern of a ship’s deck surface as shown in 

side elevation. 

Soft Contained Play Structure. A play 

structure made up of one or more play 

components where the user enters a fully 

enclosed play environment that utilizes 

pliable materials, such as plastic, netting, or 

fabric. 

Space. A definable area, such as a room, 

toilet room, corridor, assembly area, open 

deck area, storage room, alcove, or lobby 

Structural Members. The components of 

the passenger vessel that give it its inherent 

strength, integrity, and resistance to damage. 

Examples include, but are not limited to, the 

keel, keelson, stem and stern posts, frames, 

longitudinals, structural decks, structural and 

fire protection bulkheads (walls), gussets, 

stanchions, columns, girders, beams, knees, 

trusses, and hull plating and planking. 

Tactile. An object that can be perceived 

using the sense of touch. 

Technically Infeasible. With respect to an 

alteration of a passenger vessel, something 

that has little likelihood of being 

accomplished because existing structural 

conditions would require removing or 

altering an essential structural member; or 

because other existing physical or vessel 

constraints prohibit modification or addition 

of elements, spaces, or features that are in 

full and strict compliance with the minimum 

requirements. 

Tender. A vessel primarily intended for 

transporting passengers for non-emergency 

purposes between passenger vessels and 

shore side facilities. 

Transition Plate. A sloping pedestrian 

walkway located at the end(s) of a gangway, 

or between gangways segments on a 

telescoping gangway. 

Transportation Seating Area. An area, other 

than an assembly area, where fixed seats are 

provided for passengers. 

TTY. An abbreviation for teletypewriter. 

Machinery that employs interactive textbased communication through the 

transmission of coded signals across the 

telephone network. TTYs may include, for 

example, devices known as TDDs 

(telecommunication display devices or 

telecommunication devices for deaf persons) 

or computers with special modems. TTYs are 

also called text telephones. 

Use Zone. The area beneath and 

immediately adjacent to a play structure or 

play equipment that is designated by ASTM 

F1487 Standard Consumer Safety 

Performance Specification for Playground 

Equipment for Public Use (incorporated by 

reference, see ‘‘Referenced Standards’’ in 

Chapter 1) for unrestricted circulation around 

the play equipment and where it is predicted 

that a user would land when falling from or 

exiting the play equipment. 

Vehicular Way. A route provided for 

vehicular traffic. 

Wheelchair Space. Space for a single 

wheelchair and its occupant. 

CHAPTER V 2: SCOPING REQUIREMENTS 

V201 Application 

V201.1 Scope. All areas of newly 

designed and newly constructed passenger 

vessels and altered portions of existing 


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passenger vessels shall comply with this 

document to the extent required by V201.1. 

V201.1.1 Large Vessels. Passenger 

vessels, other than ferries and tenders, 

permitted to carry more than 150 passengers 

or more than 49 overnight passengers shall 

comply with Chapters V 1 through V 10. 

V201.1.2 Ferries. Ferries permitted to 

carry more than 99 passengers shall comply 

with Chapters V 1 through V 10. 

V201.1.3 Tenders. Tenders permitted to 

carry more than 59 passengers shall comply 

with Chapters V 1 and V 11. 

V201.2 Application Based on Facility 

Use. Where a facility, room, or space on a 

passenger vessel contains more than one use, 

each portion shall comply with the 

applicable requirements for that use. 

V201.3 Temporary and Permanent 

Structures. These requirements shall apply to 

temporary and permanent structures on 

passenger vessels. 

V202 Existing Passenger Vessels 

V202.1 General. Additions and 

alterations to existing passenger vessels shall 

comply with V202. 

V202.2 Additions. Each addition to an 

existing passenger vessel shall comply with 

the requirements for new construction. 

V202.3 Alterations. Where existing 

elements or spaces are altered, each altered 

element or space shall comply with the 

applicable requirements of Chapter 2. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where elements or spaces 

are altered and the circulation path to the 

altered element or space is not altered, an 

onboard accessible route shall not be 

required. 

2. In alterations, where compliance with 

applicable requirements is technically 

infeasible, the alteration shall comply with 

the requirements to the maximum extent 

feasible. 

3. In alterations, each alteration shall 

provide accessibility to the maximum extent 

feasible where compliance with applicable 

provisions would result in: (a) an increase in 

tonnage that changes the passenger vessel’s 

classification from 46 CFR Chapter I, 

Subchapter K (Small Passenger Vessels 

Carrying More Than 150 Passengers or With 

Overnight Accommodations For More Than 

49 Passengers) or 46 CFR Chapter I, 

Subchapter T (Small Passenger Vessels 

(Under 100 Gross Tons)) to 46 CFR Chapter 

I, Subchapter H (Passenger Vessels); (b) a 

violation of the minimum requirements 

established by the administrative authority 

for the stability of the vessel; (c) a reduction 

in the structural integrity or fire resistance of 

a Class A or B bulkhead (wall) or deck 

surface; or (d) an increase in power load in 

excess of the existing power supply. 

V202.3.1 Prohibited Reduction in Access. 

An alteration that decreases or has the effect 

of decreasing the accessibility of a passenger 

vessel below the requirements for new 

construction at the time of the alteration is 

prohibited. 

V202.3.2 Extent of Application. An 

alteration of an existing element, space, or 

area of a passenger vessel shall not impose 

a requirement for accessibility greater than 

required for new construction. 

V202.4 Alterations to Qualified Historic 

Passenger Vessels. Alterations to a qualified 

historic passenger vessel shall comply with 

V202.4. 

EXCEPTION: Where the State Historic 

Preservation Officer or Advisory Council on 

Historic Preservation determines that 

compliance with the requirements for 

onboard accessible routes or toilet facilities 

would threaten or destroy the historic 

significance of the passenger vessel, the 

exceptions for alterations to qualified historic 

passenger vessels for that element shall be 

permitted to apply. 

V203 General Exceptions 

V203.1 General. Passenger vessels shall 

be exempt from these requirements to the 

extent specified by V203. 

V203.2 Employee Areas and Features. 

Areas and features of passenger vessels 

which are intended for use only by 

employees shall not be required to comply 

with this document. 

V203.3 Limited Access Spaces. Spaces 

accessed only by ladders, catwalks, crawl 

spaces, manholes, hatches, or very narrow 

passageways shall not be required to comply 

with this document. 

V203.4 Camber and Sheer. Where 

necessary to meet camber and sheer needs of 

the vessel, running slopes and cross slopes 

shall comply with this document to the 

maximum extent feasible. 

V203.5 Water Slides. Water slides shall 

not be required to comply with this 

document. 

V203.6 Raised Diving Boards. Raised 

diving boards shall not be required to comply 

with this document. 

V203.7 Diving Platforms and Swimming 

Platforms. Diving platforms and swimming 

platforms shall not be required to comply 

with this document, if the platforms: 1) are 

located on the outboard side of passenger 

vessels, 2) do not function as part of a 

passenger boarding system subject to V208, 

and 3) do not function as a tender boarding 

platform subject to V206.4. 

V203.8 Raised Boxing and Wrestling 

Rings. Raised boxing or wrestling rings shall 

not be required to comply with this 

document. 

V203.9 Furnishings. Furnishings that are 

not fixed to the passenger vessel shall not be 

required to comply with this document. 

V204 Protruding Objects 

V204.1 General. Protruding objects on 

circulation paths shall comply with V307. 

Stairways and stair towers on passenger 

vessels subject to 46 CFR 72.05–20 or 

116.438 (e) shall be clear of all obstructions 

other than handrails. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Within areas of sport 

activity, protruding objects on circulation 

paths shall not be required to comply with 

V307. 

2. Within play areas, protruding objects on 

circulation paths shall not be required to 

comply with V307 provided that ground 

level accessible routes provide vertical 

clearance complying with V1004.2. 

V205 Operable Parts 

V205.1 General. Operable parts on 

elements required to comply with this 

document, on onboard accessible routes, and 

in rooms or spaces required to comply with 

this document shall comply with V309. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Operable parts that are 

intended for use only by employees shall not 

be required to comply with V309. 

2. Electrical or communication receptacles 

serving a dedicated use shall not be required 

to comply with V309. 

3. Where two or more outlets are provided 

in a galley or pantry above a length of 

counter top that is uninterrupted by a sink 

or appliance, one outlet shall not be required 

to comply with V309. 

4. Deck surface electrical receptacles shall 

not be required to comply with V309. 

5. HVAC diffusers shall not be required to 

comply with V309. 

6. Except for light switches, where 

redundant controls are provided for a single 

element, one control in each space shall not 

be required to comply with V309. 

7. Exercise machines shall not be required 

to comply with V309. 

V206 Onboard Accessible Routes 

V206.1 General. Onboard accessible 

routes shall be provided in accordance with 

V206 and shall comply with V402.1. 

V206.2 Where Required. Onboard 

accessible routes shall be provided where 

required by V206.2. 

V206.2.1 Multi-Deck Passenger Vessels. 

At least one onboard accessible route shall 

connect each passenger deck and mezzanine 

in multi-deck passenger vessels. Where 

passenger vessels have multiple entry decks, 

at least one onboard accessible route shall 

connect each entry deck. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Passenger vessels that 

have only two passenger decks shall not be 

required to provide an onboard accessible 

route to connect the decks unless both decks 

are entry decks. 

2. Where each passenger deck is less than 

3,000 square feet (279 m2), the passenger 

vessel shall not be required to provide an 

onboard accessible route connecting 

passenger decks that are not entry decks. 

3. Where a passenger vessel has more than 

one entry deck and is otherwise eligible to 

use exception 1 or 2, the entry decks shall 

not be required to be connected to an 

onboard accessible route provided that at 

least one designated entry deck: (a) serves 

each stop used for embarking and 

disembarking passengers, and (b) contains 

passenger amenities in accordance with 

V211.1.1, V213.1.1, V222.2, and V224.6, 

where such passenger amenities are provided 

on the vessel. 

4. On high-speed passenger vessels that 

have only three passenger decks and do not 

transport vehicles or overnight passengers, an 

onboard accessible route shall not be 

required to connect the decks provided that 

at least one designated entry deck: (a) serves 

each stop used for embarking and 

disembarking passengers; (b) contains 

passenger amenities in accordance with 

V211.1.1, V213.1.1, V222.2, and V224.6, 

where such passenger amenities are provided 

on the vessel; and (c) contains at least one 

exterior passenger area that is uncovered by 

other decks, where an uncovered exterior 

passenger area is provided on the vessel. 

5. On high-speed passenger vessels that do 

not transport overnight passengers, a deck 


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that has no enclosed passenger spaces and is 

not an entry deck shall not be required to be 

connected to an onboard accessible route 

provided that at least one exterior passenger 

area that is uncovered by other decks is 

provided on an entry deck or a deck 

connected to an entry deck by an onboard 

accessible route. 

6. On vehicle ferries, where a deck, other 

than an entry deck, is divided into two 

separate segments and no horizontal 

circulation path is provided between the two 

segments, only one segment of the divided 

deck is required to be connected by an 

onboard accessible route. 

7. On vehicle ferries, decks containing 

vehicle parking lanes that are designed to be 

raised and lowered and do not provide any 

other passenger amenities shall not be 

required to be connected to an onboard 

accessible route. 

8. Decks, other than entry decks, that are 

less than 300 (28 m2) square feet shall not be 

required to be connected to an onboard 

accessible route. 

9. Decks below the bulkhead deck shall not 

be required to be connected to an onboard 

accessible route. 

10. Where exceptions for alterations to 

qualified historic passenger vessels are 

permitted by V202.4, an onboard accessible 

route shall not be required between decks. 

V206.2.1.1 Stairs and Escalators in 

Existing Passenger Vessels. In alterations and 

additions, where an escalator or stair is 

provided where none existed previously and 

major structural modifications are necessary 

for the installation, at least one onboard 

accessible route shall be provided between 

the levels served by the escalator or stair 

unless exempted by V206.2.1 Exceptions 1 

through 10. 

V206.2.2 Spaces and Elements. Within a 

deck, at least one onboard accessible route 

shall connect all spaces and elements within 

the passenger vessel required to comply with 

this document which are otherwise 

connected by a circulation path, unless 

exempted by V206.2.1 Exceptions 1 through 

10. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In assembly areas with 

fixed seating required to comply with V221, 

an onboard accessible route shall not be 

required to serve fixed seating where 

wheelchair spaces required to be on an 

onboard accessible route are not provided. 

2. Onboard accessible routes shall not be 

required to connect mezzanines where 

passenger vessels have no more than one 

passenger deck. In addition, onboard 

accessible routes shall not be required to 

connect decks or mezzanines where multideck passenger vessels are exempted by 

V206.2.1 Exceptions 1 through 10. 

V206.2.3 Restaurants and Cafeterias. In 

restaurants and cafeterias, at least one 

onboard accessible route shall be provided to 

all dining areas, including raised or sunken 

dining areas, and outdoor dining areas. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In passenger vessels not 

required to provide an onboard accessible 

route between decks, an onboard accessible 

route shall not be required to a mezzanine 

dining area where the mezzanine contains 

less than 25 percent of the total combined 

area for seating and dining and where the 

same decor and services are provided in the 

accessible area. 

2. In alterations, an onboard accessible 

route shall not be required to existing raised 

or sunken dining areas, or to all parts of 

existing outdoor dining areas where the same 

services and decor are provided in a space 

required to comply with this document and 

not restricted to use by people with 

disabilities. 

V206.2.4 Performance Areas. Where a 

circulation path directly connects a 

performance area to an assembly seating area, 

at least one onboard accessible route shall 

directly connect the assembly seating area 

with the performance area. 

V206.2.5 Bowling Lanes. Where bowling 

lanes are provided, at least 5 percent, but no 

fewer than one of each type of bowling lane, 

shall be on an onboard accessible route. 

V206.2.6 Court Sports. In court sports, at 

least one onboard accessible route shall 

directly connect both sides of the court. 

V206.2.7 Exercise Machines and 

Equipment. Exercise machines and 

equipment required to comply with V230 

shall be on an onboard accessible route. 

V206.2.8 Miniature Golf Facilities. Holes 

required to comply with V231.2, including 

the start of play, shall be on an onboard 

accessible route. Accessible routes serving 

miniature golf facilities shall comply with 

V402 except as modified by V1003.2. 

V206.2.9 Play Areas. Play areas shall 

provide onboard accessible routes in 

accordance with V206.2.9. Accessible routes 

serving play areas shall comply with V402 

except as modified by V1004.2. 

V206.2.9.1 Ground Level and Elevated 

Play Components. At least one onboard 

accessible route shall be provided within the 

play area. The onboard accessible route shall 

connect ground level play components 

required to comply with V232.2.1 and 

elevated play components required to 

comply with V232.2.2, including entry and 

exit points of the play components. 

V206.2.9.2 Soft Contained Play 

Structures. Where three or fewer entry points 

are provided for soft contained play 

structures, at least one entry point shall be 

on an onboard accessible route. Where four 

or more entry points are provided for soft 

contained play structures, at least two entry 

points shall be on an onboard accessible 

route. 

V206.3 Location. Onboard accessible 

routes shall coincide with or be located in 

the same area as general passenger 

circulation paths. Where any two interior 

spaces which are required to comply with 

this document are connected by an interior 

general passenger circulation path, the 

onboard accessible route connecting the same 

two spaces shall also be interior. An onboard 

accessible route connecting any two spaces 

required to comply with this document shall 

not be more than 300 feet (91 m) longer than 

the shortest general passenger circulation 

path connecting the same two spaces. 

EXCEPTION: Where the largest deck is less 

than 3,000 square feet (279 m2), V206.3 shall 

not apply. 

V206.4 Entry and Departure Points. Each 

entry and departure point used by passengers 

shall be on an onboard accessible route. 

EXCEPTION: Only one tender boarding 

platform on the port and starboard side of the 

vessel shall be required to be on an onboard 

accessible route. 

V206.5 Doors, Doorways, and Gates. 

Doors, doorways, and gates providing user 

passage shall be provided in accordance with 

V206.5. 

V206.5.1 Deck Entry and Departure. 

Where doors, doorways, or gates are provided 

at entry and departure points required to 

comply with V206.4, at least one door, 

doorway, or gate shall comply with V404. 

V206.5.2 Rooms and Spaces. Within a 

passenger vessel, at least one door, doorway, 

or gate serving each room or space complying 

with these requirements shall comply with 

V404. 

V206.6 Elevators. Elevators provided for 

passengers shall comply with V407. Where 

multiple elevators are provided, each 

elevator shall comply with V407. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In passenger vessels less 

than 10,000 gross tonnage calculated in 

accordance with the International 

Convention on Tonnage Measurement of 

Ships, elevators complying with V408 shall 

be permitted. 

2. In passenger vessels permitted to use the 

exceptions to V206.2.1 or permitted by 

V206.7 to use a platform lift, elevators 

complying with V408 shall be permitted. 

V206.6.1 Existing Elevators. Where 

elements of existing elevators are altered, the 

same element shall also be altered in all 

elevators that are programmed to respond to 

the same hall call control as the altered 

elevator and shall comply with the 

requirements of V407 or V408 for the altered 

element. 

V206.7 Platform Lifts. Platform lifts shall 

comply with V409. Platform lifts shall be 

permitted as a component of an onboard 

accessible route in accordance with V206.7. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, platform lifts 

shall be permitted as a component of any 

onboard accessible route. 

V206.7.1 Decks Less Than 3,000 Square 

Feet. Platform lifts shall be permitted to 

provide an onboard accessible route to decks 

that are less than 3,000 square feet (279 m2). 

V206.7.2 Vertical Clearance Constraints. 

Platform lifts shall be permitted where the 

vertical clearance constraints of a route 

where a passenger vessel operates makes the 

use of an elevator infeasible. 

V206.7.3 Wheelchair Spaces. Platform 

lifts shall be permitted to provide an onboard 

accessible route to comply with the 

wheelchair space dispersion and line-of-sight 

requirements of V221 and V802. 

V206.7.4 Performance Areas and 

Speakers’ Platforms. Platform lifts shall be 

permitted to provide onboard accessible 

routes to performance areas and speakers’ 

platforms. 

V206.7.5 Passenger Guest Rooms. 

Platform lifts shall be permitted to connect 

levels within guest rooms required to provide 

mobility features complying with V806.2. 

V206.7.6 Tender Platforms. Platform lifts 

shall be permitted to provide an onboard 

accessible route to tender boarding platforms. 

EXCEPTION: Where platform lifts serving 

tender boarding platforms are exposed to 

waves and the tender boarding platforms are 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
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less than 300 square feet (28 m2), manually 

powered boarding lifts complying with V411 

shall be permitted. 

V206.7.7 Play Areas. Platform lifts shall 

be permitted to provide onboard accessible 

routes to play components or soft contained 

play structures. 

V206.8 Security Barriers. Security 

barriers, including but not limited to, 

security bollards and security check points 

shall not obstruct a required onboard 

accessible route or accessible means of 

escape. 

EXCEPTION: Where security barriers 

incorporate elements that cannot comply 

with these requirements such as certain 

metal detectors, fluoroscopes, or other 

similar devices, the onboard accessible route 

shall be permitted to be located adjacent to 

the security barriers. The onboard accessible 

route shall permit persons with disabilities 

passing around security barriers to maintain 

visual contact with their personal items to 

the same extent provided others passing 

through the security barrier. 

V207 Accessible Means of Escape 

V207.1 General. Where the administrative 

authority requires a passenger vessel to have 

a means of escape, an accessible means of 

escape shall be provided and shall provide a 

substantially equivalent level of protection 

from hazards as is required by the 

administrative authority for the means of 

escape. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where a required means 

of escape is permitted by the administrative 

authority to include a ladder, window, hatch, 

or deck scuttle, the corresponding accessible 

means of escape shall not be required. 

2. In alterations, accessible means of 

escape shall not be required. 

V208 Passenger Vessel Boarding Systems 

V208.1 General. Where required by U.S. 

Department of Transportation or the U.S. 

Department of Justice, at least one accessible 

passenger boarding system complying with 

V402.2 shall connect an entry deck to fixed 

piers, floating piers, or landside structures. 

V209 [Reserved] 

V210 Rinsing Showers 

V210.1 General. Where provided, rinsing 

showers shall comply with V608. 

EXCEPTION: Where rinsing showers are 

clustered at a single location, at least one of 

the rinsing showers shall be required to 

comply with V608. 

V211 Drinking Fountains 

V211.1 General. Where provided on a 

deck, drinking fountains shall be provided in 

accordance with V211. 

V211.1.1 Entry Deck Location. Where 

passenger drinking fountains are provided on 

decks not connected by an onboard 

accessible route to an entry deck as permitted 

by the exceptions in V206.2.1, passenger 

drinking fountains complying with V211.2 

shall be provided on an entry deck or on a 

deck connected to an entry deck by an 

onboard accessible route. 

V211.2 Minimum Number. No fewer than 

two drinking fountains shall be provided. 

One drinking fountain shall comply with 

V602.1 through V602.6 and one drinking 

fountain shall comply with V602.7. 

EXCEPTION: Where a single drinking 

fountain complies with V602.1 through 

V602.6 and V602.7 it shall be permitted in 

place of two separate drinking fountains. 

V211.3 More Than Two. Where more 

than two drinking fountains are provided, 50 

percent of the total number of drinking 

fountains provided shall comply with V602.1 

through V602.6 and 50 percent of the total 

number of drinking fountains provided shall 

comply with V602.7. 

EXCEPTION: Where 50 percent of the 

drinking fountains yields a fraction, 50 

percent shall be permitted to be rounded up 

or down if the total number of drinking 

fountains complying with V211 equals 100 

percent of drinking fountains. 

V212 Galleys, Pantries, and Sinks 

V212.1 General. Where provided, galleys, 

pantries, and sinks shall comply with V212. 

V212.2 Galleys and Pantries. Galleys and 

pantries shall comply with V804. 

V212.3 Sinks. Where sinks are provided, 

at least 5 percent, but not fewer than one, of 

each type provided in each room or space 

required to comply with this document shall 

comply with V606. 

EXCEPTION: Mop or service sinks shall 

not be required to comply with V212.3. 

V213 Toilet Facilities and Bathing 

Facilities 

V213.1 General. Where passenger toilet 

facilities and passenger bathing facilities are 

provided, they shall comply with V213. 

V213.1.1 Entry Deck Location. Where 

passenger toilet rooms are provided on decks 

not connected by an onboard accessible route 

to an entry deck as permitted by the 

exceptions in V206.2.1, at least one passenger 

toilet room for each sex, or one unisex toilet 

room, complying with V603 shall be 

provided on an entry deck or on a deck 

connected to an entry deck by an onboard 

accessible route. 

V213.2 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms. 

Where toilet rooms are provided, each toilet 

room shall comply with V603. Where bathing 

rooms are provided, each bathing room shall 

comply with V603. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In alterations, where it is 

technically infeasible to comply with V603, 

the existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms 

shall comply to the maximum extent feasible 

in accordance with V202.3 exception 2, or 

provide a single unisex toilet room or bathing 

room complying with V603 that is located in 

the same area and on the same deck as 

existing inaccessible toilet or bathing rooms. 

2. Where exceptions for alterations to 

qualified historic passenger vessels are 

permitted by V202.4, no fewer than one toilet 

room for each sex or one unisex toilet room 

complying with V603 shall be provided. 

3. Where multiple single user portable 

toilet or bathing units are clustered at a single 

location, at least 5 percent of the toilet units 

and bathing units at each cluster shall be 

required to comply with V603. Portable toilet 

units and bathing units complying with V603 

shall be identified by the International 

Symbol of Accessibility complying with 

V703.7.2.1. 

4. Where multiple single user toilet rooms 

are clustered at a single location, at least 50 

percent of the single user toilet rooms for 

each use at each cluster shall be required to 

comply with V603. 

5. On high-speed passenger vessels that do 

not transport overnight passengers, where 

multiple single user toilet rooms are 

clustered at a single location, at least 5 

percent of the single user toilet rooms for 

each use at each cluster shall be required to 

comply with V603. 

V213.2.1 Unisex (Single-Use or Family) 

Toilet and Unisex Bathing Rooms. Unisex 

toilet rooms shall contain one lavatory and 

either one water closet or one water closet 

and one urinal. Unisex bathing rooms shall 

contain one lavatory, one water closet and 

either one shower or one shower and one 

bathtub. Doors to unisex toilet rooms and 

unisex bathing rooms shall have privacy 

latches. 

V213.3 Plumbing Fixtures and 

Accessories. Plumbing fixtures and 

accessories provided in a toilet room or 

bathing room required to comply with 

V213.2 shall comply with V213.3. 

V213.3.1 Toilet Compartments (Stalls). 

Where toilet compartments are provided, at 

least one toilet compartment shall comply 

with V604.8.1. In addition to the 

compartment required to comply with 

V604.8.1, at least one compartment shall 

comply with V604.8.2 where six or more 

toilet compartments are provided, or where 

the combination of urinals and water closets 

totals six or more fixtures. 

V213.3.2 Water Closets. Where water 

closets are provided, at least one shall 

comply with V604. 

V213.3.3 Urinals. Where more than one 

urinal is provided, at least one shall comply 

with V605. 

V213.3.4 Lavatories. Where lavatories are 

provided, at least one shall comply with 

V606 and shall not be located in a toilet 

compartment. 

V213.3.5 Mirrors. Where mirrors are 

provided, at least one shall comply with 

V603.3. 

V213.3.6 Bathing Facilities. Where 

bathtubs or showers are provided, at least 

one bathtub complying with V607 or at least 

one shower complying with V608 shall be 

provided. 

V213.3.7 Coat Hooks and Shelves. Where 

coat hooks or shelves are provided in toilet 

rooms without toilet compartments, at least 

one of each type shall comply with V603.4. 

Where coat hooks or shelves are provided in 

toilet compartments, at least one of each type 

complying with V604.8.3 shall be provided 

in toilet compartments required to comply 

with V213.3.1. Where coat hooks or shelves 

are provided in bathing facilities, at least one 

of each type complying with V603.4 shall 

serve fixtures required to comply with 

V213.3.6. 

V214 Washing Machines and Clothes 

Dryers 

V214.1 General. Where provided, 

washing machines and clothes dryers shall 

comply with V214. 

V214.2 Washing Machines. Where three 

or fewer washing machines are provided, at 

least one shall comply with V611. Where 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
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more than three washing machines are 

provided, at least two shall comply with 

V611. 

V214.3 Clothes Dryers. Where three or 

fewer clothes dryers are provided, at least 

one shall comply with V611. Where more 

than three clothes dryers are provided, at 

least two shall comply with V611. 

V215 General Emergency Alarm 

V215.1 General. Where a general alarm 

system is provided to notify passengers in 

public areas of emergencies, the alarm system 

shall provide notification appliances in 

public areas in accordance with V702. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Elevators, enclosed 

platform lifts, enclosed stairways, and areas 

only open to passengers in emergencies shall 

not be required to comply with V215. 

2. In alterations, compliance with V215 

shall not be required except where an 

existing alarm system is upgraded or 

replaced, or a new alarm system is installed. 

V216 Signs 

V216.1 General. Signs shall be provided 

in accordance with V216 and shall comply 

with V703. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Vessel directories, 

menus, seat and row designations in 

assembly areas, occupant names, vessel 

names, and company names and logos shall 

not be required to comply with V216. 

2. In parking facilities, signs shall not be 

required to comply with V216.2, V216.3, and 

V216.6 through V216.9. 

3. Temporary, 7 days or less, signs shall 

not be required to comply with V216. 

V216.2 Designations. Interior and exterior 

signs identifying permanent rooms and 

spaces shall comply with V703.1, V703.2, 

and V703.5. Where pictograms are provided 

as designations of permanent interior rooms 

and spaces, the pictograms shall comply with 

V703.6 and shall have text descriptors 

complying with V703.2 and V703.5. 

EXCEPTION: Exterior signs that are not 

located at the door to the space they serve 

shall not be required to comply with V703.2. 

V216.3 Directional and Informational 

Signs. Signs that provide direction to or 

information about spaces and facilities of the 

passenger vessel shall comply with V703.5. 

V216.4 Means of Escape Signs. Signs for 

means of escape shall comply with V216.4. 

V216.4.1 Exit Doors. Exit doors identified 

with illuminated exit signs shall be identified 

by tactile signs complying with V703.1, 

V703.2, and V703.5. 

V216.4.2 Directional Signs. At exit doors, 

platform lifts, and elevators that are not part 

of an accessible means of escape, signs 

complying with V703.5 shall be provided 

indicating the location of the accessible 

means of escape. 

EXCEPTION: Where platform lifts and 

elevators are directly accessed from protected 

stairway landings, V216.4.2 shall not apply. 

V216.5 Exterior Doors. Where not all 

exterior public doors comply with V404, 

public doors complying with V404 shall be 

identified by the International Symbol of 

Accessibility complying with V703.7.2.1. 

Directional signs complying with V703.5 that 

indicate the location of the nearest public 

door complying with V404 shall be provided 

at exterior public doors that do not comply 

with V404. 

V216.6 Elevators. In alterations, where 

existing elevators do not comply with V407 

or V408, elevators complying with V407 or 

V408 shall be identified with the 

International Symbol of Accessibility 

complying with V703.7.2.1. 

V216.7 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms. 

Signs for toilet rooms and bathing rooms 

shall be provided in accordance with V216.7. 

V216.7.1 Alterations. In alterations, 

where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms 

do not comply with V603, directional signs 

complying with V703.5 shall be provided to 

indicate the location of the nearest toilet 

room or bathing room complying with V603 

within the facility. In addition, the toilet 

rooms or bathing rooms complying with 

V603 shall be identified by the International 

Symbol of Accessibility complying with 

V703.7.2.1. Directional signs shall include 

the International Symbol of Accessibility 

complying with V703.7.2.1. 

V216.7.2 Clustered Single User Toilet 

Facilities or Bathing Facilities. Where 

clustered single user toilet facilities or 

bathing facilities are permitted to use V213.2 

Exceptions 3 through 5, toilet facilities or 

bathing facilities complying with V603 shall 

be identified by the International Symbol of 

Accessibility complying with V703.7.2.1 

unless all toilet facilities and bathing 

facilities comply with V603. 

V216.8 TTYs. Identification and 

directional signs for public TTYs shall be 

provided in accordance with V216.8. 

V216.8.1 Identification Signs. Public 

TTYs shall be identified by the International 

Symbol of TTY complying with V703.7.2.2. 

V216.8.2 Directional Signs. Directional 

signs indicating the location of the nearest 

public TTY shall be provided at public 

telephones not containing a public TTY. In 

addition, where signs provide direction to 

public telephones, they shall also provide 

direction to public TTYs required by V217. 

Directional signs shall comply with V703.5 

and shall include the International Symbol of 

TTY complying with V703.7.2.2. 

V216.9 Wheelchair Accessible 

Telephones. Where signs provide direction to 

public telephones, they shall also provide 

direction to public wheelchair accessible 

telephones required by V217, unless all 

public telephone locations have wheelchair 

accessible telephones. Directional signs shall 

comply with V703.5. 

V216.10 Assistive Listening Systems. 

Each assembly area and transportation 

seating area required by V219 to provide 

assistive listening systems shall provide signs 

informing passengers of the availability of the 

assistive listening system and type of 

transmitter and receiver used. Assistive 

listening signs shall comply with V703.5 and 

shall include the International Symbol of 

Access for Hearing Loss complying with 

V703.7.2.3. 

EXCEPTION: Where passenger vessels 

have a central passenger service station to 

distribute receivers for assistive listening 

systems and other effective methods besides 

signage are used to notify passengers of the 

availability, location, and type of assistive 

listening systems provided, V216.10 shall not 

apply. 

V216.11 Check-Out Aisles. Where more 

than one check-out aisle is provided, checkout aisles complying with V904.3 shall be 

identified by the International Symbol of 

Accessibility complying with V703.7.2.1. 

Where check-out aisles are identified by 

numbers, letters, or functions, signs 

identifying check-out aisles complying with 

V904.3 shall be located in the same location 

as the check-out aisle identification. 

EXCEPTION: Where all check-out aisles 

serving a single function comply with 

V904.3, V703.7.2.1 shall not apply. 

V217 Telephones 

V217.1 General. Where public telephones 

are provided, public telephones shall be 

provided in accordance with V217 for each 

type of public telephone provided. 

V217.2 Minimum Number. Where a 

public telephone is provided on a deck, at 

least one shall be a wheelchair accessible 

public telephone complying with V704.2 and 

at least one shall be a public TTY complying 

with V704.4. 

V217.3 Volume Controls. All public 

telephones shall have volume controls 

complying with V704.3. 

V217.4 Hearing Aid Compatibility. All 

public telephones shall be hearing aid 

compatible. 

V218 Two-Way Communication Systems 

V218.1 General. Where a two-way 

communication system is provided to gain 

admittance to a passenger vessel or to 

restricted areas open to passengers within a 

passenger vessel, the system shall comply 

with V705. 

V219 Assistive Listening Systems 

V219.1 General. Assistive listening 

systems shall be provided in accordance with 

V219. 

V219.2 Required Systems. Passenger 

areas shall provide assistive listening systems 

complying with V706 in accordance with 

V219.2. 

V219.2.1 Assembly and Transportation 

Seating Areas. Where an audio amplification 

system is provided in an assembly area or 

transportation seating area to communicate 

information that is integral to the use of the 

space, an assistive listening system shall be 

provided. 

V219.2.2 Emergency Information. Where 

an audio amplification system is provided in 

public areas to communicate emergency 

information to passengers, an assistive 

listening system shall be provided. 

EXCEPTION: Where passengers are 

assigned specific muster stations to go to in 

an emergency when the general emergency 

alarm is activated, V219.2.2 shall not apply. 

V219.3 Receivers. Receivers complying 

with V706.3 shall be provided for assistive 

listening systems in accordance with Table 

V219.3. The minimum number of receivers 

shall be based on the total seating capacity 

in all the assembly areas and transportation 

seating areas required to comply with V219.2 

that use the same type of assistive listening 

system. Twenty-five percent minimum of 

receivers provided, but no fewer than two, 

for each type of assistive listening system, 

shall be hearing-aid compatible and shall 

comply with V706.3. 


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EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where an induction loop 

assistive listening system is provided, the 

minimum number of receivers required by 

Table V219.3 to be hearing-aid compatible 

shall not be required to be provided. 

2. The number of receivers shall be 

permitted to be based on the maximum 

number of passengers permitted to be carried 

on the passenger vessel. 

TABLE V219.3—RECEIVERS FOR ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS

Capacity of 

seating Minimum number of required receivers Minimum number of required receivers required to be hearing-aid compatible 

50 or less .......... 2 ................................................................................................ 2. 

51 to 200 ........... 2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats, or fraction thereof ........ 2. 

201 to 500 ......... 2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats, or fraction thereof ........ 1 per 4 receivers, or fraction thereof. 

501 to 1000 ....... 20, plus 1 per 33 seats over 500 seats, or fraction thereof .... 1 per 4 receivers, or fraction thereof. 

1001 to 2000 ..... 35, plus 1 per 50 seats over 1000 seats, or fraction thereof .. 1 per 4 receivers, or fraction thereof. 

2001 and over ... 55, plus 1 per 100 seats over 2000 seats , or fraction thereof 1 per 4 receivers, or fraction thereof. 

V220 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare 

Machines 

V220.1 General. Where automatic teller 

machines or self-service fare vending, 

collection, or adjustment machines are 

provided, at least one of each type provided 

at each location shall comply with V707. 

Where bins are provided for envelopes, waste 

paper, or other purposes, at least one of each 

type shall comply with V807. 

V221 Assembly Areas 

V221.1 General. Assembly areas shall 

comply with V221. 

EXCEPTION: In passenger vessels that 

function primarily as ferries, assembly areas 

shall be permitted to comply with V222. 

V221.2 Wheelchair Spaces. Wheelchair 

spaces shall be provided in assembly areas 

with fixed seating in accordance with 

V221.2. 

V221.2.1 Number. The number of 

wheelchair spaces shall be provided in 

accordance with V221.2.1. 

V221.2.1.1 General Seating. In general 

seating, wheelchair spaces complying with 

V802.1 shall be provided in accordance with 

Table V221.2.1.1 based on the number of 

fixed seats in each assembly area. 

TABLE V221.2.1.1—NUMBER OF WHEELCHAIR SPACES

Number of seats Minimum number of required wheelchair spaces 

4 to 25 ............................................. 1. 

26 to 50 ........................................... 2. 

51 to 150 ......................................... 4. 

151 to 300 ....................................... 5. 

301 to 500 ....................................... 6. 

501 to 5000 ..................................... 6, plus 1 for each 150, or fraction thereof, between 501 through 5000. 

5001 and over ................................. 36, plus 1 for each 200, or fraction thereof, over 5000. 

V221.2.1.2 Boxes. In boxes, wheelchair 

spaces complying with V802.1 shall be 

provided in accordance with Table 

V221.2.1.1 based on the total number of fixed 

seats provided in boxes. Wheelchair spaces 

shall be located in not less than 20 percent 

of all boxes provided. 

V221.2.2 Integration. Wheelchair spaces 

shall be an integral part of the fixed seating 

plan. 

V221.2.3 Dispersion and Fixed Lines of 

Sight. Where seats are arranged to provide 

lines of sight to fixed screens or performance 

areas, wheelchair spaces shall provide lines 

of sight complying with V802.2 and shall 

comply with V221.2.3. In providing lines of 

sight, wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed. 

Wheelchair spaces shall provide spectators 

with choices of seating locations and viewing 

angles that are substantially equivalent to, or 

better than, the choices of seating locations 

and viewing angles available to all other 

spectators. Where tables or counters with 

fixed seats are provided in assembly areas, 

wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed at the 

tables and counters. When the number of 

wheelchair spaces required by V221.2.1 has 

been met, further dispersion shall not be 

required. 

V221.2.3.1 Horizontal Dispersion. 

Wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed 

horizontally. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Horizontal dispersion 

shall not be required in assembly areas with 

300 or fewer seats provided that the 

companion seats required by V221.3 and 

wheelchair spaces are located within the 2nd 

or 3rd quartile of the total row length. 

Intermediate aisles shall be included in 

determining the total row length. If the row 

length in the 2nd and 3rd quartile of a row 

is insufficient to accommodate the required 

number of companion seats and wheelchair 

spaces, the additional companion seats and 

wheelchair spaces shall be permitted to be 

located in the 1st and 4th quartile of the row. 

2. In row seating, two wheelchair spaces 

shall be permitted to be located side-by-side. 

V221.2.3.2 Vertical Dispersion. 

Wheelchair spaces shall be dispersed 

vertically at varying distances from the 

screen or performance area. In addition, 

wheelchair spaces shall be located in each 

balcony or mezzanine that is located on an 

onboard accessible route which connects to 

an entry deck. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Vertical dispersion shall 

not be required in assembly areas with 300 

or fewer seats provided that the wheelchair 

spaces provide viewing angles that are 

equivalent to, or better than, the average 

viewing angle provided in the facility. 

2. In bleachers, wheelchair spaces shall not 

be required to be provided in rows other than 

rows at points of entry to bleacher seating. 

V221.2.4 Dispersion and No Fixed Lines 

of Sight. Where seats are not arranged to 

provide lines of sight to fixed screens or 

performance areas, wheelchair spaces shall 

be dispersed throughout the fixed seating 

plans. Where tables or counters with fixed 

seats are provided, wheelchair spaces shall 

be dispersed at the tables and counters. 

When the number of wheelchair spaces 

required by V221.2.1 has been met, further 

dispersion shall not be required. 

EXCEPTION: Two wheelchair spaces shall 

be permitted to be located side-by-side. 

V221.3 Companion Seats. At least one 

companion seat complying with V802.3 shall 

be provided for each wheelchair space 

required by V221.2.1. 

V221.4 Designated Aisle Seats. In 

assembly areas, at least 5 percent of the total 

number of fixed aisle seats provided shall 

comply with V802.4 and shall be the aisle 

seats located closest to onboard accessible 

routes. 

V222 Transportation Seating Areas 

V222.1 General. Transportation seating 

areas shall comply with V222. 

V222.2 Entry Deck Location. Where 

transportation seating areas are provided on 

decks not connected by an onboard 

accessible route to an entry deck as permitted 

by the exceptions in V206.2.1, at least one 

transportation seating area complying with 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
38136 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

V222 shall be provided on an entry deck or 

on a deck connected to an entry deck by an 

onboard accessible route. 

V222.3 Wheelchair Spaces. The number 

of wheelchair spaces shall be provided in 

accordance with V222.3. 

V222.3.1 Number. Wheelchair spaces 

complying with V802.1 shall be provided in 

accordance with Table V222.3 based on the 

total number of fixed seats provided in 

transportation seating areas of the passenger 

vessel. 

EXCEPTION: Where more fixed seats are 

provided in transportation seating areas than 

the maximum number of passengers the 

vessel is permitted to carry, the number of 

wheelchair spaces shall be permitted to be 

based on the maximum number of passengers 

permitted to be carried. 

TABLE V222.3—NUMBER OF WHEELCHAIR SPACES

Number of seats Minimum number of required wheelchair spaces 

1 to 60 ............................................. 1. 

61 to 120 ......................................... 2. 

121 to 180 ....................................... 3. 

181 to 240 ....................................... 4. 

241 to 300 ....................................... 5. 

301 to 500 ....................................... 6. 

501 to 5000 ..................................... 6, plus 1 for each 150, or fraction thereof, between 501 through 5000. 

5001 and over ................................. 36, plus 1 for each 200, or fraction thereof, over 5000. 

V222.3.2 Integration. Wheelchair spaces 

shall be an integral part of the fixed seating 

plans. 

V222.3.3 Dispersion. Wheelchair spaces 

shall be dispersed throughout the fixed 

seating plans of the transportation seating 

areas located on an entry deck or connected 

by an accessible route to an entry deck. 

Where tables or counters with fixed seats are 

provided in transportation seating areas 

located on an entry deck or connected by an 

accessible route to an entry deck, wheelchair 

spaces shall be dispersed at the tables and 

counters. When the number of wheelchair 

spaces required by V222.3.1 has been met, 

further dispersion shall not be required. 

EXCEPTION: Two wheelchair spaces shall 

be permitted to be located side-by-side. 

V223 Medical Care Facilities 

V223.1 General. Where patient sleeping 

rooms are provided in medical care facilities, 

at least 10 percent, but no fewer than one, of 

the patient sleeping rooms shall provide 

mobility features complying with V805. 

EXCEPTION: Toilet rooms that are part of 

critical or intensive care patient sleeping 

rooms shall not be required to comply with 

V603. 

V223.1.1 Alterations. Where sleeping 

rooms are altered or added, the requirements 

of V223 shall apply only to the sleeping 

rooms being altered or added until the 

number of sleeping rooms complies with the 

minimum number required for new 

construction. 

V224 Passenger Guest Rooms 

V224.1 General. Where passenger guest 

rooms are provided, guest rooms shall 

comply with V224. 

V224.1.1 Alterations. Where guest rooms 

are altered or added, the requirements of 

V224 shall apply only to the guest rooms 

being altered or added until the number of 

guest rooms complies with the minimum 

number required for new construction. 

V224.2 Guest Rooms with Mobility 

Features. Guest rooms with mobility features 

complying with V806.2 shall be provided in 

accordance with Table V224.2. 

EXCEPTION: In passenger vessels with 

fewer than 121 guest rooms, the total number 

of guest rooms required to provide mobility 

features in compliance with V806.2 shall be 

permitted to be 5 percent provided that the 

number of rooms with roll-in showers 

specified in Table V224.2 is provided. 

TABLE V224.2—GUEST ROOMS WITH MOBILITY FEATURES

Total number of guest rooms 

provided 

Minimum required number of 

rooms with tubs or showers 

Minimum number of required 

rooms with roll-in showers Total number of required rooms 

1 to 25 ............................................ 1 .................................................... 0 .................................................... 1. 

26 to 50 .......................................... 2 .................................................... 0 .................................................... 2. 

51 to 75 .......................................... 3 .................................................... 1 .................................................... 4. 

76 to 100 ........................................ 4 .................................................... 1 .................................................... 5. 

101 to 150 ...................................... 5 .................................................... 2 .................................................... 7. 

151 to 200 ...................................... 6 .................................................... 2 .................................................... 8. 

201 to 300 ...................................... 7 .................................................... 3 .................................................... 10. 

301 to 400 ...................................... 8 .................................................... 4 .................................................... 12. 

401 to 500 ...................................... 9 .................................................... 4 .................................................... 13. 

501 to 1000 .................................... 2 percent of total .......................... 1 percent of total .......................... 3 percent of total. 

1001 and over ................................ 20, plus 1 for each 100, or fraction thereof, over 1000.10, plus 1 for each 100, or fraction thereof, over 1000.30, plus 2 for each 100, or fraction thereof, over 1000. 

V224.3 Beds. In guest rooms having more 

than 25 beds, 5 percent minimum of the beds 

shall have clear deck space complying with 

V806.2.3. 

V224.4 Communication Features. Guest 

rooms with communication features 

complying with V806.3 shall be provided in 

accordance with Table V224.4. 

TABLE V224.4—GUEST ROOMS WITH

COMMUNICATION FEATURES

Total number of guest 

rooms provided 

Minimum number of 

required guest rooms 

with communication 

features 

2 to 25 ....................... 2. 

26 to 50 ..................... 4. 

51 to 75 ..................... 7. 

76 to 100 ................... 9. 

TABLE V224.4—GUEST ROOMS WITH

COMMUNICATION FEATURES—Continued 

Total number of guest 

rooms provided 

Minimum number of 

required guest rooms 

with communication 

features 

101 to 150 ................. 12. 

151 to 200 ................. 14. 


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TABLE V224.4—GUEST ROOMS WITH

COMMUNICATION FEATURES—Continued 

Total number of guest 

rooms provided 

Minimum number of 

required guest rooms 

with communication 

features 

201 to 300 ................. 17. 

301 to 400 ................. 20. 

401 to 500 ................. 22. 

501 to 1000 ............... 5 percent of total. 

1001 and over ........... 50, plus 3 for each 

100 over 1000. 

V224.5 Dispersion. Guest rooms required 

to provide mobility features complying with 

V806.2 and guest rooms required to provide 

communication features complying with 

V806.3 shall be dispersed among the various 

classes of guest rooms, and shall provide 

choices of types of guest rooms, number of 

beds, and other amenities comparable to the 

choices provided to other guests. Where the 

minimum number of guest rooms required to 

comply with V806 is not sufficient to allow 

for complete dispersion, guest rooms shall be 

dispersed in the following priority: guest 

room type, number of beds, and amenities. At 

least one guest room required to provide 

mobility features complying with V806.2 

shall also provide communication features 

complying with V806.3. One guest room or 

not more than 10 percent of guest rooms 

required to provide mobility features 

complying with V806.2 shall be used to 

satisfy the minimum number of guest rooms 

required to provide communication features 

complying with V806.3. 

V224.6 Location. Guest rooms required to 

provide mobility features complying with 

V806.2 shall be provided on an entry deck or 

on a deck connected to an entry deck by an 

onboard accessible route. 

V225 Storage 

V225.1 General. Storage facilities shall 

comply with V225. 

V225.2 Storage. Where storage is 

provided in spaces required to comply with 

this document, at least one of each type shall 

comply with V807. 

V225.3 Self-Service Shelving. Self-service 

shelves at other than food service lines shall 

be located on an onboard accessible route 

complying with V402. Self-service shelving 

shall not be required to comply with V308. 

V226 Tables and Counters 

V226.1 General. Where tables or counters 

are provided for passenger use in areas other 

than assembly areas and transportation 

seating areas, at least 5 percent of the seating 

or standing spaces at the tables and counters 

shall comply with V902. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Sales and service 

counters shall not be required to comply with 

V902. 

2. Check writing surfaces provided at 

check-out aisles that are not required to 

comply with V904.3 shall not be required to 

comply with V902. 

V226.2 Dispersion. Tables and counters 

required to comply with V902 shall be 

dispersed throughout the area where the 

tables and counters are provided. 

V227 Sales and Service 

V227.1 General. Where provided, checkout aisles, sales counters, service counters, 

food service lines, queues, and waiting lines 

shall comply with V227 and V904. 

V227.2 Check-Out Aisles. Where checkout aisles are provided, check-out aisles 

complying with V904.3 shall be provided in 

accordance with Table V227.2. Where checkout aisles serve different functions, check-out 

aisles complying with V904.3 shall be 

provided in accordance with Table V227.2 

for each function. Where check-out aisles are 

dispersed throughout the passenger vessel or 

facility, check-out aisles complying with 

V904.3 shall be dispersed. 

EXCEPTION: Where the selling space is 

under 5,000 square feet (465 m2) no more 

than one check-out aisle complying with 

V904.3 shall be required. 

TABLE V227.2—ACCESSIBLE CHECK-OUT AISLES

Number of check-out aisles of each function 

Minimum number of check-out aisles of 

each function required to comply with 

V904.3 

1 to 4 ..................................................................................................................................................... 1. 

5 to 8 ..................................................................................................................................................... 2. 

9 to 15 ................................................................................................................................................... 3. 

16 and over ........................................................................................................................................... 3, plus 20 percent of additional aisles. 

V227.2.1 Altered Check-Out Aisles. 

Where check-out aisles are altered, at least 

one of each check-out aisle serving each 

function shall comply with V904.3 until the 

number of check-out aisles complies with 

V227.2. 

V227.3 Counters. Where provided in a 

space, at least one of each type of sales 

counter and service counter shall comply 

with V904.4. 

EXCEPTION: Where the largest deck is less 

than 3,000 square feet (279 m2) and the 

employee side of the counter is 80 inches 

(2030 mm) or less in linear length, the 

counter shall not be required to comply with 

V227.3. 

V227.4 Food Service Lines. Food service 

lines shall comply with V904.5. Where selfservice shelves are provided, at least 50 

percent, but no fewer than one, of each type 

provided shall comply with V308. 

V227.5 Queues and Waiting Lines. 

Queues and waiting lines servicing counters 

or check-out aisles required to comply with 

V904.3 or V904.4 shall comply with V403. 

V228 Depositories, Vending Machines, 

Change Machines, and Mail Boxes 

V228.1 General. Where provided, at least 

one of each type of depository, vending 

machine, and change machine shall comply 

with V309. 

V228.2 Mail Boxes. Where mail boxes are 

provided in an interior location, at least 5 

percent, but no fewer than one, of each type 

shall comply with V309. 

V229 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms 

V229.1 General. Where dressing rooms, 

fitting rooms, or locker rooms are provided, 

at least 5 percent, but no fewer than one, of 

each type of use in each cluster provided 

shall comply with V803. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, where it is 

technically infeasible to provide rooms in 

accordance with V229.1, one room for each 

sex on each level shall comply with V803. 

Where only unisex rooms are provided, 

unisex rooms shall be permitted. 

V229.2 Coat Hooks and Shelves. Where 

coat hooks or shelves are provided in 

dressing, fitting or locker rooms without 

individual compartments, at least one of each 

type shall comply with V803.5. Where coat 

hooks or shelves are provided in individual 

compartments at least one of each type 

complying with V803.5 shall be provided in 

individual compartments in dressing, fitting, 

or locker rooms required to comply with 

V229.1. 

V230 Exercise Machines and Equipment 

V230.1 General. At least one of each type 

of exercise machine and equipment shall 

comply with V1002. 

V231 Miniature Golf Facilities 

V231.1 General. Miniature golf facilities 

shall comply with V231. 

V231.2 Minimum Number. At least 50 

percent of holes on miniature golf courses 

shall comply with V1003.3. 

V231.3 Miniature Golf Course 

Configuration. Miniature golf courses shall be 

configured so that the holes complying with 

V1003.3 are consecutive. Miniature golf 

courses shall provide an onboard accessible 

route from the last hole complying with 

V1003.3 to the course entrance or exit 

without requiring travel through any other 

holes on the course. 

EXCEPTION: One break in the sequence of 

consecutive holes shall be permitted if the 

last hole on the miniature golf course is the 

last hole in the sequence. 

V232 Play Areas 

V232.1 General. Play areas for children 

ages 2 and over shall comply with V232. 

Where separate play areas are provided for 


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38138 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

specific age groups, each play area shall 

comply with V232. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In existing play areas, 

where play components are relocated for the 

purposes of creating safe use zones and the 

ground surface is not altered or extended for 

more than one use zone, the play area shall 

not be required to comply with V232. 

2. Where play components are altered and 

the ground surface is not altered, the ground 

surface shall not be required to comply with 

V1004.2.6. 

V232.2 Play Components. Where 

provided, play components shall comply 

with V232.2 and V1004. 

V232.2.1 Ground Level Play Components. 

Ground level play components shall be 

provided in the number and types required 

by V232.2.1. Ground level play components 

that are provided to comply with V232.2.1.1 

shall be permitted to satisfy the additional 

number required by V232.2.1.2 if the 

minimum required types of play components 

are satisfied. Where two or more required 

ground level play components are provided, 

they shall be dispersed throughout the play 

area and integrated with other play 

components. 

V232.2.1.1 Minimum Number and Types. 

Where ground level play components are 

provided, at least one of each type shall be 

on an onboard accessible route and shall 

comply with V1004.4. 

V232.2.1.2 Additional Number and 

Types. Where elevated play components are 

provided, ground level play components 

shall be provided in accordance with Table 

V232.2.1.2 and shall comply with V1004.4. 

EXCEPTION: If at least 50 percent of the 

elevated play components are connected by 

a ramp and at least 3 of the elevated play 

components connected by the ramp are 

different types of play components, the play 

area shall not be required to comply with 

V232.2.1.2. 

TABLE V232.2.1.2—NUMBER AND TYPES OF GROUND LEVEL PLAY COMPONENTS REQUIRED TO BE ON AN ONBOARD

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

Number of elevated play components 

provided 

Minimum number of ground level play components required to be on an onboard 

accessible route 

Minimum number of different 

types of ground 

level play components required 

to be on an onboard accessible 

route 

1 ................................................................ Not applicable ............................................................................................................ Not applicable 

2 to 4 ........................................................ 1 ................................................................................................................................. 1 

5 to 7 ........................................................ 2 ................................................................................................................................. 2 

8 to 10 ...................................................... 3 ................................................................................................................................. 3 

11 to 13 .................................................... 4 ................................................................................................................................. 3 

14 to 16 .................................................... 5 ................................................................................................................................. 3 

17 to 19 .................................................... 6 ................................................................................................................................. 3 

20 to 22 .................................................... 7 ................................................................................................................................. 4 

23 to 25 .................................................... 8 ................................................................................................................................. 4 

26 and over .............................................. 8, plus 1 for each additional 3, or fraction thereof, over 25 ..................................... 5 

V232.2.2 Elevated Play Components. 

Where elevated play components are 

provided, at least 50 percent shall be on an 

onboard accessible route and shall comply 

with V1004.4. 

V233 Saunas and Steam Rooms 

V233.1 General. Where provided, saunas 

and steam rooms shall comply with V612. 

EXCEPTION: Where saunas or steam rooms 

are clustered at a single location, no more 

than 5 percent of the saunas and steam 

rooms, but no fewer than one, of each type 

in each cluster shall be required to comply 

with V612. 

V234 Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, and 

Spas 

V234.1 General. Swimming pools, 

wading pools, and spas shall comply with 

V234. 

V234.2 Swimming Pools. At least one 

swimming pool lift complying with V1005.2 

shall be provided for each swimming pool. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Catch pools shall not be 

required to comply with V234.2 if the catch 

pool edge is on an onboard accessible route. 

2. Where swimming pools are provided in 

a cluster and at least one of each type of pool 

in the cluster has a swimming pool lift 

complying with V1005.2, the other pools in 

the cluster shall be permitted to provide 

transfer walls complying with V1005.4; 

transfer systems complying with V1005.5; or 

pool stairs complying with V1005.6. 

V234.3 Wading Pools. At least one 

accessible means of entry shall be provided 

for wading pools. Accessible means of entry 

shall comply with sloped entries complying 

with V1005.3 or transfer systems complying 

with V1005.5. 

V234.4 Spas. At least one accessible 

means of entry shall be provided for spas. 

Accessible means of entry shall comply with 

swimming pool lifts complying with 

V1005.2; transfer walls complying with 

V1005.4; or transfer systems complying with 

V1005.5. 

EXCEPTION: Where spas are provided in 

a cluster, no more than 5 percent, but no 

fewer than one, spa in each cluster shall be 

required to comply with V234.4. 

V235 Shooting Facilities 

V235.1 General. Where shooting facilities 

with firing positions are designed and 

constructed, at least 5 percent, but no fewer 

than one, of each type of firing position shall 

comply with V1006. 

V236 Gaming and Arcade Machines 

V236.1 General. Where gaming and 

arcade machines are provided, at least 5 

percent, but no fewer than one, of each type 

shall comply with V309. 

V237 Binoculars 

V237.1 General. Where post-mounted 

binoculars are provided, at least 5 percent, 

but no fewer than one, of each type shall 

comply with V309. 

CHAPTER V 3: BUILDING BLOCKS 

301 General 

V301.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 

3 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or 

where referenced by a requirement in this 

document. 

V302 Deck Surfaces 

V302.1 General. Deck surfaces shall be 

stable, firm, and slip resistant and shall 

comply with V302. 

EXCEPTIONS: Areas of sport activity shall 

not be required to comply with V302. 

V302.2 Carpet. Carpet or carpet tile shall 

be securely attached and shall have a firm 

cushion, or backing or no cushion. Carpet or 

carpet tile shall have a level loop, textured 

loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile 

texture. Pile height shall be 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) 

maximum. Exposed edges of carpet shall be 

fastened to deck surfaces and shall have trim 

on the entire length of the exposed edge. 

Carpet edge trim shall comply with V303. 

V302.3 Openings. Openings in deck 

surfaces shall not allow passage of a sphere 

more than 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) in diameter 

except as allowed in V407.4.3 and V409.4. 

Elongated openings shall be placed so that 

the long dimension is perpendicular to the 

dominant direction of travel. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Vehicle tie-downs that 

are flush with the deck surface and are not 

located within an onboard accessible route 

shall not be required to comply with V302.3. 


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2. Where the administrative authority 

determines that larger openings are needed 

for deck drainage, openings not located 

within an accessible route shall be permitted 

to be increased, if the size shall not allow 

passage of a sphere more than 3⁄4 inch (19 

mm) in diameter. 

V303 Changes in Level 

V303.1 General. Where changes in level 

are permitted in deck surfaces, they shall 

comply with V303. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Areas of sport activity 

shall not be required to comply with V303. 

2. Vehicle tie-downs that are flush with the 

deck surface and are not located within an 

accessible route shall not be required to 

comply with V303. 

V303.2 Vertical. Changes in level of 1⁄4

inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be 

permitted to be vertical. 

V303.3 Beveled. Changes in level 

between 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum 

and 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be 

beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2. 

V303.4 Ramps. Changes in level greater 

than 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) high shall be ramped, 

and shall comply with V405 or V406. 

V304 Turning Space 

V304.1 General. Turning space shall 

comply with V304. 

V304.2 Deck Surfaces. Deck surfaces of a 

turning space shall comply with V302. 

Changes in level are not permitted. 

EXCEPTION: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 

shall be permitted. 

V304.3 Size. Turning space shall comply 

with V304.3.1 or V304.3.2. 

V304.3.1 Circular Space. The turning 

space shall be a space of 60 inches (1525 

mm) diameter minimum. The space shall be 

permitted to include knee and toe clearance 

complying with V306. 

V304.3.2 T-Shaped Space. The turning 

space shall be a T-shaped space within a 60 

inch (1525 mm) square minimum with arms 

and base 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum. 

Each arm of the T shall be clear of 

obstructions 12 inches (305 mm) minimum 

in each direction and the base shall be clear 

of obstructions 24 inches (610 mm) 

minimum. The space shall be permitted to 

include knee and toe clearance complying 

with V306 only at the end of either the base 

or one arm. 

V304.4 Door Swing. Doors shall be 

permitted to swing into turning spaces. 

V305 Clear Deck Space 

V305.1 General. Clear deck space shall 

comply with V305. 

V305.2 Deck Surfaces. Deck surfaces of a 

clear deck space shall comply with V302. 

Changes in level are not permitted. 

EXCEPTION: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 

shall be permitted. 

V305.3 Size. The clear deck space shall 

be 30 inches (760 mm) minimum by 48 

inches (1220 mm) minimum. 

V305.4 Knee and Toe Clearance. Unless 

otherwise specified, clear deck space shall be 

permitted to include knee and toe clearance 

complying with V306. 

V305.5 Position. Unless otherwise 

specified, clear deck space shall be 

positioned for either forward or parallel 

approach to an element. 

V305.6 Approach. One full unobstructed 

side of the clear deck space shall adjoin an 

accessible route or adjoin another clear deck 

space. 

V305.7 Maneuvering Clearance. Where a 

clear deck space is confined on all or part of 

three sides, additional maneuvering 

clearance shall be provided in accordance 

with V305.7. 

V305.7.1 Forward Approach. Where the 

clear deck space is approached at the short 

side, the space shall be 36 inches (915 mm) 

wide minimum where the depth of the 

confined clear deck space exceeds 24 inches 

(610 mm). 

V305.7.2 Parallel Approach. Where the 

clear deck space is approached at the long 

side, the space shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) 

wide minimum where the depth of the 

confined clear deck space exceeds 15 inches 

(380 mm). 

V306 Knee and Toe Clearance 

V306.1 General. Where space beneath an 

element is included as part of clear deck 

space or turning space, the space shall 

comply with V306. Additional space shall 

not be prohibited beneath an element but 

shall not be considered as part of the clear 

deck space or turning space. 

V306.2 Toe Clearance. 

V306.2.1 General. Space under an 

element between the finish deck surface and 

9 inches (230 mm) above the finish deck 

surface shall be considered toe clearance and 

shall comply with V306.2. 

V306.2.2 Maximum Depth. Toe clearance 

shall extend 25 inches (635 mm) maximum 

under an element. 

V306.2.3 Minimum Required Depth. 

Where toe clearance is required at an element 

as part of a clear deck space, the toe 

clearance shall extend 17 inches (430 mm) 

minimum under the element. 

V306.2.4 Additional Clearance. Space 

extending greater than 6 inches (150 mm) 

beyond the available knee clearance at 9 

inches (230 mm) above the finish deck 

surface shall not be considered toe clearance. 

V306.2.5 Width. Toe clearance shall be 

30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum. 

V306.3 Knee Clearance. 

V306.3.1 General. Space under an 

element between 9 inches (230 mm) and 27 

inches (685 mm) above the finish deck 

surface shall be considered knee clearance 

and shall comply with V306.3. 

V306.3.2 Maximum Depth. Knee 

clearance shall extend 25 inches (635 mm) 

maximum under an element at 9 inches (230 

mm) above the finish deck surface. 

V306.3.3 Minimum Required Depth. 

Where knee clearance is required under an 

element as part of a clear deck space, the 

knee clearance shall be 11 inches (280 mm) 

deep minimum at 9 inches (230 mm) above 

the finish deck surface, and 8 inches (205 

mm) deep minimum at 27 inches (685 mm) 

above the finish deck surface. 

V306.3.4 Clearance Reduction. Between 9 

inches (230 mm) and 27 inches (685 mm) 

above the finish deck surface, the knee 

clearance shall be permitted to reduce at a 

rate of 1 inch (25 mm) in depth for each 6 

inches (150 mm) in height. 

V306.3.5 Width. Knee clearance shall be 

30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum. 

V307 Protruding Objects 

V307.1 General. Protruding objects shall 

comply with V307. 

V307.2 Protrusion Limits. Objects with 

leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) 

and not more than 80 inches (2030 mm) 

above the finish deck surface shall protrude 

4 inches (100 mm) maximum horizontally 

into the circulation path. 

EXCEPTION: Handrails shall be permitted 

to protrude 41⁄2 inches (115 mm) maximum. 

V307.3 Required Clear Width. Protruding 

objects shall not reduce the clear width 

required for onboard accessible routes. 

V307.4 Vertical Clearance. Vertical 

clearance shall be 80 inches (2030 mm) high 

minimum. Guardrails or other barriers shall 

be provided where the vertical clearance is 

less than 80 inches (2030 mm) high. The 

leading edge of such guardrail or barrier shall 

be located 27 inches (685 mm) maximum 

above the finish deck surface. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Door closers and door 

stops shall be permitted to be 78 inches (1980 

mm) minimum above the finish deck surface. 

2. Where doors are required by the 

administrative authority to have coamings, 

measurements shall be permitted to be taken 

from the finish deck surface adjacent to the 

coamings and not the top of the coamings. 

V308 Reach Ranges 

V308.1 General. Reach ranges shall 

comply with V308. 

V308.2 Forward Reach. 

V308.2.1 Unobstructed. Where a forward 

reach is unobstructed, the high forward reach 

shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum and 

the low forward reach shall be 15 inches (380 

mm) minimum above the finish deck surface. 

V308.2.2 Obstructed High Reach. Where a 

high forward reach is over an obstruction, the 

clear deck space shall extend beneath the 

element for a distance not less than the 

required reach depth over the obstruction. 

The high forward reach shall be 48 inches 

(1220 mm) maximum where the reach depth 

is 20 inches (510 mm) maximum. Where the 

reach depth exceeds 20 inches (510 mm), the 

high forward reach shall be 44 inches (1120 

mm) maximum and the reach depth shall be 

25 inches (635 mm) maximum. 

V308.3 Side Reach. 

V308.3.1 Unobstructed. Where a clear 

deck space allows a parallel approach to an 

element and the side reach is unobstructed, 

the high side reach shall be 48 inches (1220 

mm) maximum and the low side reach shall 

be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum above the 

finish deck surface. 

EXCEPTION: An obstruction shall be 

permitted between the clear deck space and 

the element where the depth of the 

obstruction is 10 inches (255 mm) maximum. 

V308.3.2 Obstructed High Reach. Where a 

clear deck space allows a parallel approach 

to an element and the high side reach is over 

an obstruction, the height of the obstruction 

shall be 34 inches (865 mm) maximum and 

the depth of the obstruction shall be 24 

inches (610 mm) maximum. The high side 

reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) 

maximum for a reach depth of 10 inches (255 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
38140 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

mm) maximum. Where the reach depth 

exceeds 10 inches (255 mm), the high side 

reach shall be 46 inches (1170 mm) 

maximum for a reach depth of 24 inches (610 

mm) maximum. 

EXCEPTION: The top of washing machines 

and clothes dryers shall be permitted to be 

36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the 

finish deck surface. 

V309 Operable Parts 

V309.1 General. Operable parts shall 

comply with V309. 

V309.2 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 shall be 

provided. 

V309.3 Height. Operable parts shall be 

placed within one or more of the reach 

ranges specified in V308. 

V309.4 Operation. Operable parts shall be 

operable with one hand and shall not require 

tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the 

wrist. The force required to activate operable 

parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum. 

CHAPTER V 4: ONBOARD ACCESSIBLE 

ROUTES AND ACCESSIBLE PASSENGER 

BOARDING SYSTEMS 

V401 General 

V401.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 

4 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or 

where referenced by a requirement in this 

document. 

V402 Components 

V402.1 Accessible Routes. Onboard 

accessible routes shall consist of one or more 

of the following components: 

(a) walking surfaces with a running slope 

not steeper than 1:20 complying with V403, 

(b) doors, doorways, and gates complying 

with V404, 

(c) ramps complying with V405, 

(d) curb ramps complying with V406, 

(e) elevators complying with V407, 

(f) elevators, where permitted by V206.6, 

complying with 408, and 

(g) platform lifts, where permitted by 

V206.7, complying with V409. 

V402.2 Accessible Passenger Boarding 

Systems. Accessible passenger boarding 

systems shall consist of one or more of the 

following components: 

(a) walking surfaces with a running slope 

not steeper than 1:20 complying with V403; 

(b) doors and doorways complying with 

V404; 

(c) ramps complying with V405; 

(d) elevators complying with V407 or 

V408; 

(e) platform lifts complying with V409; 

(f) gangways complying with V410; and 

(g) manually powered boarding lifts 

complying with V411. 

V403 Walking Surfaces 

V403.1 General. Walking surfaces with 

running slopes not steeper than1:20 shall 

comply with V403. Walking surfaces on 

vehicle decks shall be permitted to overlap 

vehicle ways. 

V403.2 Deck Surface. Deck surfaces shall 

comply with V302. 

V403.3 Slope. The running slope of 

walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 

1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces 

shall not be steeper than 1:48. 

V403.4 Changes in Level. Changes in 

level shall comply with V303. 

V403.5 Clearances. Walking surfaces 

shall provide clearances complying with 

V403.5. 

V403.5.1 Clear Width. Except as provided 

in V403.5.2 and V403.5.3, the clear width of 

walking surfaces shall be 36 inches (915 mm) 

minimum. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. The clear width shall be 

permitted to be reduced to 32 inches (815 

mm) minimum for a length of 24 inches (610 

mm) maximum, if reduced width segments 

are separated by segments that are 48 inches 

(1220 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 

mm) wide minimum. 

2. Where the largest deck is less than 3,000 

square feet (279 m2), the walking surface 

shall be permitted to have a clear width of 

32 inches (815 mm) minimum. 

3. Where the largest deck is less than 3,000 

square feet (279 m2), fold-down seats 

complying with V309 shall be permitted to 

project into walking surface clearances when 

in the down position. 

V403.5.2 Clear Width at Turn. 

V403.5.2.1 Clear Width at 180 Degree 

Turn. Where the walking surface makes a 180 

degree turn around an element which is less 

than 48 inches (1220 mm) wide, clear width 

shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum 

approaching the turn, 48 inches (1220 mm) 

minimum at the turn and 42 inches (1065 

mm) minimum leaving the turn. 

EXCEPTION: Where the clear width at the 

turn is 60 inches (1525 mm) 

minimum,V403.5.2.1 shall not apply. 

V403.5.2.2 Clear Width at 90 Degree 

Turn. Where the walking surface is less than 

36 inches (915 mm) wide and makes a 90 

degree turn, an L-shaped space shall be 

provided with one stroke 90 inches (2285 

mm) minimum in length having a width of 

32 inches (815 mm) minimum and the other 

stroke 56 inches (1420 mm) minimum in 

length having a width of 42 inches (1065 

mm) minimum. 

V403.5.3 Passing Spaces. A walking 

surface with a clear width less than 60 inches 

(1525 mm) shall provide passing spaces at 

intervals of 200 feet (61 m) maximum. 

Passing spaces shall be either: a space 60 

inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches 

(1525 mm) minimum; or, an intersection of 

two walking surfaces providing a T-shaped 

space complying with V304.3.2 where the 

base and arms of the T-shaped space extend 

48 inches (1220 mm) minimum beyond the 

intersection. 

V403.6 Handrails. Where handrails are 

provided along walking surfaces with 

running slopes not steeper than 1:20, 

handrails shall comply with V503. 

V404 Doors, Doorways, and Gates 

V404.1 General. Doors, doorways, and 

gates shall comply with V404. 

EXCEPTION: Where doors, doorways, and 

gates are intended to be operated only by 

employees, they shall not be required to: 

1. Provide the portion of the maneuvering 

clearance beyond the latch side of the door 

specified in V404.2.4; or 

2. Comply with V404.2.7, V404.2.8, 

V404.2.9, V404.3.2 and V404.3.4 through 

V404.3.7. 

V404.2 Manual Doors, Doorways, and 

Manual Gates. Manual doors and doorways 

and manual gates intended for user passage 

shall comply with V404.2. 

V404.2.1 Revolving Doors, Gates, and 

Turnstiles. Revolving doors, revolving gates, 

and turnstiles shall not be part of an 

accessible route. 

V404.2.2 Double-Leaf Doors and Gates. At 

least one of the active leaves of doorways 

with two leaves shall comply with V404.2.3 

and V404.2.4. 

EXCEPTION: At doorways intended to be 

operated only by employees at entry and 

departure points, and at vessel evacuation 

points, V404.2.2 shall not apply. 

V404.2.3 Clear Width. Door openings 

shall provide a clear width of 32 inches (815 

mm) minimum. Clear openings of doorways 

with swinging doors shall be measured 

between the face of the door and the stop, 

with the door open 90 degrees. Openings 

more than 24 inches (610 mm) deep shall 

provide a clear opening of 36 inches (915 

mm) minimum. There shall be no projections 

into the required clear opening width lower 

than 34 inches (865 mm) above the finish 

deck surface. Projections into the clear 

opening width between 34 inches (865 mm) 

and 80 inches (2030 mm) above the finish 

deck surface shall not exceed 4 inches (100 

mm). 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In alterations, a 

projection of 5⁄8 inch (16 mm) maximum into 

the required clear width shall be permitted 

for the latch side stop. 

2. Door closers and door stops shall be 

permitted to be 78 inches (1980 mm) 

minimum above the finish deck surface. 

3. The clear width of doors to stairways 

shall be permitted to comply with the 

applicable requirements of the administrative 

authority. 

V404.2.4 Maneuvering Clearances. 

Minimum maneuvering clearances at doors 

and gates shall comply with V404.2.4. 

Maneuvering clearances shall extend the full 

width of the doorway and the required latch 

side or hinge side clearance. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Entry doors to medical 

facility patient rooms shall not be required to 

provide the clearance beyond the latch side 

of the door. 

2. Maneuvering clearances shall not be 

required on the outboard side of doors and 

gates at entry and departure points that are 

required to be accessible. 

3. Where the largest deck is less than 3,000 

square feet (279 m2), fold-down seats when 

in the down position shall be permitted to 

project into maneuvering clearances for doors 

and gates intended to be operated only by 

employees. 

V404.2.4.1 Swinging Doors and Gates. 

Swinging doors and gates shall have 

maneuvering clearances complying with 

Table V404.2.4.1. 


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TABLE V404.2.4.1—MANEUVERING CLEARANCES AT MANUAL SWINGING DOORS AND GATES

Types of use Minimum maneuvering clearance 

Approach direction Door or gate side Perpendicular to doorway Parallel to doorway 

(beyond latch side unless noted) 

From front ........................................ Pull ............................................... 60 inches (1525 mm) ................... 18 inches (455 mm). 

From front ........................................ Push ............................................. 48 inches (1220 mm) ................... 0 inches (0 mm).1

From hinge side .............................. Pull ............................................... 60 inches (1525 mm) ................... 36 inches (915 mm). 

From hinge side .............................. Pull ............................................... 54 inches (1370 mm) ................... 42 inches (1065 mm). 

From hinge side .............................. Push ............................................. 42 inches (1065 mm) 2 ................. 22 inches (560 mm).3

From latch side ............................... Pull ............................................... 48 inches (1220 mm) 4 ................. 24 inches (610 mm). 

From latch side ............................... Push ............................................. 42 inches (1065 mm) 4 ................. 24 inches (610 mm). 

1Add 12 inches (305 mm) if closer and latch are provided. 

2Add 6 inches (150 mm) if closer and latch are provided. 

3Beyond hinge side. 

4Add 6 inches (150 mm) if closer is provided. 

V404.2.4.2 Doorways without Doors or 

Gates, Sliding Doors, and Folding Doors. 

Doorways less than 36 inches (915 mm) wide 

without doors or gates, sliding doors, or 

folding doors shall have maneuvering 

clearances complying with Table V404.2.4.2. 

TABLE V404.2.4.2—MANEUVERING CLEARANCES AT DOORWAYS WITHOUT DOORS OR GATES, MANUAL SLIDING DOORS, 

AND MANUAL FOLDING DOORS

Approach direction 

Minimum maneuvering clearance 

Perpendicular to doorway Parallel to doorway 

(beyond stop/latch side unless noted) 

From front ........................................................... 48 inches (1220 mm) ....................................... 0 inches (0 mm). 

From side 1 ......................................................... 42 inches (1065 mm) ....................................... 0 inches (0 mm). 

From pocket/hinge side ...................................... 42 inches (1065 mm) ....................................... 22 inches (560 mm).2

From stop/latch side ........................................... 42 inches (1065 mm) ....................................... 24 inches (610 mm). 

1 Doorway with no door only. 

2Beyond pocket/hinge side. 

V404.2.4.3 Recessed Doors and Gates. 

Maneuvering clearances for forward 

approach shall be provided when any 

obstruction within 18 inches (455 mm) of the 

latch side of a doorway projects more than 

8 inches (205 mm) beyond the face of the 

door, measured perpendicular to the face of 

the door or gate. 

V404.2.4.4 Deck Surface. Deck surface 

within required maneuvering clearances 

shall comply with V302. Changes in level are 

not permitted. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Slopes not steeper than 

1:48 shall be permitted. 

2. Changes in level at thresholds and 

coamings complying with V404.2.5 shall be 

permitted. 

V404.2.5 Thresholds and Coamings. 

Doorways without coamings shall comply 

with V404.2.5.1. Doorways with coamings 

shall comply with V404.2.5.2. 

EXCEPTION: Where required by the 

administrative authority to meet weathertight 

door sealing requirements, weathertight 

doors shall be permitted to have non-beveled 

thresholds 3⁄4 inch (19 mm) high maximum 

on the sealing side of the doors provided that 

the thresholds contrast visually with adjacent 

deck surfaces either light-on-dark or dark-onlight. 

V404.2.5.1 Doorways without Coamings. 

Where provided at doorways without 

coamings, thresholds shall be 1⁄2 inch (13 

mm) high maximum. Raised thresholds and 

changes in level at doorways shall comply 

with V302 and V303. 

EXCEPTION: Existing or altered thresholds 3⁄4 inch (19 mm) high maximum that have a 

beveled edge on each side with a slope not 

steeper than 1:2 shall not be required to 

comply with V404.2.5.1. 

V404.2.5.2 Doorways with Coamings. 

Where the administrative authority requires 

doorways to have coamings, the coaming 

shall conform to the minimum coaming 

height determined by the administrative 

authority and the doorways shall comply 

with V404.2.5.2.1 or with V404.2.5.2.2. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where ramps are 

provided at doorways with coamings, the 

landing at the top of the ramps specified in 

V405.7 shall not be required. 

2. Where the administrative authority 

permits coamings to be removable, doorways 

shall not be required to comply with 

V404.2.5.2 provided that: (a) the thresholds 

are readily removable by employees; (b) the 

doors are only employee operated; and (c) the 

weather deck areas accessed by the doors are 

not open to passengers when the vessel is 

underway, except in emergencies. 

3. Where the administrative authority 

determines that it is not feasible to comply 

with V404.2.5.2 due to space limitations and 

watertight doors are provided instead of 

weathertight doors, the thresholds on the 

side of the watertight doors containing the 

door seal are permitted to have non-beveled 

thresholds 11⁄4 inches (32 mm) high 

maximum provided that the thresholds 

contrast visually with adjacent deck surfaces 

either light-on-dark or dark-on-light. 

V404.2.5.2.1 Single Ramp Access. 

Doorways with coamings shall provide single 

ramp access complying with V404.2.5.2.1. 

V404.2.5.2.1.1 Side with Ramp. A ramp 

complying with V405 shall be provided on 

the side of the doorway to be protected from 

water infiltration. The ramp width shall be 

equal to or greater than the width of the 

maneuvering clearances required by 

V404.2.2.4. 

EXCEPTION: Where the largest deck is less 

than 3,000 square feet (279 m2), the slope of 

the ramp run at doorways with coamings that 

provide single ramp access shall be permitted 

to comply with Table V405.2. 

V404.2.5.2.1.2 Side without Ramp. On 

the side of the doorway without a ramp, 

changes in level are not permitted within the 

maneuvering clearances required by 

V404.2.2.4. 

EXCEPTION: Where the largest deck is less 

than 3,000 square feet (279 m2), maneuvering 

clearances specified in V404.2.4 shall be 

permitted to be 48 inches (1220 mm) 

minimum in depth on the side of the 

doorway without a ramp. 

V404.2.5.2.2 Double Ramp Access and 

Automatic Doors. Doorways with coamings 

shall provide double ramp access and 

automatic doors complying with 

V404.2.5.2.2. 

V404.2.5.2.2.1 Double Ramps. Ramps 

complying with V405 shall be provided on 

each side of the doorway. The ramp width 

shall be equal to or greater than the width of 

the maneuvering clearances required by 

V404.2.2.4. 


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38142 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

V404.2.5.2.2.2 Automatic Doors. 

Automatic doors complying with V404.3 

shall be provided at doorways with double 

ramp access at coamings. 

EXCEPTION: Where the doors are intended 

to be operated only by employees, the doors 

shall not be required to be automatic. 

V404.2.6 Doors in Series and Gates in 

Series. The distance between two hinged or 

pivoted doors in series and gates in series 

shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum plus 

the width of doors or gates swinging into the 

space. 

V404.2.7 Door and Gate Hardware. 

Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other 

operable parts on doors and gates shall 

comply with V309.4. Operable parts of such 

hardware shall be 34 inches (865 mm) 

minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) 

maximum above the finish deck surface. 

Where sliding doors are in the fully open 

position, operating hardware shall be 

exposed and usable from both sides. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where the administrative 

authority has determined that forces greater 

than 5 pounds (22.2 N) are necessary for 

hardware on fire doors, watertight doors, or 

other doors, the maximum force shall be 

permitted to be established by the 

administrative authority for such doors. 

2. Access gates in barrier walls and fences 

protecting pools, spas, and hot tubs shall be 

permitted to have operable parts of the 

release of latch on self-latching devices at 54 

inches (1370 mm) maximum above the finish 

deck surface provided that the self-latching 

devices are not also self-locking devices and 

operated by means of a key, electronic 

opener, or integral combination lock. 

3. In alterations, existing locks shall be 

permitted in any location at existing glazed 

doors without stiles, existing overhead 

rolling doors or grilles, and similar existing 

doors or grilles with locks that are activated 

only at the top or bottom rail. 

V404.2.8 Closing Speed. Door and gate 

closing speed shall comply with V404.2.8. 

V404.2.8.1 Door Closers and Gate Closers. 

Door closers and gate closers shall be 

adjusted so that from an open position of 90 

degrees, the time required to move the door 

to a position of 12 degrees from the latch is 

5 seconds minimum. 

V404.2.8.2 Spring Hinges. Door and gate 

spring hinges shall be adjusted so that from 

the open position of 70 degrees, the door or 

gate shall move to the closed position in 1.5 

seconds minimum. 

V404.2.9 Door and Gate Opening Force. 

Door and gate opening forces shall comply 

with V404.2.9. 

EXCEPTION: Doors on sailing vessels shall 

not be required to comply with V404.2.9. 

V404.2.9.1 Fire and Watertight Doors. 

Fire doors and watertight doors shall have 

the minimum opening force determined by 

the administrative authority. 

V404.2.9.2 Gates and Other Doors. At 

gates and doors other than fire and watertight 

doors, the force for pushing or pulling open 

interior and exterior sliding and folding 

doors, and interior hinged doors and gates, 

shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum. 

EXCEPTION: Where the administrative 

authority determines that forces greater than 

5 pounds (22.2 N) are necessary, the 

maximum opening force shall be permitted to 

be established by the administrative 

authority. 

V404.2.10 Door and Gate Surfaces. 

Swinging door and gate surfaces within 10 

inches (255 mm) of the finish deck surface 

measured vertically shall have a smooth 

surface on the push side extending the full 

width of the door or gate. Parts creating 

horizontal or vertical joints in these surfaces 

shall be within 1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) of the same 

plane as the other. Cavities created by added 

kick plates shall be capped. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Sliding doors shall not be 

required to comply with V404.2.10. 

2. Tempered glass doors without stiles that 

have a bottom rail or shoe with the top 

leading edge tapered at 60 degrees minimum 

from the horizontal shall not be required to 

meet the 10 inch (255 mm) bottom smooth 

surface height requirement. 

3. Doors and gates that do not extend to 

within 10 inches (255 mm) of the finish deck 

surface shall not be required to comply with 

V404.2.10. 

4. In alterations, existing doors and gates 

without smooth surfaces within 10 inches 

(255 mm) of the finish deck surface shall not 

be required to provide smooth surfaces 

complying with V404.2.10 provided that, if 

added kick plates are installed, cavities 

created by such kick plates are capped. 

V404.2.11 Vision Lights. Doors, gates, 

and side lights adjacent to doors or gates, 

containing one or more glazing panels that 

permit viewing through the panels shall have 

the bottom of at least one glazed panel 

located 43 inches (1090 mm) maximum 

above the finish deck surface. 

EXCEPTION: Vision lights with the lowest 

part more than 66 inches (1675 mm) from the 

finish deck surface shall not be required to 

comply with V404.2.11. 

V404.3 Automatic and Power-Assisted 

Doors and Gates. Automatic doors and 

automatic gates shall comply with V404.3. 

V404.3.1 Clear Width. Doorways shall 

provide a clear opening of 32 inches (815 

mm) minimum in power-on and power-off 

mode. The minimum clear width for 

automatic door systems in a doorway shall be 

based on the clear opening provided by all 

leaves in the open position, unless the 

breakout opening requirement in V404.3.6 

applies. 

V404.3.2 Maneuvering Clearance. 

Clearances at power-assisted doors and gates 

shall comply with V404.2.4. Clearances at 

automatic doors and gates without 

emergency power and serving an accessible 

means of escape shall comply with V404.2.4. 

EXCEPTION: Where automatic doors and 

gates remain open in the power-off condition, 

V404.3.2 shall not apply. 

V404.3.3 Thresholds. Thresholds and 

changes in level at doorways shall comply 

with V404.2.5. 

V404.3.4 Doors in Series and Gates in 

Series. Doors in series and gates in series 

shall comply with V404.2.6. 

V404.3.5 Controls. Manually operated 

controls shall comply with V309. The clear 

deck space adjacent to the control shall be 

located beyond the arc of the door swing. 

V404.3.6 Break Out Opening. Where 

doors and gates without emergency power 

are a part of an accessible means of escape, 

the clear break out opening at swinging or 

sliding doors and gates shall be 32 inches 

(815 mm) minimum when operated in 

emergency mode. 

EXCEPTION: Where manual swinging 

doors and gates comply with V404.2 and 

serve the same accessible means of escape, 

V404.3.6 shall not apply. 

V404.3.7 Revolving Doors, Revolving 

Gates, and Turnstiles. Revolving doors, 

revolving gates, and turnstiles shall not be 

part of an accessible route. 

V405 Ramps 

V405.1 General. Ramps shall comply 

with V405. 

EXCEPTION: In assembly areas, aisle 

ramps adjacent to seating and not serving 

elements required to be on an accessible 

route shall not be required to comply with 

V405. 

V405.2 Slope. Ramp runs shall have a 

running slope not steeper than 1:12. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, ramps shall be 

permitted to comply with Table V405.2 

where such slopes are necessary due to space 

limitations. 

TABLE V405.2—ALTERNATE RAMP SLOPES PERMITTED BY EXCEPTION

Slope 1 Maximum rise 

Steeper than 1:10 but not steeper than 1:8 ............................................................................................................................ 3 inches (75 mm). 

Steeper than 1:12 but not steeper than 1:10 .......................................................................................................................... 6 inches (150 mm). 

1A slope steeper than 1:8 is prohibited. 

V405.3 Cross Slope. Cross slope of ramp 

runs shall not be steeper than 1:48. 

V405.4 Deck Surfaces. Deck surfaces of 

ramp runs shall comply with V302. Changes 

in level other than the running slope and 

cross slope are not permitted on ramp runs. 

V405.5 Clear Width. The clear width of a 

ramp run and, where handrails are provided, 

the clear width between handrails shall be 36 

inches (915 mm) minimum. 

EXCEPTION: Where the largest deck is less 

than 3,000 square feet (279 m2), the clear 

width of ramp runs and the clear width 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
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between handrails shall be permitted to 32 

inches (815 mm) minimum. 

V405.6 Rise. The rise for any ramp run 

shall be 30 inches (760 mm) maximum. 

V405.7 Landings. Ramps shall have 

landings at the top and the bottom of each 

ramp run. Landings shall comply with 

V405.7. 

V405.7.1 Slope. Landings shall comply 

with V302. Changes in level are not 

permitted. 

EXCEPTION: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 

shall be permitted. 

V405.7.2 Width. The landing clear width 

shall be at least as wide as the widest ramp 

run leading to the landing. 

V405.7.3 Length. The landing clear length 

shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) long minimum. 

EXCEPTION: Where the largest deck is less 

than 3,000 square feet (279 m2), the landing 

clear length shall be permitted to be 48 

inches (1220 mm) long minimum. 

V405.7.4 Change in Direction. Ramps that 

change direction between runs at landings 

shall have a clear landing 60 inches (1525 

mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) 

minimum. 

V405.7.5 Doorways. Where doorways are 

located adjacent to a ramp landing, 

maneuvering clearances required by V404.2.4 

and V404.3.2 shall be permitted to overlap 

the required landing area. 

V405.8 Handrails. Ramp runs with a rise 

greater than 6 inches (150 mm) shall have 

handrails complying with V503. 

V405.9 Edge Protection. Edge protection 

complying with V405.9.1 or V405.9.2 shall be 

provided on each side of ramp runs and at 

each side of ramp landings. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Edge protection shall not 

be required on ramps that are not required to 

have handrails and have sides complying 

with V406.3. 

2. Edge protection shall not be required on 

the sides of ramp landings serving an 

adjoining ramp run, gangway run, or 

stairway. 

3. Edge protection shall not be required on 

the sides of ramp landings having a vertical 

drop-off of 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) maximum within 

10 inches (255 mm) horizontally of the 

minimum landing area specified in V405.7. 

V405.9.1 Extended Deck Surface. The 

deck surface of the ramp run or landing shall 

extend 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond 

the inside face of a handrail complying with 

V503. 

V405.9.2 Curb or Barrier. A curb or 

barrier shall be provided that prevents the 

passage of a 4 inch (100 mm) diameter 

sphere, where any portion of the sphere is 

within 4 inches (100 mm) of the finish deck 

surface. 

V405.10 Wet Conditions. Landings 

subject to wet conditions shall be designed 

to prevent the accumulation of water. 

V406 Curb Ramps 

V406.1 General. Curb ramps shall comply 

with V406, V405.2 through V405.5, and 

V405.10. 

V406.2 Counter Slope. Counter slopes of 

adjoining gutters and vehicular way surfaces 

immediately adjacent to the curb ramp shall 

not be steeper than 1:20. The adjacent 

surfaces at transitions at curb ramps to walks, 

gutters, and vehicular ways shall be at the 

same level. 

V406.3 Sides of Curb Ramps. Where 

provided, curb ramp flares shall not be 

steeper than 1:10. 

V406.4 Landings. Landings shall be 

provided at the tops of curb ramps. The 

landing clear length shall be 36 inches (915 

mm) minimum. The landing clear width 

shall be at least as wide as the curb ramp, 

excluding flared sides, leading to the landing. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, where there is 

no landing at the top of existing curb ramps, 

curb ramp flares shall be provided and shall 

not be steeper than 1:12. 

V407 Elevators 

V407.1 General. Elevators shall comply 

with V407. They shall be passenger elevators. 

Elevator operation shall be automatic. 

V407.2 Elevator Landing Requirements. 

Elevator landings shall comply with V407.2. 

V407.2.1 Call Controls. Where elevator 

call buttons or keypads are provided, they 

shall comply with V407.2.1 and V309.4. Call 

buttons shall be raised or flush. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, existing 

elevators shall be permitted to have recessed 

call buttons. 

V407.2.1.1 Height. Call buttons and 

keypads shall be located within one of the 

reach ranges specified in V308, measured to 

the centerline of the highest operable part. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, existing call 

buttons and existing keypads shall be 

permitted to be located at 54 inches (1370 

mm) maximum above the finish deck surface 

measured to the centerline of the highest 

operable part. 

V407.2.1.2 Size. Call buttons shall be 3⁄4

inch (19 mm) minimum in the smallest 

dimension. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, existing 

elevator call buttons shall not be required to 

comply with V407.2.1.2. 

V407.2.1.3 Clear Deck Space. A clear 

deck space complying with V305 shall be 

provided at call controls. 

V407.2.1.4 Location. The call button that 

designates the up direction shall be located 

above the call button that designates the 

down direction. 

EXCEPTION: Destination-oriented 

elevators shall not be required to comply 

with V407.2.1.4. 

V407.2.1.5 Signals. Call buttons shall 

have visible signals to indicate when each 

call is registered and when each call is 

answered. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Destination-oriented 

elevators shall not be required to comply 

with V407.2.1.5 if visible and audible signals 

complying with V407.2.2 indicating which 

elevator car to enter are provided. 

2. In alterations, existing elevators shall not 

be required to comply with V407.2.1.5. 

V407.2.1.6 Keypads. Where keypads are 

provided, keypads shall be in a standard 

telephone keypad arrangement and shall 

comply with V407.4.7.2. 

V407.2.2 Hall Signals. Hall signals, 

including in-car signals, shall comply with 

V407.2.2. 

V407.2.2.1 Visible and Audible Signals. 

A visible and audible signal shall be 

provided at each hoistway entrance to 

indicate which car is answering a call and 

the car’s direction of travel. Where in-car 

signals are provided, they shall be visible 

from the deck area adjacent to the hall call 

buttons. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Visible and audible 

signals shall not be required at each 

destination-oriented elevator where a visible 

and audible signal complying with V407.2.2 

is provided indicating the elevator car 

designation information. 

2. In alterations to existing elevators, a 

signal indicating the direction of car travel 

shall not be required. 

V407.2.2.2 Visible Signals. Visible signal 

fixtures shall be centered at 72 inches (1830 

mm) minimum above the finish deck surface. 

The visible signal elements shall be 21⁄2

inches (64 mm) minimum measured along 

the vertical centerline of the element. Signals 

shall be visible from the deck area adjacent 

to the hall call button. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Destination-oriented 

elevators shall be permitted to have signals 

visible from the deck area adjacent to the 

hoistway entrance. 

2. In alterations, existing elevators shall not 

be required to comply with V407.2.2.2. 

V407.2.2.3 Audible Signals. Audible 

signals shall sound once for the up direction 

and twice for the down direction, or shall 

have verbal annunciators that indicate the 

direction of elevator car travel. Audible 

signals shall have a frequency of 1500 Hz 

maximum. Verbal annunciators shall have a 

frequency of 300 Hz minimum and 3000 Hz 

maximum. The audible signal and verbal 

annunciator shall be 10 dB minimum above 

ambient, but shall not exceed 80 dB 

maximum, measured at the hall call button. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Destination-oriented 

elevators shall not be required to comply 

with V407.2.2.3 if the audible tone and 

verbal announcement is the same as those 

given at the call button or call button keypad. 

2. In alterations, existing elevators shall not 

be required to comply with the requirements 

for frequency and dB range of audible 

signals. 

V407.2.2.4 Differentiation. Each 

destination-oriented elevator in a bank of 

elevators shall have audible and visible 

means for differentiation. 

V407.2.3 Hoistway Signs. Signs at 

elevator hoistways shall comply with 

V407.2.3. 

V407.2.3.1 Deck Designation. Deck 

designations complying with V703.2 and 

V703.4.1 shall be provided on both jambs of 

elevator hoistway entrances. Deck 

designations shall be provided in both tactile 

characters and braille. Tactile characters 

shall be 2 inches (51 mm) high minimum. 

Where vessel entry points are provided on 

only one deck, a tactile star shall be provided 

on both jambs at the entry deck. 

V407.2.3.2 Car Designations. Destinationoriented elevators shall provide tactile car 

identification complying with V703.2 on 

both jambs of the hoistway immediately 

below the deck designation. Car designations 

shall be provided in both tactile characters 

and braille. Tactile characters shall be 2 

inches (51 mm) high minimum. 

V407.3 Elevator Door Requirements. 

Hoistway and car doors shall comply with 

V407.3. 


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38144 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

V407.3.1 Type. Elevator doors shall be 

the horizontal sliding type. Car gates shall be 

prohibited. 

V407.3.2 Operation. Elevator hoistway 

and car doors shall open and close 

automatically. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, existing 

manually operated hoistway swing doors 

shall be permitted if they comply with 

V404.2.3 and V404.2.9. Car door closing shall 

not be initiated until the hoistway door is 

closed. 

V407.3.3 Reopening Device. Elevator 

doors shall be provided with a reopening 

device complying with V407.3.3 that shall 

stop and reopen a car door and hoistway 

door automatically if the door becomes 

obstructed by an object or person. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, existing 

elevators with manually operated doors shall 

not be required to comply with V407.3.3. 

V407.3.3.1 Height. The device shall be 

activated by sensing an obstruction passing 

through the opening at 5 inches (125 mm) 

nominal and 29 inches (735 mm) nominal 

above the finish deck surface. 

V407.3.3.2 Contact. The device shall not 

require physical contact to be activated, 

although contact is permitted to occur before 

the door reverses. 

V407.3.3.3 Duration. Door reopening 

devices shall remain effective for 20 seconds 

minimum. 

V407.3.4 Door and Signal Timing. The 

minimum acceptable time from notification 

that a car is answering a call or notification 

of the car assigned at the means for the entry 

of destination information until the doors of 

that car start to close shall be calculated from 

the following equation: T = D/(1.5 ft/s) or T 

= D/(455 mm/s) = 5 seconds minimum where 

T equals the total time in seconds and D 

equals the distance (in feet or millimeters) 

from the point in the lobby or corridor 60 

inches (1525 mm) directly in front of the 

farthest call button controlling that car to the 

centerline of its hoistway door. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. For cars with in-car 

lanterns, T shall be permitted to begin when 

the signal is visible from the point 60 inches 

(1525 mm) directly in front of the farthest 

hall call button and the audible signal is 

sounded. 

2. Destination-oriented elevators shall not 

be required to comply with V407.3.4. 

V407.3.5 Door Delay. Elevator doors shall 

remain fully open in response to a car call 

for 3 seconds minimum. 

V407.3.6 Width. The width of elevator 

doors shall comply with Table V407.4.1. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations to existing 

elevators, a power-operated car door 

complying with V404.2.3 shall be permitted. 

V407.4 Elevator Car Requirements. 

Elevator cars shall comply with V407.4. 

V407.4.1 Car Dimensions. Inside 

dimensions of elevator cars and clear width 

of elevator doors shall comply with Table 

V407.4.1. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, existing 

elevator car configurations that provide a 

clear deck area 16 square feet (1.5 m2) 

minimum, and an inside clear depth 54 

inches (1370 mm) minimum and an inside 

clear width 36 inches (915 mm) minimum 

shall be permitted. 

TABLE V407.4.1—ELEVATOR CAR DIMENSIONS

Door location 

Minimum dimensions 

Door clear width Inside car, side to side Inside car, back wall to 

front return 

Inside car, back wall to 

inside face of door 

Centered ............................ 42 inches (1065 mm) ........ 80 inches (2030 mm) ........ 51 inches (1295 mm) ........ 54 inches (1370 mm). 

Any .................................... 36 inches (915 mm) 1 ........ 68 inches (1725 mm) ........ 51 inches (1295 mm) ........ 54 inches (1370 mm). 

Any .................................... 36 inches (915 mm) 1 ........ 54 inches (1370 mm) ........ 80 inches (2030 mm) ........ 80 inches (2030 mm). 

Any .................................... 36 inches (915 mm) 1 ........ 60 inches (1525 mm) 2 ...... 60 inches (1525 mm) 2 ...... 60 inches (1525 mm).2

1A tolerance of minus 5⁄8 inch (16 mm) is permitted. 2 Other car configurations that provide a turning space complying with V304 with the door closed shall be permitted. 

V407.4.2 Deck Surfaces. Deck surfaces in 

elevator cars shall comply with V302 and 

V303. 

V407.4.3 Platform to Hoistway Clearance. 

The clearance between the car platform sill 

and the edge of any hoistway landing shall 

be 1⁄4 inch (32 mm) maximum. 

V407.4.4 Leveling. Each car shall be 

equipped with a self-leveling feature that will 

automatically bring and maintain the car at 

deck landings within a tolerance of 1⁄2 inch 

(13 mm) under rated loading to zero loading 

conditions. 

V407.4.5 Illumination. The level of 

illumination at the car controls, platform, car 

threshold, and car landing sill shall be 5 foot 

candles (54 lux) minimum. 

V407.4.6 Elevator Car Controls. Where 

provided, elevator car controls shall comply 

with V407.4.6 and V309.4. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations to existing 

elevators, where a new car operating panel 

complying with V407.4.6 is provided, 

existing car operating panels shall not be 

required to comply with V407.4.6. 

V407.4.6.1 Location. Controls shall be 

located within one of the reach ranges 

specified in V308. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where the elevator panel 

serves more than 16 openings and a parallel 

approach is provided, buttons with deck 

designations shall be permitted to be 54 

inches (1370 mm) maximum above the finish 

deck surface. 

2. In alterations to existing elevators, car 

control buttons with deck designations shall 

be permitted to be located 54 inches (1370 

mm) maximum above the finish deck surface 

where a parallel approach is provided. 

V407.4.6.2 Buttons. Car control buttons 

with deck designations shall comply with 

V407.4.6.2 and shall be raised or flush. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations to existing 

elevators, buttons shall be permitted to be 

recessed. 

V407.4.6.2.1 Size. Buttons shall be 3⁄4

inch (19 mm) minimum in their smallest 

dimension. 

V407.4.6.2.2 Arrangement. Buttons shall 

be arranged with numbers in ascending 

order. When two or more columns of buttons 

are provided, they shall read from left to 

right. 

V407.4.6.3 Keypads. Car control keypads 

shall be in a standard telephone keypad 

arrangement and shall comply with 

V407.4.7.2. 

V407.4.6.4 Emergency Controls. 

Emergency controls shall comply with 

V407.4.6.4. 

V407.4.6.4.1 Height. Emergency control 

buttons shall have their centerlines 35 inches 

(890 mm) minimum above the finish deck 

surface. 

V407.4.6.4.2 Location. Emergency 

controls, including the emergency alarm, 

shall be grouped at the bottom of the panel. 

V407.4.7 Designations and Indicators of 

Car Controls. Designations and indicators of 

car controls shall comply with V407.4.7. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations to existing 

elevators, where a new car operating panel 

complying with V407.4.7 is provided, 

existing car operating panels shall not be 

required to comply with V407.4.7. 

V407.4.7.1 Buttons. Car control buttons 

shall comply with V407.4.7.1. 

V407.4.7.1.1 Type. Control buttons shall 

be identified by tactile characters complying 

with V703.2. 

V407.4.7.1.2 Location. Raised character 

and braille designations shall be placed 

immediately to the left of the control button 

to which the designations apply. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, where space 

on an existing car operating panel precludes 

tactile markings to the left of the controls, 

markings shall be placed as near to the 

controls as possible. 

V407.4.7.1.3 Symbols. The control button 

for the emergency stop, alarm, door open, 

door close, entry deck, and phone, shall be 

identified with tactile symbols shown in 

Figure V407.4.7.1.3 at the end of this 

document. 

EXCEPTION: Where a passenger vessel has 

more than one entry deck, the entry deck 

tactile symbol is not required. 

V407.4.7.1.4 Visible Indicators. Buttons 

with deck designations shall be provided 

with visible indicators to show that a call has 


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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 38145 

been registered. The visible indication shall 

extinguish when the car arrives at the 

designated deck. 

V407.4.7.2 Keypads. Keypads shall be 

identified by characters complying with 

V703.5 and shall be centered on the 

corresponding keypad button. The number 

five key shall have a single raised dot. The 

dot shall be 0.118 inch (3 mm) to 0.120 inch 

(3.05 mm) base diameter and in other aspects 

comply with Table V703.3.1. 

V407.4.8 Car Position Indicators. Audible 

and visible car position indicators shall be 

provided in elevator cars. 

V407.4.8.1 Visible Indicators. Visible 

indicators shall comply with V407.4.8.1. 

V407.4.8.1.1 Size. Characters shall be 1⁄2

inch (13 mm) high minimum. 

V407.4.8.1.2 Location. Indicators shall be 

located above the car control panel or above 

the door. 

V407.4.8.1.3 Deck Arrival. As the car 

passes a deck and when a car stops at a deck 

served by the elevator, the corresponding 

character shall illuminate. 

EXCEPTION: Destination-oriented 

elevators shall not be required to comply 

with V407.4.8.1.3 if the visible indicators 

extinguish when the call has been answered. 

V407.4.8.1.4 Destination Indicator. In 

destination-oriented elevators, a display shall 

be provided in the car with visible indicators 

to show car destinations. 

V407.4.8.2 Audible Indicators. Audible 

indicators shall comply with V407.4.8.2. 

V407.4.8.2.1 Signal Type. The signal 

shall be an automatic verbal annunciator 

which announces the deck at which the car 

is about to stop. 

EXCEPTION: For elevators other than 

destination-oriented elevators that have a 

rated speed of 200 feet per minute (1 m/s) or 

less, a non-verbal audible signal with a 

frequency of 1500 Hz maximum which 

sounds as the car passes or is about to stop 

at a deck served by the elevator shall be 

permitted. 

V407.4.8.2.2 Signal Level. The verbal 

annunciator shall be 10 dB minimum above 

ambient, but shall not exceed 80 dB, 

measured at the annunciator. 

V407.4.8.2.3 Frequency. The verbal 

annunciator shall have a frequency of 300 Hz 

minimum to 3000 Hz maximum. 

V407.4.9 Emergency Communication. 

Where provided, emergency two-way 

communication systems shall comply with 

V308 and shall provide a visual signal in the 

elevator car acknowledging that an 

emergency signal was received at the bridge 

of the vessel or other space where emergency 

actions are directed. Tactile symbols and 

characters shall be provided adjacent to the 

operable parts of the system in the elevator 

car and shall comply with V703.2. 

V408 Limited Use-Limited Application 

Elevators 

V408.1 General. Limited use-limited 

application elevators shall comply with 

V408. They shall be passenger elevators. 

Elevator operation shall be automatic. 

V408.2 Elevator Landings. Landings 

serving limited-use/limited-application 

elevators shall comply with V408.2. 

V408.2.1 Call Buttons. Elevator call 

buttons and keypads shall comply with 

V407.2.1. 

V408.2.2 Hall Signals. Hall signals shall 

comply with V407.2.2. 

V408.2.3 Hoistway Signs. Signs at 

elevator hoistways shall comply with 

V407.2.3.1. 

V408.3 Elevator Doors. Elevator hoistway 

doors shall comply with V408.3. 

V408.3.1 Sliding Doors. Sliding hoistway 

and car doors shall comply with V407.3.1 

through V407.3.3 and V408.4.1. 

V408.3.2 Swinging Doors. Swinging 

hoistway doors shall open and close 

automatically and shall comply with V404, 

V407.3.2 and V408.3.2. 

V408.3.2.1 Power Operation. Swinging 

doors shall be power-operated. 

V408.3.2.2 Duration. Power-operated 

swinging doors shall remain open for 20 

seconds minimum when activated. 

V408.4 Elevator Cars. Elevator cars shall 

comply with V408.4. 

V408.4.1 Car Dimensions and Doors. 

Elevator cars shall provide a clear width 42 

inches (1065 mm) minimum and a clear 

depth 54 inches (1370 mm) minimum. Car 

doors shall be positioned at the narrow ends 

of cars and shall provide 32 inches (815 mm) 

minimum clear width. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Cars that provide a clear 

width 51 inches (1295 mm) minimum shall 

be permitted to provide a clear depth 51 

inches (1295 mm) minimum provided that 

car doors provide a clear opening 36 inches 

(915 mm) wide minimum. 

2. In alterations, existing elevator cars shall 

be permitted to provide a clear width 36 

inches (915 mm) minimum, clear depth 54 

inches (1370 mm) minimum, and a net clear 

platform area 15 square feet (1.4 m2) 

minimum. 

V408.4.2 Deck Surfaces. Deck surfaces in 

elevator cars shall comply with V302 and 

V303. 

V408.4.3 Platform to Hoistway Clearance. 

The platform to hoistway clearance shall 

comply with V407.4.3. 

V408.4.4 Leveling. Elevator car leveling 

shall comply with V407.4.4. 

V408.4.5 Illumination. Elevator car 

illumination shall comply with V407.4.5. 

V408.4.6 Car Controls. Elevator car 

controls shall comply with V407.4.6. Control 

panels shall be centered on a side wall and 

shall comply with V309. 

V408.4.7 Designations and Indicators of 

Car Controls. Designations and indicators of 

car controls shall comply with V407.4.7. 

V408.4.8 Emergency Communications. 

Car emergency signaling devices complying 

with V407.4.9 shall be provided. 

V409 Platform Lifts 

V409.1 General. Platform lifts shall 

comply with V409. Platform lifts shall not be 

attendant-operated and shall provide 

unassisted entry and exit from the lift. The 

rated load of the platform lifts shall be 450 

pounds (204 kg) minimum. 

V409.2 Platform Surface and Size. The 

lift platform surface and size shall comply 

with V302, V303, and V305. 

EXCEPTION: Where the largest deck is less 

than 3,000 square feet (279 m2), the lift 

platform shall be permitted to be 32 inches 

(815 mm) wide minimum where the lift 

platform is approached at the short side. 

V409.3 Platform to Runway Clearance. 

The clearance between the platform sill and 

the edge of any runway landing shall be 11⁄4

inch (32 mm) maximum. 

V409.4 Operable Parts. Controls for 

platform lifts shall comply with V309. 

V409.5 Doors and Gates. Platform lifts 

shall have low-energy power-operated doors 

or gates complying with V404.3. Doors shall 

remain open for 20 seconds minimum. End 

doors and gates shall provide a clear width 

32 inches (815 mm) minimum. Side doors 

and gates shall provide a clear width 42 

inches (1065 mm) minimum. 

EXCEPTION: Platform lifts serving two 

landings maximum and having doors or gates 

on opposite sides shall be permitted to have 

self-closing manual doors or gates. 

V410 Gangways 

V410.1 General. Gangways that are part of 

accessible passenger boarding systems shall 

comply with V410. 

V410.2 Slope. Gangway runs shall have a 

running slope not steeper than 1:12. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where gangways have 

only one run and the gangways do not exceed 

a rise of 6 inches (150 mm), the gangways 

shall be permitted to have running slopes in 

accordance with Table V410.2. 

2. Where an existing gangway run or series 

of gangway runs is replaced or altered, an 

increase in the length of the gangway run 

shall not be required to comply with V410.2. 

3. On vessel carried gangways, where the 

total length of the gangway run or series of 

runs is at least as long as the beam of the 

vessel, gangways shall not be required to 

comply with V410.2. 

4. On pier provided gangways, where the 

total length of a gangway run or series of runs 

is at least 120 feet (37 m), gangways shall not 

be required to comply with V410.2. 

5. On passenger vessels which carry 

vehicles, where the only way for pedestrian 

passengers to embark or disembark is by way 

of a gangway that also functions as a vehicle 

transfer bridge, gangways shall not be 

required to comply with V410.2. 


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38146 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

TABLE V410.2—ALTERNATE RUNNING SLOPES PERMITTED BY EXCEPTION 1 

Slope 1 Maximum rise 

Steeper than 1:10 but not steeper than 1:8 ............................................................................................................................ 3 inches (75 mm). 

Steeper than 1:12 but not steeper than 1:10 .......................................................................................................................... 6 inches (150 mm). 

1A slope steeper than 1:8 is prohibited. 

V410.3 Cross Slope. Cross slope of 

gangway runs shall not be steeper than 1:48. 

V410.4 Surfaces. Surfaces of gangway 

runs shall comply with V302. Changes in 

level other than the running slope and cross 

slope are not permitted on gangway runs. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where gangways are 

deployed and conditions result in slopes 

greater than 1:4, changes in level complying 

with V303.2 or V303.3 shall be permitted on 

surfaces of gangway runs. 

2. Changes in level shall be permitted on 

gangway run surfaces that extend beyond the 

minimum clear width specified in V410.5. 

V410.5 Clear Width. The clear width of a 

gangway run and, where handrails are 

provided, the clear width between handrails 

shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum. 

EXCEPTION: Where the largest deck is less 

than 3,000 square feet (279 m2), the width of 

gangway runs and the distance between 

handrails, if provided, shall be permitted to 

have clear widths of 32 inches (815 mm) 

minimum. 

V410.6 Transition Plates. Transition 

plates provided at the ends of gangway runs 

shall contrast visually with adjacent 

passenger walkways either light-on-dark or 

dark-on-light. 

V410.7 Landings. Gangways shall have 

landings at the top and the bottom of each 

gangway run. Landings shall comply with 

V410.7. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Landings shall not be 

required between transition plates complying 

with V403 or V405, and gangways. 

2. On telescoping gangways, landings shall 

not be required between gangway segments 

where transition plates are provided which 

comply with V405.1 through V405.6, and 

V405.8 through V405.10. 

V410.7.1 Slope. Landings shall comply 

with V302. Changes in level are not 

permitted. 

EXCEPTION: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 

shall be permitted. 

V410.7.2 Width. The landing clear width 

shall be at least as wide as the widest 

gangway run leading to the landing. 

V410.7.3 Length. The landing clear length 

shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) long minimum. 

V410.7.4 Change in Direction. Gangways 

that change direction between runs at 

landings shall have a clear landing 60 inches 

(1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 

mm) minimum. 

V410.7.5 Doorways. Where doorways are 

located adjacent to a gangway landing, 

maneuvering clearances required by V404.2.4 

and V404.3.2 shall be permitted to overlap 

the required landing area. 

V410.8 Handrails. Gangway runs with a 

rise greater than 6 inches (150 mm) shall 

have handrails complying with V503. 

EXCEPTION: Gangways that also function 

as vehicle transfer bridges shall be permitted 

to have readily removable handrails. 

V410.9 Edge Protection. Edge protection 

complying with V410.9.1 or V410.9.2 shall be 

provided on each side of gangway runs and 

at each side of gangway landings. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Edge protection shall not 

be required on the sides of gangway landings 

serving an adjoining ramp run, gangway run, 

or stairway. 

2. Edge protection shall not be required on 

the sides of gangway landings having a 

vertical drop-off of 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) 

maximum within 10 inches (255 mm) 

horizontally of the minimum landing area 

specified in V410.7. 

V410.9.1 Extended Deck Surface. The 

deck surface of the gangway run or landing 

shall extend 12 inches (305 mm) minimum 

beyond the inside face of a handrail 

complying with V503. 

V410.9.2 Curb or Barrier. A curb or 

barrier shall be provided that prevents the 

passage of a 4 inch (100 mm) diameter 

sphere, where any portion of the sphere is 

within 4 inches (100 mm) of the finish deck 

surface. 

V410.10 Wet Conditions. Landings 

subject to wet conditions shall be designed 

to prevent the accumulation of water. 

V411 Manually Powered Boarding Lifts 

V411.1 General. Manually powered 

boarding lifts shall comply with V411. 

V411.2 Design Load. The design load of 

the lift shall be at least 600 pounds (272 kg). 

Working parts, such as cables, pulleys, and 

shafts, which would be expected to wear, and 

upon which the lift depends for support of 

the load, shall have a safety factor of at least 

six, based on the ultimate strength of the 

material. Nonworking parts, such as 

platform, frame, and attachment hardware 

which would not be expected to wear, shall 

have a safety factor of at least three, based on 

the ultimate strength of the material. 

V411.3 Controls. Where provided, each 

control for deploying, lowering, raising, and 

stowing the lift and lowering the roll-off 

barrier shall require continuous manual 

pressure by the operators and an inherent 

design feature or other system shall not allow 

improper lift sequencing when the lift 

platform is occupied. The controls shall 

allow reversal of the lift operation sequence 

when the lift is occupied. 

V411.4 Emergency Operation. The lift, 

when occupied, shall incorporate an 

emergency method of lowering. 

V411.5 Equipment Failure. The lift, when 

occupied, shall have provisions to prevent it 

from falling any faster than 12 inches/second 

(305 mm/second) and dropping an occupant 

in the event of a single failure of any load 

carrying component. 

V411.6 Platform Barriers. The lift 

platform shall be equipped with barriers to 

prevent any of the wheels of a wheelchair or 

mobility aid from rolling off the lift during 

its operation. 

V411.7 Platform Surface and Size. The 

lift platform surface and size shall comply 

with V302, V303, and V305. 

EXCEPTION: Where the lift platform is 

approached at the long side, the platform 

shall be permitted to be 56 inches (1420 mm) 

wide minimum. 

V411.8 Platform Approaches. The 

approaches to the lift platform, or loadingedge barriers used as approaches, shall 

comply with V403 or V405. Transitions from 

adjacent deck and pier surfaces shall comply 

with V303. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Ramped approaches to 

the lift platform shall be permitted to have 

running slopes not exceeding 1:8 if the rise 

of the ramps does not exceed 3 inches (75 

mm). 

2. Landings specified in V405.7 shall not 

be required between ramped approaches and 

the lift platform. 

V411.9 Platform Deflection. The lift 

platform shall not deflect more than 3 

degrees in any direction between its 

unloaded position and its position when 

loaded with 600 pounds (272 kg) applied 

through a 26 inch (660 mm) by 26 inch (660 

mm) test pallet at the centroid of the lift 

platform. 

V411.10 Boarding Direction. The lift shall 

permit both inboard and outboard facing of 

wheelchairs and mobility aids. 

V411.11 Handrails. The platform on the 

lift shall be equipped with handrails on two 

sides, which move in tandem with the lift, 

and which shall be graspable and provide 

support to standees throughout the entire lift 

operation. Handrails shall have a usable 

component 8 inches (205 mm) long 

minimum, and the top of the gripping surface 

shall be 30 inches (760 mm) minimum and 

38 inches (965 mm) maximum above the 

platform. The handrails shall be capable of 

withstanding a force of 100 pounds (449 N) 

concentrated at any point on the handrail 

without permanent deformation of the rail or 

its supporting structure. The handrails shall 

comply with V503.5 through V503.9. 

CHAPTER V5: GENERAL PASSENGER 

VESSEL ELEMENTS 

V501 General 

V501.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 

5 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or 

where referenced by a requirement in this 

document. 

V502 Pool Stairs 

V502.1 General. Pool stairs shall comply 

with V502. 

V502.2 Treads and Risers. All steps on 

pool stairs shall have uniform riser heights 

and uniform tread depths. Risers shall be 4 

inches (100 mm) high minimum and 7 inches 


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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 38147 

(180 mm) high maximum. Treads shall be 11 

inches (280 mm) deep minimum. Tread 

depth shall be measured from riser to riser. 

EXCEPTION: Risers shall not be required 

to comply with V502.2 if riser heights are 

uniform. 

V502.3 Closed Risers. Risers shall be 

closed. 

V502.4 Tread Surface. Stair treads shall 

comply with V302. Changes in level are not 

permitted. 

EXCEPTION: Treads shall be permitted to 

have a slope not steeper than 1:48. 

V502.5 Nosings. The radius of curvature 

at the leading edge of the tread shall be 1⁄2

inch (13 mm) maximum. Nosings that project 

beyond risers shall have the underside of the 

leading edge curved or beveled. Risers shall 

be permitted to slope under the tread at an 

angle of 30 degrees maximum from vertical. 

The permitted projection of the nosing shall 

extend 11⁄2 inches (38 mm) maximum over 

the tread below. 

V502.6 Handrails. Pool stairs shall have 

handrails complying with V503. 

V503 Handrails 

V503.1 General. Handrails provided 

along walking surfaces complying with V403, 

at elevators complying with V407 or V408, 

and at platform lifts complying with V409, 

shall comply with V503. Handrails required 

at ramps complying with V405, gangways 

complying with V410, and pool stairs 

complying with V502, shall comply with 

V503. 

V503.2 Where Required. Handrails shall 

be provided on both sides of pool stairs, 

gangways, and ramps. 

EXCEPTION: In assembly areas, handrails 

shall not be required on both sides of aisle 

ramps where a handrail is provided at either 

side or within the aisle width. 

V503.3 Continuity. Handrails shall be 

continuous within the full length of each set 

of pool stairs, gangway run, or ramp run. 

Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg 

ramps shall be continuous between flights or 

runs. 

EXCEPTION: In assembly areas, handrails 

on ramps shall not be required to be 

continuous in aisles serving seating. 

V503.4 Height. Top of gripping surfaces 

of handrails shall be 34 inches (865 mm) 

minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum 

vertically above walking surfaces, stair 

nosings, gangway surfaces, and ramp 

surfaces. Handrails shall be at a consistent 

height above walking surfaces, stair nosings, 

gangway surfaces, and ramp surfaces. 

EXCEPTION: Where the administrative 

authority requires handrails along walking 

surfaces with slopes not steeper than 1:20 to 

be located more than 38 inches (965 mm) 

above deck surfaces, the handrails shall not 

be required to comply with V503.4. 

V503.5 Clearance. Clearance between 

handrail gripping surfaces and adjacent 

surfaces shall be 11⁄2 inches (38 mm) 

minimum. 

V503.6 Gripping Surface. Handrail 

gripping surfaces shall be continuous along 

their length and shall not be obstructed along 

their tops or sides. The bottoms of handrail 

gripping surfaces shall not be obstructed for 

more than 20 percent of their length. Where 

provided, horizontal projections shall occur 

11⁄2 inches (38 mm) minimum below the 

bottom of the handrail gripping surface. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where handrails are 

provided along walking surfaces with slopes 

not steeper than 1:20, the bottoms of handrail 

gripping surfaces shall be permitted to be 

obstructed along their entire length where 

they are integral to crash rails or bumper 

guards. 

2. The distance between horizontal 

projections and the bottom of the gripping 

surface shall be permitted to be reduced by 

1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) for each 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) 

of additional handrail perimeter dimension 

that exceeds 4 inches (100 mm). 

V503.7 Cross Section. Handrail gripping 

surfaces shall have a cross section complying 

with V503.7.1 or V503.7.2. 

V503.7.1 Circular Cross Section. Handrail 

gripping surfaces with a circular cross 

section shall have an outside diameter of 11⁄4

inches (32 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 

mm) maximum. 

V503.7.2 Non-Circular Cross Sections. 

Handrail gripping surfaces with a noncircular cross section shall have a perimeter 

dimension of 4 inches (100 mm) minimum 

and 61⁄4 inches (160 mm) maximum, and a 

cross-section dimension of 21⁄4 inches (57 

mm) maximum. 

V503.8 Surfaces. Handrail gripping 

surfaces and any surfaces adjacent to them 

shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements 

and shall have rounded edges. 

V503.9 Fittings. Handrails shall not rotate 

within their fittings. 

V503.10 Handrail Extensions. Handrail 

gripping surfaces shall extend beyond and in 

the same direction of pool stairs, gangway 

runs, and ramp runs in accordance with 

V503.10. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Extensions shall not be 

required for continuous handrails at the 

inside turn of switchback or dogleg 

gangways, and ramps. 

2. In assembly areas, extensions shall not 

be required for ramp handrails in aisles 

serving seating where the handrails are 

discontinuous to provide access to seating 

and to permit crossovers within aisles. 

3. In alterations, full extensions of 

handrails shall not be required where such 

extensions would be hazardous due to plan 

configuration. 

4. Where gangways and transition plates 

connect and are required to have handrails, 

handrail extensions shall not be required. 

5. Where handrail extensions are provided 

on gangways or transition plates, extensions 

shall not be required to be horizontal to the 

landing surface. 

V503.10.1 Top and Bottom Extension at 

Ramps and Gangways. Ramp and gangway 

handrails shall extend horizontally above the 

landing for 12 inches (305 mm) minimum 

beyond the top and bottom of ramp and 

gangway runs. Extensions shall return to a 

wall, guard, or the landing surface, or shall 

be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent 

ramp run. 

V503.10.2 Top Extension at Pool Stairs. 

At the top of pool stairs, handrails shall 

extend horizontally above the landing for 12 

inches (305 mm) minimum beginning 

directly above the first riser nosing. 

Extensions shall return to a wall, guard, or 

the landing surface. 

CHAPTER V 6: PLUMBING ELEMENTS 

AND FACILITIES 

V601 General 

V601.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 

6 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or 

where referenced by a requirement in this 

document. 

V602 Drinking Fountains 

V602.1 General. Drinking fountains shall 

comply with V307 and V602. 

V602.2 Clear Deck Space. Units shall 

have a clear deck space complying with V305 

positioned for a forward approach and 

centered on the unit. Knee and toe clearance 

complying with V306 shall be provided. 

EXCEPTION: A parallel approach 

complying with V305 shall be permitted at 

units for children’s use where the spout is 30 

inches (760 mm) maximum above the finish 

deck surface and is 31⁄2 inches (90 mm) 

maximum from the front edge of the unit, 

including bumpers. 

V602.3 Operable Parts. Operable parts 

shall comply with V309. 

V602.4 Spout Height. Spout outlets shall 

be 36 inches (915 mm) maximum above the 

finish deck surface. 

V602.5 Spout Location. The spout shall 

be located 15 inches (380 mm) minimum 

from the vertical support and 5 inches (125 

mm) maximum from the front edge of the 

unit, including bumpers. 

V602.6 Water Flow. The spout shall 

provide a flow of water 4 inches (100 mm) 

high minimum and shall be located 5 inches 

(125 mm) maximum from the front of the 

unit. The angle of the water stream shall be 

measured horizontally relative to the front 

face of the unit. Where spouts are located less 

than 3 inches (75 mm) of the front of the unit, 

the angle of the water stream shall be 30 

degrees maximum. Where spouts are located 

between 3 inches (75 mm) and 5 inches (125 

mm) maximum from the front of the unit, the 

angle of the water stream shall be 15 degrees 

maximum. 

V602.7 Drinking Fountains for Standing 

Persons. Spout outlets of drinking fountains 

for standing persons shall be 38 inches (965 

mm) minimum and 43 inches (1090 mm) 

maximum above the finish deck surface. 

V603 Toilet and Bathing Rooms 

V603. General. Toilet and bathing rooms 

shall comply with V603. 

V603.2 Clearances. Clearances shall 

comply with V603.2. 

V603.2.1 Turning Space. Turning space 

complying with V304 shall be provided 

within the room. 

V603.2.2 Overlap. Required clear deck 

spaces, clearance at fixtures, and turning 

space shall be permitted to overlap. 

V603.2.3 Door Swing. Doors shall not 

swing into the clear deck space or clearance 

required for any fixture. Doors shall be 

permitted to swing into the required turning 

space. 

EXCEPTION: Where the toilet room or 

bathing room is for individual use and a clear 

deck space complying with V305.3 is 

provided within the room, beyond the arc of 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
38148 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

the door swing, doors shall be permitted to 

swing into the clear deck space or clearance 

required for any fixture. 

V603.3 Mirrors. Mirrors located above 

lavatories or countertops shall be installed 

with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface 

40 inches (1015 mm) maximum above the 

finish deck surface. Mirrors not located above 

lavatories or countertops shall be installed 

with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface 

35 inches (890 mm) maximum above the 

finish deck surface. 

V603.4 Coat Hooks and Shelves. Coat 

hooks shall be located within one of the 

reach ranges specified in V308. Shelves shall 

be located 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum 

and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above 

the finish deck surface. 

V604 Water Closets and Toilet 

Compartments (Stalls) 

V604.1 General. Water closets and toilet 

compartments shall comply with V604.2 

through V604.8. 

EXCEPTION: Water closets and toilet 

compartments for children’s use shall be 

permitted to comply with V604.9. 

V604.2 Location. The water closet shall 

be positioned with a wall or partition to the 

rear and to one side. The centerline of the 

water closet shall be 16 inches (405 mm) 

minimum to 18 inches (455 mm) maximum 

from the side wall or partition, except that 

the water closet shall be 17 inches (430 mm) 

minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum 

from the side wall or partition in the 

ambulatory accessible toilet compartment 

specified in V604.8.2. Water closets shall be 

arranged for a left-hand or right-hand 

approach. 

V604.3 Clearance. Clearances around 

water closets and in toilet compartments 

shall comply with V604.3. 

V604.3.1 Size. Clearance around a water 

closet shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) 

minimum measured perpendicular from the 

side wall and 56 inches (1420 mm) minimum 

measured perpendicular from the rear wall. 

V604.3.2 Overlap. The required clearance 

around the water closet shall be permitted to 

overlap the water closet, associated grab bars, 

dispensers, sanitary napkin disposal units, 

coat hooks, shelves, accessible routes, clear 

deck spaces and clearances required at other 

fixtures, and the turning space. No other 

fixtures or obstructions shall be located 

within the required water closet clearance. 

V604.4 Seats. The seat height of a water 

closet above the finish deck surface shall be 

17 inches (430 mm) minimum and 19 inches 

(485 mm) maximum measured to the top of 

the seat. Seats shall not be sprung to return 

to a lifted position. 

V604.5 Grab Bars. Grab bars for water 

closets shall comply with V609. Grab bars 

shall be provided on the side wall closest to 

the water closet and on the rear wall. 

V604.5.1 Side Wall. The side wall grab 

bar shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) long 

minimum, located 12 inches (305 mm) 

maximum from the rear wall and extending 

54 inches (1370 mm) minimum from the rear 

wall. 

V604.5.2 Rear Wall. The rear wall grab 

bar shall be 36 inches (915 mm) long 

minimum and extend from the centerline of 

the water closet 12 inches (305 mm) 

minimum on one side and 24 inches (610 

mm) minimum on the other side. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. The rear grab bar shall be 

permitted to be 24 inches (610 mm) long 

minimum, centered on the water closet, 

where wall space does not permit a length of 

36 inches (915 mm) minimum due to the 

location of a recessed fixture adjacent to the 

water closet. 

2. Where an administrative authority 

requires flush controls for flush valves to be 

located in a position that conflicts with the 

location of the rear grab bar, then the rear 

grab bar shall be permitted to be split or 

shifted to the open side of the toilet area. 

V604.6 Flush Controls. Flush controls 

shall be hand operated or automatic. Hand 

operated flush controls shall comply with 

V309. Flush controls shall be located on the 

open side of the water closet, except in 

compartments with vacuum flush systems 

and in ambulatory accessible compartments 

complying with V604.8.2. 

V604.7 Dispensers. Toilet paper 

dispensers shall comply with V309.4 and 

shall be 7 inches (180 mm) minimum and 9 

inches (230 mm) maximum in front of the 

water closet measured to the centerline of the 

dispenser. The outlet of the dispenser shall 

be 15 inches (380 mm) minimum and 48 

inches (1220 mm) maximum above the finish 

deck surface and shall not be located behind 

grab bars. Dispensers shall not be of a type 

that controls delivery or that does not allow 

continuous paper flow. 

V604.8 Toilet Compartments. Wheelchair 

accessible toilet compartments shall meet the 

requirements of V604.8.1 and V604.8.3. 

Compartments containing more than one 

plumbing fixture shall comply with V603. 

Ambulatory accessible compartments shall 

comply with V604.8.2 and V604.8.3. 

V604.8.1 Wheelchair Accessible 

Compartments. Wheelchair accessible 

compartments shall comply with V604.8.1. 

V604.8.1.1 Size. Wheelchair accessible 

compartments shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) 

wide minimum measured perpendicular to 

the side wall, and 56 inches (1420 mm) deep 

minimum for wall hung water closets, and 59 

inches (1500 mm) deep minimum for deck 

surface mounted water closets measured 

perpendicular to the rear wall. Wheelchair 

accessible compartments for children’s use 

shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) wide minimum 

measured perpendicular to the side wall, and 

59 inches (1500 mm) deep minimum for wall 

hung and deck surface mounted water closets 

measured perpendicular to the rear wall. 

V604.8.1.2 Doors. Toilet compartment 

doors, including door hardware, shall 

comply with V404 except that if the 

approach is to the latch side of the 

compartment door, clearance between the 

door side of the compartment and any 

obstruction shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) 

minimum. Doors shall be located in the front 

partition or in the side wall or partition 

farthest from the water closet. Where located 

in the front partition, the door opening shall 

be 4 inches (100 mm) maximum from the 

side wall or partition farthest from the water 

closet. Where located in the side wall or 

partition, the door opening shall be 4 inches 

(100 mm) maximum from the front partition. 

The door shall be self-closing. A door pull 

complying with V404.2.7 shall be placed on 

both sides of the door near the latch. Toilet 

compartment doors shall not swing into the 

minimum required compartment area. 

V604.8.1.3 Approach. Compartments 

shall be arranged for left-hand or right-hand 

approach to the water closet. 

V604.8.1.4 Toe Clearance. The front 

partition and at least one side partition shall 

provide a toe clearance of 9 inches (230 mm) 

minimum above the finish deck surface and 

6 inches (150 mm) deep minimum beyond 

the compartment-side face of the partition, 

exclusive of partition support members. 

Compartments for children’s use shall 

provide a toe clearance of 12 inches (305 

mm) minimum above the finish deck surface. 

EXCEPTION: Toe clearance at the front 

partition shall not be required in a 

compartment greater than 62 inches (1575 

mm) deep with a wall-hung water closet or 

65 inches (1650 mm) deep with a decksurface-mounted water closet. Toe clearance 

at the side partition shall not be required in 

a compartment greater than 66 inches (1675 

mm) wide. Toe clearance at the front 

partition shall not be required in a 

compartment for children’s use that is greater 

than 65 inches (1650 mm) deep. 

V604.8.1.5 Grab Bars. Grab bars shall 

comply with V609. A side-wall grab bar 

complying with V604.5.1 shall be provided 

and shall be located on the wall closest to the 

water closet. In addition, a rear-wall grab bar 

complying with V604.5.2 shall be provided. 

V604.8.2 Ambulatory Accessible 

Compartments. Ambulatory accessible 

compartments shall comply with V604.8.2. 

V604.8.2.1 Size. Ambulatory accessible 

compartments shall have a depth of 60 

inches (1525 mm) minimum and a width of 

35 inches (890 mm) minimum and 37 inches 

(940 mm) maximum. 

V604.8.2.2 Doors. Toilet compartment 

doors, including door hardware, shall 

comply with V404, except that if the 

approach is to the latch side of the 

compartment door, clearance between the 

door side of the compartment and any 

obstruction shall be 42 inches (1065 mm) 

minimum. The door shall be self-closing. A 

door pull complying with V404.2.7 shall be 

placed on both sides of the door near the 

latch. Toilet compartment doors shall not 

swing into the minimum required 

compartment area. 

V604.8.2.3 Grab Bars. Grab bars shall 

comply with V609. A side-wall grab bar 

complying with V604.5.1 shall be provided 

on both sides of the compartment. 

V604.8.3 Coat Hooks and Shelves. Coat 

hooks shall be located within one of the 

reach ranges specified in V308. Shelves shall 

be located 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum 

and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above 

the finish deck surface. 

V604.9 Water Closets and Toilet 

Compartments for Children’s Use. Water 

closets and toilet compartments for 

children’s use shall comply with V604.9. 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 38149 

ADVISORY SPECIFICATIONS FOR WATER CLOSETS SERVING CHILDREN AGES 3 THROUGH 12 

Ages 3 and 4 Ages 5 through 8 Ages 9 through 12 

Water Closet Centerline ................. 12 inches (305 mm) ..................... 12 to 15 inches (305 to 380 mm) 15 to 18 inches (380 to 455 mm). 

Toilet Seat Height .......................... 11 to 12 inches (280 to 305 mm) 12 to 15 inches (305 to 380 mm) 15 to 17 inches (380 to 430 mm). 

Grab Bar Height ............................. 18 to 20 inches (455 to 510 mm) 20 to 25 inches (510 to 635 mm) 25 to 27 inches (635 to 685 mm). 

Dispenser Height ........................... 14 inches (355 mm) ..................... 14 to 17 inches (355 to 430 mm) 17 to 19 inches (430 to 485 mm). 

V604.9.1 Location. The water closet shall 

be located with a wall or partition to the rear 

and to one side. The centerline of the water 

closet shall be 12 inches (305 mm) minimum 

and 18 inches (455 mm) maximum from the 

side wall or partition, except that the water 

closet shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum 

and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum from the 

side wall or partition in the ambulatory 

accessible toilet compartment specified in 

V604.8.2. Compartments shall be arranged for 

left-hand or right-hand approach to the water 

closet. 

V604.9.2 Clearance. Clearance around a 

water closet shall comply with V604.3. 

V604.9.3 Height. The height of water 

closets shall be 11 inches (280 mm) 

minimum and 17 inches (430 mm) maximum 

measured to the top of the seat. Seats shall 

not be sprung to return to a lifted position. 

V604.9.4 Grab Bars. Grab bars for water 

closets shall comply with V604.5. 

V604.9.5 Flush Controls. Flush controls 

shall be hand operated or automatic. Hand 

operated flush controls shall comply with 

V309.2 and V309.4 and shall be installed 36 

inches (915 mm) maximum above the finish 

deck surface. Flush controls shall be located 

on the open side of the water closet, except 

in compartments with vacuum flush systems 

and in ambulatory accessible compartments 

complying with V604.8.2. 

V604.9.6 Dispensers. Toilet paper 

dispensers shall comply with V309.4 and 

shall be 7 inches (180 mm) minimum and 9 

inches (230 mm) maximum in front of the 

water closet measured to the centerline of the 

dispenser. The outlet of the dispenser shall 

be 14 inches (355 mm) minimum and 19 

inches (485 mm) maximum above the finish 

deck surface. There shall be a clearance of 

11⁄2 inches (38 mm) minimum below the grab 

bar. Dispensers shall not be of a type that 

controls delivery or that does not allow 

continuous paper flow. 

V604.9.7 Toilet Compartments. Toilet 

compartments shall comply with V604.8. 

V605 Urinals 

V605.1 General. Urinals shall comply 

with V605. 

V605.2 Height and Depth. Urinals shall 

be the stall-type or the wall-hung type with 

the rim 17 inches (430 mm) maximum above 

the finish deck surface. Urinals shall be 131⁄2

inches (345 mm) deep minimum measured 

from the outer face of the urinal rim to the 

back of the fixture. 

V605.3 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 positioned for 

forward approach shall be provided. 

V605.4 Flush Controls. Flush controls 

shall be hand operated or automatic. Hand 

operated flush controls shall comply with 

V309. 

V606 Lavatories and Sinks 

V606.1 General. Lavatories and sinks 

shall comply with V606. 

V606.2 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305, positioned for a 

forward approach, and knee and toe 

clearance complying with V306 shall be 

provided. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. A parallel approach 

complying with V305 shall be permitted to 

a galley and pantry sink in a space where a 

cook top or conventional range is not 

provided and to wet bars. 

2. A knee clearance of 24 inches (610 mm) 

minimum above the finish deck surface shall 

be permitted at lavatories and sinks used 

primarily by children 6 through 12 years 

where the rim or counter surface is 31 inches 

(785 mm) maximum above the finish deck 

surface. 

3. A parallel approach complying with 

V305 shall be permitted to lavatories and 

sinks used primarily by children 5 years and 

younger. 

4. The dip of the overflow shall not be 

considered in determining knee and toe 

clearances. 

5. No more than one bowl of a multi-bowl 

sink shall be required to provide knee and 

toe clearance complying with V306. 

V606.3 Height. Lavatories and sinks shall 

be installed with the front of the higher of the 

rim or counter surface 34 inches (865 mm) 

maximum above the finish deck surface. 

V606.4 Faucets. Controls for faucets shall 

comply with V309. Hand-operated, metering 

faucets shall remain open for 10 seconds 

minimum. 

V606.5 Exposed Pipes and Surfaces. 

Water supply and drain pipes under 

lavatories and sinks shall be insulated or 

otherwise configured to protect against 

contact. There shall be no sharp or abrasive 

surfaces under lavatories and sinks. 

V607 Bathtubs 

V607.1 General. Bathtubs shall comply 

with V607. 

V607.2 Clearance. Clearance in front of 

bathtubs shall extend the length of the 

bathtub and shall be 30 inches (760 mm) 

wide minimum. A lavatory complying with 

V606 shall be permitted at the control end of 

the clearance. Where a permanent seat is 

provided at the head end of the bathtub, the 

clearance shall extend 12 inches (305 mm) 

minimum beyond the wall at the head end 

of the bathtub. 

V607.3 Seat. A permanent seat at the 

head end of the bathtub or a removable intub seat shall be provided. Seats shall comply 

with V610. 

V607.4 Grab Bars. Grab bars for bathtubs 

shall comply with V609 and shall be 

provided in accordance with V607.4.1 or 

V607.4.2. 

V607.4.1 Bathtubs With Permanent Seats. 

For bathtubs with permanent seats, grab bars 

shall be provided in accordance with 

V607.4.1. 

V607.4.1.1 Back Wall. Two grab bars 

shall be installed on the back wall, one 

located in accordance with V609.4 and the 

other located 8 inches (205 mm) minimum 

and 10 inches (255 mm) maximum above the 

rim of the bathtub. Each grab bar shall be 

installed 15 inches (380 mm) maximum from 

the head end wall and 12 inches (305 mm) 

maximum from the control end wall. 

V607.4.1.2 Control End Wall. A grab bar 

24 inches (610 mm) long minimum shall be 

installed on the control end wall at the front 

edge of the bathtub. 

V607.4.2 Bathtubs Without Permanent 

Seats. For bathtubs without permanent seats, 

grab bars shall comply with V607.4.2. 

V607.4.2.1 Back Wall. Two grab bars 

shall be installed on the back wall, one 

located in accordance with V609.4 and the 

other located 8 inches (205 mm) minimum 

and 10 inches (255 mm) maximum above the 

rim of the bathtub. Each grab bar shall be 24 

inches (610 mm) long minimum and shall be 

installed 24 inches (610 mm) maximum from 

the head end wall and 12 inches (305 mm) 

maximum from the control end wall. 

V607.4.2.2 Control End Wall. A grab bar 

24 inches (610 mm) long minimum shall be 

installed on the control end wall at the front 

edge of the bathtub. 

V607.4.2.3 Head End Wall. A grab bar 12 

inches (305 mm) long minimum shall be 

installed on the head end wall at the front 

edge of the bathtub. 

V607.5 Controls. Controls, other than 

drain stoppers, shall be located on an end 

wall. Controls shall be between the bathtub 

rim and grab bar, and between the open side 

of the bathtub and the centerline of the width 

of the bathtub. Controls shall comply with 

V309.4. 

V607.6 Shower Spray Unit and Water. A 

shower spray unit with a hose 59 inches 

(1500 mm) long minimum that can be used 

both as a fixed-position shower head and as 

a hand-held shower shall be provided. The 

shower spray unit shall have an on/off 

control with a non-positive shut-off. If an 

adjustable-height shower head on a vertical 

bar is used, the bar shall be installed so as 

not to obstruct the use of grab bars. Bathtub 

shower spray units shall deliver water that is 

120 °F (49 °C) maximum. 

V607.7 Bathtub Enclosures. Enclosures 

for bathtubs shall not obstruct controls, 

faucets, shower and spray units, or obstruct 

transfer from wheelchairs onto bathtub seats 

or into bathtubs. Enclosures on bathtubs shall 

not have tracks installed on the rim of the 

open face of the bathtub. 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
38150 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

V608 Shower Compartments and Rinsing 

Showers 

V608.1 General. Shower compartments 

and rinsing showers shall comply with V608. 

V608.2 Size and Clearances for Shower 

Compartments and Rinsing Showers. Shower 

compartments and rinsing showers shall 

have sizes and clearances complying with 

V608.2. 

V608.2.1 Transfer Type Shower 

Compartments. Transfer type shower 

compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) 

by 36 inches (915 mm) clear inside 

dimensions measured at the center points of 

opposing sides and shall have a 36 inch (915 

mm) wide minimum entry on the face of the 

shower compartment. Clearance of 36 inches 

(915 mm) wide minimum by 48 inches (1220 

mm) long minimum measured from the 

control wall shall be provided. 

V608.2.2 Standard Roll-In Type Shower 

Compartments. Standard roll-in type shower 

compartments shall be 30 inches (760 mm) 

wide minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) deep 

minimum clear inside dimensions measured 

at center points of opposing sides and shall 

have a 60 inches (1525 mm) wide minimum 

entry on the face of the shower compartment. 

V608.2.2.1 Clearance. A 30 inch (760 

mm) wide minimum by 60 inch (1525 mm) 

long minimum clearance shall be provided 

adjacent to the open face of the shower 

compartment. 

EXCEPTION: A lavatory complying with 

V606 shall be permitted on one 30 inch (760 

mm) wide minimum side of the clearance if 

it is not on the side of the clearance adjacent 

to the controls or, where provided, not on the 

side of the clearance adjacent to the shower 

seat. 

V608.2.3 Alternate Roll-In Type Shower 

Compartments. Alternate roll-in type shower 

compartments shall be 36 inches (915 mm) 

wide and 60 inches (1525 mm) deep 

minimum clear inside dimensions measured 

at center points of opposing sides. A 36 inch 

(915 mm) wide minimum entry shall be 

provided at one end of the long side of the 

compartment. 

V608.2.4 Rinsing Showers. At rinsing 

showers, a clear deck space 60 inches (1525 

mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) 

minimum shall be provided. The shower 

head location shall be centered on one side 

of the clear deck space. 

V608.3 Grab Bars. Grab bars shall comply 

with V609 and shall be provided in 

accordance with V608.3. Where multiple 

grab bars are used, required horizontal grab 

bars shall be installed at the same height 

above the finish deck surface. 

V608.3.1 Transfer Type Shower 

Compartments. In transfer type 

compartments, grab bars shall be provided 

across the control wall and back wall to a 

point 18 inches (455 mm) from the control 

wall. 

V608.3.2 Standard Roll-In Type Shower 

Compartments. Where a seat is provided in 

standard roll-in type shower compartments, 

grab bars shall be provided on the back wall 

and, if provided, on the side wall opposite 

the seat. Grab bars shall not be provided 

above the seat. Where a seat is not provided 

in standard roll-in type shower 

compartments, grab bars shall be provided on 

three walls. Grab bars shall be installed 6 

inches (150 mm) maximum from adjacent 

walls. 

V608.3.3 Alternate Roll-In Type Shower 

Compartments. In alternate roll-in type 

shower compartments, grab bars shall be 

provided on the back wall and the side wall 

farthest from the compartment entry. Grab 

bars shall not be provided above the seat. 

Grab bars shall be installed 6 inches (150 

mm) maximum from adjacent walls. 

V608.4 Seats. A folding or non-folding 

seat shall be provided in transfer type shower 

compartments. A folding seat shall be 

provided in roll-in type showers required in 

guest rooms with mobility features 

complying with V806.2. Seats shall comply 

with V610. Seats shall not be provided in 

rinsing showers unless the rinsing showers 

meet the criteria in V608 for transfer-type, 

standard roll-in type, or alternate roll-in type 

showers. 

V608.5 Controls. In shower 

compartments, controls, faucets, and shower 

spray units shall comply with V309.4 and 

V608.5. In rinsing showers, controls, faucets, 

and shower spray units shall comply with 

V309. 

V608.5.1 Transfer Type Shower 

Compartments. In transfer type shower 

compartments, the controls, faucets, and 

shower spray unit shall be installed on the 

side wall opposite the seat 38 inches (965 

mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) 

maximum above the shower deck surface and 

shall be located on the control wall 15 inches 

(380 mm) maximum from the centerline of 

the seat toward the shower opening. 

V608.5.2 Standard Roll-In Type Shower 

Compartments. In standard roll-in type 

shower compartments, the controls, faucets, 

and shower spray unit shall be located above 

the grab bar, but no higher than 48 inches 

(1220 mm) above the shower deck surface. 

Where a seat is provided, the controls, 

faucets, and shower spray unit shall be 

installed on the back wall adjacent to the seat 

wall and shall be located 27 inches (685 mm) 

maximum from the seat wall. 

V608.5.3 Alternate Roll-In Type Shower 

Compartments. In alternate roll-in type 

shower compartments, the controls, faucets, 

and shower spray unit shall be located above 

the grab bar, but no higher than 48 inches 

(1220 mm) above the shower deck surface. 

Where a seat is provided, the controls, 

faucets, and shower spray unit shall be 

located on the side wall adjacent to the seat 

27 inches (685 mm) maximum from the side 

wall behind the seat or shall be located on 

the back wall opposite the seat 15 inches 

(380 mm) maximum, left or right, of the 

centerline of the seat. Where a seat is not 

provided, the controls, faucets, and shower 

spray unit shall be installed on the side wall 

farthest from the compartment entry. 

V608.6 Shower Spray Unit and Water. In 

shower compartments and rinsing showers, a 

shower spray unit with a hose 59 inches 

(1500 mm) long minimum that can be used 

both as a fixed-position shower head and as 

a hand-held shower shall be provided. The 

shower spray unit shall have an on/off 

control with a non-positive shut-off. If an 

adjustable-height shower head on a vertical 

bar is used, the bar shall be installed so as 

not to obstruct the use of grab bars. Shower 

spray units shall deliver water that is 120 °F 

(49 °C) maximum. 

EXCEPTION: A fixed shower head located 

at 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the 

shower finish deck surface shall be permitted 

instead of a hand-held spray unit in facilities 

that are not medical care facilities or guest 

rooms. 

V608.7 Thresholds. Thresholds in rinsing 

showers and roll-in type shower 

compartments shall be 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) high 

maximum in accordance with V303. In 

transfer type shower compartments, 

thresholds 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) high maximum 

shall be beveled, rounded, or vertical. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, a threshold 2 

inches (51 mm) high maximum shall be 

permitted in transfer type shower 

compartments in existing vessels where 

provision of a1⁄2 inch (13 mm) high threshold 

would disturb the structural integrity of the 

deck surface. 

V608.8 Shower Enclosures. Enclosures 

for shower compartments and rinsing 

showers shall not obstruct controls, faucets, 

shower spray units and, where provided, 

shower seats. 

V609 Grab Bars 

V609.1 General. Grab bars in toilet 

facilities and bathing facilities shall comply 

with V609. 

V609.2 Cross Section. Grab bars shall 

have a cross section complying with V609.2.1 

or V609.2.2. 

V609.2.1 Circular Cross Section. Grab 

bars with circular cross sections shall have 

an outside diameter of 11⁄4 inches (32 mm) 

minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum. 

V609.2.2 Non-Circular Cross Section. 

Grab bars with non-circular cross sections 

shall have a cross-section dimension of 2 

inches (51 mm) maximum and a perimeter 

dimension of 4 inches (100 mm) minimum 

and 4.8 inches (120 mm) maximum. 

V609.3 Spacing. The space between the 

wall and the grab bar shall be 11⁄2 inches (38 

mm). At rinsing showers, if grab bars are 

installed on posts, the space between the post 

and grab bar shall be 11⁄2 inches (38 mm). 

The space between the grab bar and 

projecting objects below and at the ends shall 

be 11⁄2 inches (38 mm) minimum. The space 

between the grab bar and projecting objects 

above shall be 12 inches (305 mm) minimum. 

EXCEPTION: The space between the grab 

bars and shower controls, shower fittings, 

and other grab bars above shall be permitted 

to be 11⁄2 inches (38 mm) minimum. 

V609.4 Position of Grab Bars. Grab bars 

shall be installed in a horizontal position, 33 

inches (840 mm) minimum and 36 inches 

(915 mm) maximum above the finish deck 

surface measured to the top of the gripping 

surface, except that at water closets for 

children’s use complying with V604.9, grab 

bars shall be installed in a horizontal 

position 18 inches (455 mm) minimum and 

27 inches (685 mm) maximum above the 

finish deck surface measured to the top of the 

gripping surface. The height of the lower grab 

bar on the back wall of a bathtub shall 

comply with V607.4.1.1 or V607.4.2.1. 

V609.5 Surface Hazards. Grab bars and 

any wall or other surfaces adjacent to grab 


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bars shall be free of sharp or abrasive 

elements and shall have rounded edges. 

V609.6 Fittings. Grab bars shall not rotate 

within their fittings. 

V609.7 Installation. Grab bars shall be 

installed in any manner that provides a 

gripping surface at the specified locations 

and that does not obstruct the required clear 

deck space. 

V609.8 Structural Strength. Allowable 

stresses shall not be exceeded for materials 

used when a vertical or horizontal force of 

250 pounds (1112 N) is applied at any point 

on the grab bar, fastener, mounting device, or 

supporting structure. 

V610 Seats 

V610.1 General. Seats in bathtubs and 

shower compartments shall comply with 

V610. 

V610.2 Bathtub Seats. The top of bathtub 

seats shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum 

and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum above the 

bathroom finish deck surface. The depth of 

a removable in-tub seat shall be 15 inches 

(380 mm) minimum and 16 inches (405 mm) 

maximum. The seat shall be capable of 

secure placement. Permanent seats at the 

head end of the bathtub shall be 15 inches 

(380 mm) deep minimum and shall extend 

from the back wall to or beyond the outer 

edge of the bathtub. 

V610.3 Shower Compartment Seats. 

Where a seat is provided in a standard rollin shower compartment, it shall be a folding 

type, shall be installed on the side wall 

adjacent to the controls, and shall extend 

from the back wall to a point within 3 inches 

(75 mm) of the compartment entry. Where a 

seat is provided in an alternate roll-in type 

shower compartment, it shall be a folding 

type, shall be installed on the front wall 

opposite the back wall, and shall extend from 

the adjacent side wall to a point within 3 

inches (75 mm) of the compartment entry. In 

transfer type showers, the seat shall extend 

from the back wall to a point within 3 inches 

(75 mm) of the compartment entry. The top 

of the seat shall be 17 inches (430 mm) 

minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum 

above the bathroom finish deck surface. Seats 

shall comply with V610.3.1 or V610.3.2. 

V610.3.1 Rectangular Seats. The rear edge 

of a rectangular seat shall be 21⁄2 inches (64 

mm) maximum and the front edge 15 inches 

(380 mm) minimum and 16 inches (405 mm) 

maximum from the seat wall. The side edge 

of the seat shall be 11⁄2 inches (38 mm) 

maximum from the adjacent wall. 

V610.3.2 L-Shaped Seats. The rear edge 

of an L-shaped seat shall be 21⁄2 inches (64 

mm) maximum and the front edge 15 inches 

(380 mm) minimum and 16 inches (405 mm) 

maximum from the seat wall. The rear edge 

of the ‘‘L’’ portion of the seat shall be 11⁄2

inches (38 mm) maximum from the wall and 

the front edge shall be 14 inches (355 mm) 

minimum and 15 inches (380 mm) maximum 

from the wall. The end of the ‘‘L’’ shall be 

22 inches (560 mm) minimum and 23 inches 

maximum (585 mm) from the main seat wall. 

V610.4 Structural Strength. Allowable 

stresses shall not be exceeded for materials 

used when a vertical or horizontal force of 

250 pounds (1112 N) is applied at any point 

on the seat, fastener, mounting device, or 

supporting structure. 

V611 Washing Machines and Clothes 

Dryers 

V611.1 General. Washing machines and 

clothes dryers shall comply with V611. 

V611.2 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 positioned for 

parallel approach shall be provided. The 

clear deck space shall be centered on the 

appliance. 

V611.3 Operable Parts. Operable parts, 

including doors, lint screens, and detergent 

and bleach compartments shall comply with 

V309. 

V611.4 Height. Top loading machines 

shall have the door to the laundry 

compartment located 36 inches (915 mm) 

maximum above the finish deck surface. 

Front loading machines shall have the 

bottom of the opening to the laundry 

compartment located 15 inches (380 mm) 

minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) maximum 

above the finish deck surface. 

V612 Saunas and Steam Rooms 

V612.1 General. Saunas and steam rooms 

shall comply with V612. 

V612.2 Bench. Where seating is provided 

in saunas and steam rooms, at least one 

bench shall comply with V903. Doors shall 

not swing into the clear deck space required 

by V903.2. 

EXCEPTION: A readily removable bench 

shall be permitted to obstruct the turning 

space required by V612.3 and the clear deck 

space required by V903.2. 

V612.3 Turning Space. A turning space 

complying with V304 shall be provided 

within saunas and steam rooms. 

CHAPTER V 7: COMMUNICATION 

ELEMENTS AND FEATURES 

V701 General 

V701.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 

7 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or 

where referenced by a requirement in this 

document. 

V702 Notification Appliances 

V702.1 General. Notification appliances 

in public areas shall comply with V702. 

V702.2 U.S. Flag Passenger Vessels. U.S. 

flag passenger vessels shall provide visible 

notification appliances complying with 

section 18.5 of NFPA 72 (incorporated by 

reference, see ‘‘Referenced Standards’’ in 

Chapter 1). Visible notification appliances 

shall be activated upon activation of the 

passenger vessel general emergency alarm. 

V703 Signs 

V703.1 General. Signs shall comply with 

V703. Where both visual and tactile 

characters are required, either one sign with 

both visual and tactile characters, or two 

separate signs, one with visual, and one with 

tactile characters, shall be provided. 

V703.2 Raised Characters. Raised 

characters shall comply with V703.2 and 

shall be duplicated in braille complying with 

V703.3. Raised characters shall be installed 

in accordance with V703.4. 

V703.2.1 Depth. Raised characters shall 

be 1⁄32 inch (0.8 mm) minimum above their 

background. 

V703.2.2 Case. Characters shall be 

uppercase. 

V703.2.3 Style. Characters shall be sans 

serif. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, 

script, highly decorative, or of other unusual 

forms. 

V703.2.4 Character Proportions. 

Characters shall be selected from fonts where 

the width of the uppercase letter ‘‘O’’ is 55 

percent minimum and 110 percent maximum 

of the height of the uppercase letter ‘‘I’’. 

V703.2.5 Character Height. Character 

height measured vertically from the baseline 

of the character shall be 5⁄8 inch (16 mm) 

minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum 

based on the height of the uppercase letter 

‘‘I’’. 

EXCEPTION: Where separate raised and 

visual characters with the same information 

are provided, raised character height shall be 

permitted to be 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) minimum. 

V703.2.6 Stroke Thickness. Stroke 

thickness of the uppercase letter ‘‘I’’ shall be 

15 percent maximum of the height of the 

character. 

V703.2.7 Character Spacing. Character 

spacing shall be measured between the two 

closest points of adjacent raised characters 

within a message, excluding word spaces. 

Where characters have rectangular cross 

sections, spacing between individual raised 

characters shall be 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) 

minimum and 4 times the raised character 

stroke width maximum. Where characters 

have other cross sections, spacing between 

individual raised characters shall be 1⁄16 inch 

(1.6 mm) minimum and 4 times the raised 

character stroke width maximum at the base 

of the cross sections, and 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) 

minimum and 4 times the raised character 

stroke width maximum at the top of the cross 

sections. Characters shall be separated from 

raised borders and decorative elements 3⁄8

inch (9.5 mm) minimum. 

V703.2.8 Line Spacing. Spacing between 

the baselines of separate lines of raised 

characters within a message shall be 135 

percent minimum and 170 percent maximum 

of the raised character height. 

V703.3 Braille. Braille shall be contracted 

(Grade 2) and shall comply with V703.3 and 

V703.4. 

V703.3.1 Dimensions and Capitalization. 

Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded 

shape and shall comply with Table V703.3.1. 

The indication of an uppercase letter or 

letters shall only be used before the first 

word of sentences, proper nouns and names, 

individual letters of the alphabet, initials, 

and acronyms. 


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TABLE V703.3.1—BRAILLE DIMENSIONS

Measurement range Minimum in inches 

Maximum in inches 

Dot base diameter .................................................................................... 0.059 (1.5 mm) to 0.063 (1.6 mm). 

Distance between two dots in the same cell 1 ......................................... 0.090 (2.3 mm) to 0.100 (2.5 mm). 

Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells 1 ........................ 0.241 (6.1 mm) to 0.300 (7.6 mm). 

Dot height ................................................................................................. 0.025 (0.6 mm) to 0.037 (0.9 mm). 

Distance between corresponding dots from one cell directly below 1 ...... 0.395 (10 mm) to 0.400 (10.2 mm). 

1 measured center-to-center. 

V703.3.2 Position. Braille shall be 

positioned below the corresponding text. If 

text is multi-lined, braille shall be placed 

below the entire text. Braille shall be 

separated 3⁄8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from 

any other tactile characters and 3⁄8 inch (9.5 

mm) minimum from raised borders and 

decorative elements. 

EXCEPTION: Braille provided on elevator 

car controls shall be separated 3⁄16 inch (4.8 

mm) minimum and shall be located either 

directly below or adjacent to the 

corresponding raised characters or symbols. 

V703.4 Installation Height and Location. 

Signs with tactile characters shall comply 

with V703.4. 

V703.4.1 Height Above Finish Deck 

Surface. Tactile characters on signs shall be 

located 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum above 

the finish deck surface, measured from the 

baseline of the lowest tactile character and 60 

inches (1525 mm) maximum above the finish 

deck surface, measured from the baseline of 

the highest tactile character. 

EXCEPTION: Tactile characters for elevator 

car controls shall not be required to comply 

with V703.4.1. 

V703.4.2 Location. Where a tactile sign is 

provided at a door, the sign shall be located 

alongside the door at the latch side. Where 

a tactile sign is provided at double doors 

with one active leaf, the sign shall be located 

on the inactive leaf. Where a tactile sign is 

provided at double doors with two active 

leafs, the sign shall be located to the right of 

the right hand door. Where there is no wall 

space at the latch side of a single door or at 

the right side of double doors, signs shall be 

located on the nearest adjacent wall. Signs 

containing tactile characters shall be located 

so that a clear deck space of 18 inches (455 

mm) minimum by 18 inches (455 mm) 

minimum, centered on the tactile characters, 

is provided beyond the arc of any door swing 

between the closed position and 45 degree 

open position. 

EXCEPTION: Signs with tactile characters 

shall be permitted on the push side of doors 

with closers and without hold-open devices. 

V703.5 Visual Characters. Visual 

characters shall comply with V703.5. 

EXCEPTION: Where visual characters 

comply with V703.2 and are accompanied by 

braille complying with V703.3, they shall not 

be required to comply with V703.5.2 through 

V703.5.9. 

V703.5.1 Finish and Contrast. Characters 

and their background shall have a non-glare 

finish. Characters shall contrast with their 

background with either light characters on a 

dark background or dark characters on a light 

background. 

V703.5.2 Case. Characters shall be 

uppercase or lowercase or a combination of 

both. 

V703.5.3 Style. Characters shall be 

conventional in form. Characters shall not be 

italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of 

other unusual forms. 

V703.5.4 Character Proportions. 

Characters shall be selected from fonts where 

the width of the uppercase letter ‘‘O’’ is 55 

percent minimum and 110 percent maximum 

of the height of the uppercase letter ‘‘I’’. 

V703.5.5 Character Height. Minimum 

character height shall comply with Table 

V703.5.5. Viewing distance shall be 

measured as the horizontal distance between 

the character and an obstruction preventing 

further approach towards the sign. Character 

height shall be based on the uppercase letter 

‘‘I’’. 

TABLE V703.5.5—VISUAL CHARACTER HEIGHT

Height to finish deck surface from baseline of 

character Horizontal viewing distance Minimum character height 

40 inches (1015 mm) to less than or equal to 

70 inches (1780 mm).

Less than 72 inches (1830 mm) ...................... 5⁄8 inch (16 mm). 

72 inches (1830 mm) and greater ................... 5⁄8 inch (16 mm), plus 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) per 

foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 72 

inches (1830 mm). 

Greater than 70 inches (1780 mm) to less than 

or equal to 120 inches (3050 mm).

Less than 180 inches (4570 mm) .................... 2 inches (51 mm). 

180 inches (4570 mm) and greater ................. 2 inches (51 mm), plus 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) per 

foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 

180 inches (4570 mm). 

Greater than 120 inches (3050 mm) ................. Less than 21 feet (6400 mm) ........................... 3 inches (75 mm). 

21 feet (6400 mm) and greater ........................ 3 inches (75 mm), plus 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) per 

foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 21 

feet (6400 mm). 

V703.5.6 Height From Finish Deck 

Surface. Visual characters shall be 40 inches 

(1015 mm) minimum above the finish deck 

surface. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Visual characters 

indicating elevator car controls shall not be 

required to comply with V703.5.6. 

2. Where the administrative authority 

requires signs to be mounted below 40 inches 

(1015 mm), V703.5.6 shall not apply. 

V703.5.7 Stroke Thickness. Stroke 

thickness of the uppercase letter ‘‘I’’ shall be 

10 percent minimum and 30 percent 

maximum of the height of the character. 

V703.5.8 Character Spacing. Character 

spacing shall be measured between the two 

closest points of adjacent characters, 

excluding word spaces. Spacing between 

individual characters shall be 10 percent 

minimum and 35 percent maximum of 

character height. 

V703.5.9 Line Spacing. Spacing between 

the baselines of separate lines of characters 

within a message shall be 135 percent 

minimum and 170 percent maximum of the 

character height. 

V703.6 Pictograms. Pictograms shall 

comply with V703.6. 

V703.6.1 Pictogram Field. Pictograms 

shall have a field height of 6 inches (150 mm) 

minimum. Characters and braille shall not be 

located in the pictogram field. 

V703.6.2 Finish and Contrast. Pictograms 

and their field shall have a non-glare finish. 

Pictograms shall contrast with their field 


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with either a light pictogram on a dark field 

or a dark pictogram on a light field. 

V703.6.3 Text Descriptors. Pictograms 

shall have text descriptors located directly 

below the pictogram field. Text descriptors 

shall comply with V703.2, V703.3 and 

V703.4. 

V703.7 Symbols of Accessibility. 

Symbols of accessibility shall comply with 

V703.7. 

V703.7.1 Finish and Contrast. Symbols of 

accessibility and their background shall have 

a non-glare finish. Symbols of accessibility 

shall contrast with their background with 

either a light symbol on a dark background 

or a dark symbol on a light background. 

V703.7.2 Symbols. 

V703.7.2.1 International Symbol of 

Accessibility. The International Symbol of 

Accessibility shall comply with Figure 

V703.7.2.1 at the end of this document. 

V703.7.2.2 International Symbol of TTY. 

The International Symbol of TTY shall 

comply with Figure V703.7.2.2 at the end of 

this document. 

V703.7.2.3 Assistive Listening Systems. 

Assistive listening systems shall be identified 

by the International Symbol of Access for 

Hearing Loss complying with Figure 

V703.7.2.3 at the end of this document. 

V704 Telephones 

V704.1 General. Public telephones shall 

comply with V704. 

V704.2 Wheelchair Accessible 

Telephones. Wheelchair accessible 

telephones shall comply with V704.2. 

V704.2.1 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 shall be 

provided. The clear deck space shall not be 

obstructed by bases, enclosures, or seats. 

V704.2.1.1 Parallel Approach. Where a 

parallel approach is provided, the distance 

from the edge of the telephone enclosure to 

the face of the telephone unit shall be 10 

inches (255 mm) maximum. 

V704.2.1.2 Forward Approach. Where a 

forward approach is provided, the distance 

from the front edge of a counter within the 

telephone enclosure to the face of the 

telephone unit shall be 20 inches (510 mm) 

maximum. 

V704.2.2 Operable Parts. Operable parts 

shall comply with V309. Telephones shall 

have push-button controls where such 

service is available. 

V704.2.3 Telephone Directories. 

Telephone directories, where provided, shall 

be located in accordance with V309. 

V704.2.4 Cord Length. The cord from the 

telephone to the handset shall be 29 inches 

(735 mm) long minimum. 

V704.3 Volume Control Telephones. 

Public telephones required to have volume 

controls shall be equipped with a receiver 

volume control that provides a gain 

adjustable up to 20 dB minimum. For 

incremental volume control, provide at least 

one intermediate step of 12 dB of gain 

minimum. An automatic reset shall be 

provided. 

V704.4 TTYs. TTYs required at a public 

telephone shall be permanently affixed 

within, or adjacent to, the telephone 

enclosure. Where an acoustic coupler is used, 

the telephone cord shall be sufficiently long 

to allow connection of the TTY and the 

telephone receiver. 

V704.4.1 Height. When in use, the touch 

surface of TTY keypads shall be 34 inches 

(865 mm) minimum above the finish deck 

surface. 

EXCEPTION: Where seats are provided, 

V704.4.1 shall not apply. 

V705 Two-Way Communication Systems 

V705.1 General. Two-way 

communication systems shall comply with 

V705. 

V705.2 Audible and Visual Indicators. 

The system shall provide both audible and 

visual signals. 

V705.3 Handsets. Handset cords, if 

provided, shall be 29 inches (735 mm) long 

minimum. 

V706 Assistive Listening Systems 

V706.1 General. Assistive listening 

systems shall comply with V706. 

V706.2 Receiver Jacks. Receivers required 

for use with an assistive listening system 

shall include a 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) standard 

mono jack. 

V706.3 Receiver Hearing-Aid 

Compatibility. Receivers required to be 

hearing-aid compatible shall interface with 

telecoils in hearing aids through the 

provision of neck loops. 

V706.4 Sound Pressure Level. Assistive 

listening systems shall be capable of 

providing a sound pressure level of 110 dB 

minimum and 118 dB maximum with a 

dynamic range on the volume control of 50 

dB. 

V706.5 Signal-to-Noise Ratio. The signalto-noise ratio for internally generated noise 

in assistive listening systems shall be 18 dB 

minimum. 

V706.6 Peak Clipping Level. Peak 

clipping shall not exceed 18 dB of clipping 

relative to the peaks of speech. 

V707 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare 

Machines 

V707.1 General. Automatic teller 

machines and fare machines shall comply 

with V707. 

V707.2 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 shall be 

provided. 

V707.3 Operable Parts. Operable parts 

shall comply with V309. Unless a clear or 

correct key is provided, each operable part 

shall be able to be differentiated by sound or 

touch, without activation. 

V707.4 Privacy. Automatic teller 

machines shall provide the opportunity for 

the same degree of privacy of input and 

output available to all individuals. 

V707.5 Speech Output. Machines shall be 

speech enabled. Operating instructions and 

orientation, visible transaction prompts, user 

input verification, error messages, and all 

displayed information for full use shall be 

accessible to and independently usable by 

individuals with vision impairments. Speech 

shall be delivered through a mechanism that 

is readily available to all users, including but 

not limited to, an industry standard 

connector or a telephone handset. Speech 

shall be recorded or digitized human, or 

synthesized. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Audible tones shall be 

permitted instead of speech for visible output 

that is not displayed for security purposes, 

including but not limited to, asterisks 

representing personal identification numbers. 

2. Advertisements and other similar 

information shall not be required to be 

audible unless they convey information that 

can be used in the transaction being 

conducted. 

3. Where speech synthesis cannot be 

supported, dynamic alphabetic output shall 

not be required to be audible. 

V707.5.1 User Control. Speech shall be 

capable of being repeated or interrupted. 

Volume control shall be provided for the 

speech function. 

EXCEPTION: Speech output for any single 

function shall be permitted to be 

automatically interrupted when a transaction 

is selected. 

V707.5.2 Receipts. Where receipts are 

provided, speech output devices shall 

provide audible balance inquiry information, 

error messages, and all other information on 

the printed receipt necessary to complete or 

verify the transaction. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Machine location, date 

and time of transaction, customer account 

number, and the machine identifier shall not 

be required to be audible. 

2. Information on printed receipts that 

duplicates information available on-screen 

shall not be required to be presented in the 

form of an audible receipt. 

3. Printed copies of bank statements and 

checks shall not be required to be audible. 

V707.6 Input. Input devices shall comply 

with V707.6. 

V707.6.1 Input Controls. At least one 

tactilely discernible input control shall be 

provided for each function. Where provided, 

key surfaces not on active areas of display 

screens, shall be raised above surrounding 

surfaces. Where membrane keys are the only 

method of input, each shall be tactilely 

discernible from surrounding surfaces and 

adjacent keys. 

V707.6.2 Numeric Keys. Numeric keys 

shall be arranged in a 12-key ascending or 

descending telephone keypad layout. The 

number five key shall be tactilely distinct 

from the other keys. 

V707.6.3 Function Keys. Function keys 

shall comply with V707.6.3. 

V707.6.3.1 Contrast. Function keys shall 

contrast visually from background surfaces. 

Characters and symbols on key surfaces shall 

contrast visually from key surfaces. Visual 

contrast shall be either light-on-dark or darkon-light. 

EXCEPTION: Tactile symbols required by 

V707.6.3.2 shall not be required to comply 

with V707.6.3.1. 

V707.6.3.2 Tactile Symbols. Function key 

surfaces shall have tactile symbols as follows: 

Enter or Proceed key: raised circle; Clear or 

Correct key: raised left arrow; Cancel key: 

raised letter ex; Add Value key: raised plus 

sign; Decrease Value key: raised minus sign. 

V707.7 Display Screen. The display 

screen shall comply with V707.7. 

V707.7.1 Visibility. The display screen 

shall be visible from a point located 40 

inches (1015 mm) above the center of the 

clear deck space in front of the machine. 


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38154 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

V707.7.2 Characters. Characters 

displayed on the screen shall be in a sans 

serif font. Characters shall be 3⁄16 inch (4.8 

mm) high minimum based on the uppercase 

letter ‘‘I’’. Characters shall contrast with their 

background with either light characters on a 

dark background or dark characters on a light 

background. 

V707.8 Braille Instructions. Braille 

instructions for initiating the speech mode 

shall be provided. Braille shall comply with 

V703.3. 

CHAPTER V 8: SPECIAL ROOMS, SPACES, 

AND ELEMENTS 

V801 General 

V801.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 

8 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or 

where referenced by a requirement in this 

document. 

V802 Wheelchair Spaces, Companion 

Seats, and Designated Aisle Seats 

V802.1 Wheelchair Spaces. Wheelchair 

spaces shall comply with V802.1. 

EXCEPTION: Where ferries permitted to 

carry 150 or fewer passengers provide only 

one transportation seating area that is less 

than 100 square feet (9.29 m2), wheelchair 

spaces shall not be required to comply with 

V802.1.4 and V802.1.5. 

V802.1.1 Deck Surface. The deck surface 

of wheelchair spaces shall comply with 

V302. Changes in level are not permitted. 

EXCEPTION: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 

shall be permitted. 

V802.1.2 Width. A single wheelchair 

space shall be 36 inches (915 mm) wide 

minimum. Where two adjacent wheelchair 

spaces are provided, each wheelchair space 

shall be 33 inches (840 mm) wide minimum. 

V802.1.3 Depth. Where a wheelchair 

space can be entered from the front or rear, 

the wheelchair space shall be 48 inches (1220 

mm) deep minimum. Where a wheelchair 

space can be entered only from the side, the 

wheelchair space shall be 60 inches (1525 

mm) deep minimum. 

V802.1.4 Approach. Wheelchair spaces 

shall adjoin accessible routes. Accessible 

routes shall not overlap wheelchair spaces. 

V802.1.5 Overlap. Wheelchair spaces 

shall not overlap accessible means of escape 

required by this document, and means of 

escape required by the administrative 

authority. 

V802.1.6 Tables and Counters. Where 

wheelchair spaces are provided at tables or 

counters, the tables and counters shall 

comply with V902. The knee and toe 

clearance required by V902.2 shall extend the 

width of the wheelchair space. 

V802.2 Lines of Sight. Lines of sight to 

the screen, or performance area, for 

spectators in wheelchair spaces shall comply 

with V802.2. 

V802.2.1 Lines of Sight Over Seated 

Spectators. Where spectators are expected to 

remain seated during events, spectators in 

wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of 

sight complying with V802.2.1. 

V802.2.1.1 Lines of Sight Over Heads. 

Where spectators are provided lines of sight 

over the heads of spectators seated in the first 

row in front of their seats, spectators seated 

in wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines 

of sight over the heads of seated spectators 

in the first row in front of wheelchair spaces. 

V802.2.1.2 Lines of Sight Between Heads. 

Where spectators are provided lines of sight 

over the shoulders and between the heads of 

spectators seated in the first row in front of 

their seats, spectators seated in wheelchair 

spaces shall be afforded lines of sight over 

the shoulders and between the heads of 

seated spectators in the first row in front of 

wheelchair spaces. 

V802.2.2 Lines of Sight Over Standing 

Spectators. Where spectators are expected to 

stand during events, spectators in wheelchair 

spaces shall be afforded lines of sight 

complying with V802.2.2. 

V802.2.2.1 Lines of Sight Over Heads. 

Where standing spectators are provided lines 

of sight over the heads of spectators standing 

in the first row in front of their seats, 

spectators seated in wheelchair spaces shall 

be afforded lines of sight over the heads of 

standing spectators in the first row in front 

of wheelchair spaces. 

V802.2.2.2 Lines of Sight Between Heads. 

Where standing spectators are provided lines 

of sight over the shoulders and between the 

heads of spectators standing in the first row 

in front of their seats, spectators seated in 

wheelchair spaces shall be afforded lines of 

sight over the shoulders and between the 

heads of standing spectators in the first row 

in front of wheelchair spaces. 

V802.3 Companion Seats. Companion 

seats shall comply with V802.3. 

V802.3.1 Alignment. Companion seats 

shall be located to provide shoulder 

alignment with adjacent wheelchair spaces. 

The shoulder alignment point of the 

wheelchair space shall be measured 36 

inches (915 mm) from the front of the 

wheelchair space. The deck surface of the 

companion seat shall be at the same elevation 

as the deck surface of the wheelchair space. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where seats in the 

assembly area are not arranged to provide 

lines of sight to fixed screens or performance 

areas, companion seats shall not be required 

to provide shoulder alignment with adjacent 

wheelchair spaces. 

2. Companion seats at tables and counters 

shall not be required to provide shoulder 

alignment with adjacent wheelchair spaces. 

V802.3.2 Type. Companion seats shall be 

equivalent in size, quality, comfort, and 

amenities to the seating in the immediate 

area. Companion seats shall be permitted to 

be movable. 

V802.4 Designated Aisle Seats. 

Designated aisle seats shall comply with 

V802.4. 

V802.4.1 Armrests. Where armrests are 

provided on the seating in the immediate 

area, folding or retractable armrests shall be 

provided on the aisle side of the seat. 

V802.4.2 Identification. Each designated 

aisle seat shall be identified by a sign or 

marker. 

V803 Dressing, Fitting, and Locker Rooms 

V803.1 General. Dressing, fitting, and 

locker rooms shall comply with V803. 

V803.2 Turning Space. Turning space 

complying with V304 shall be provided 

within the room. 

V803.3 Door Swing. Doors shall not 

swing into the room unless a clear deck space 

complying with V305.3 is provided, beyond 

the arc of the door swing. 

V803.4 Benches. A bench complying with 

V903 shall be provided within the room. 

V803.5 Coat Hooks and Shelves. Coat 

hooks provided within the room shall be 

located within one of the reach ranges 

specified in V308. Shelves shall be 40 inches 

(1015 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 

mm) maximum above the finish deck surface. 

V804 Galleys and Pantries 

V804.1 General. Galleys and pantries 

shall comply with V804. 

V804.2 Clearance. Where a pass through 

galley is provided, clearances shall comply 

with V804.2.1. Where a U-shaped galley is 

provided, clearances shall comply with 

V804.2.2. 

EXCEPTION: Spaces that do not provide a 

cooktop or conventional range shall not be 

required to comply with V804.2. 

V804.2.1 Pass Through Galleys. In pass 

through galleys where counters, appliances, 

or cabinets are on two opposing sides, or 

where counters, appliances, or cabinets are 

opposite a parallel wall, clearance between 

all opposing base cabinets, counter tops, 

appliances, or walls within galley work areas 

shall be 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum. Pass 

through galleys shall have two entries. 

V804.2.2 U-Shaped Galleys. In U-shaped 

galleys enclosed on three contiguous sides, 

clearance between all opposing base cabinets, 

counter tops, appliances, or walls within 

galley work areas shall be 60 inches (1525 

mm) minimum. 

V804.3 Sinks. Sinks shall comply with 

V606. 

V804.4 Storage. At least 50 percent of 

shelf space in storage facilities shall comply 

with V807. 

V804.5 Appliances. Where provided, 

galley appliances shall comply with V804.5. 

V804.5.1 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 shall be 

provided at each galley appliance. Clear deck 

spaces shall be permitted to overlap. 

V804.5.2 Operable Parts. All appliance 

controls shall comply with V309. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Appliance doors and 

door latching devices shall not be required to 

comply with V309.4. 

2. Bottom-hinged appliance doors, when in 

the open position, shall not be required to 

comply with V309.3. 

V804.5.3 Dishwasher. Clear deck space 

shall be positioned adjacent to the 

dishwasher door. The dishwasher door, in 

the open position, shall not obstruct the clear 

deck space for the dishwasher or the sink. 

V804.5.4 Range or Cooktop. Where a 

forward approach is provided, the clear deck 

space shall provide knee and toe clearance 

complying with V306. Where knee and toe 

space is provided, the underside of the range 

or cooktop shall be insulated or otherwise 

configured to prevent burns, abrasions, or 

electrical shock. The location of controls 

shall not require reaching across burners. 

V804.5.5 Oven. Ovens shall have controls 

on front panels. 

V804.5.6 Refrigerator/Freezer. 

Combination refrigerators and freezers shall 

have at least 50 percent of the freezer space 

54 inches (1370 mm) maximum above the 


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finish deck surface. The clear deck space 

shall be positioned for a parallel approach to 

the space dedicated to a refrigerator/freezer 

with the centerline of the clear deck space 

offset 24 inches (610 mm) maximum from the 

centerline of the dedicated space. 

V805 Medical Care Facilities 

V805.1 General. Medical care facility 

patient sleeping rooms required to provide 

mobility features shall comply with V805. 

V805.2 Turning Space. Turning space 

complying with V304 shall be provided 

within the room. 

V805.3 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 shall be 

provided on each side of the bed. The clear 

deck space shall be positioned for a parallel 

approach to the side of the bed. 

V805.4 Toilet and Bathing Rooms. Toilet 

and bathing rooms that are provided as part 

of a patient sleeping room shall comply with 

V603. Where provided, no fewer than one 

water closet, one lavatory, and one bathtub 

or shower shall comply with the applicable 

requirements of V603 through V610. 

V806 Passenger Guest Rooms 

V806.1 General. Guest rooms shall 

comply with V806. Guest rooms required to 

provide mobility features shall comply with 

V806.2. Guest rooms required to provide 

communication features shall comply with 

V806.3. 

V806.2 Guest Rooms with Mobility 

Features. Guest rooms required to provide 

mobility features shall comply with V806.2. 

V806.2.1 Living and Dining Areas. Living 

and dining areas shall be accessible. 

V806.2.2 Exterior Spaces. Exterior spaces, 

including patios, terraces and balconies that 

serve the guest room shall be accessible. 

V806.2.3 Sleeping Areas. At least one 

sleeping area shall be accessible and shall 

provide a clear deck space complying with 

V305 on both sides of a bed. The clear deck 

space shall be positioned for parallel 

approach to the side of the bed. 

EXCEPTION: Where a single clear deck 

space complying with V305 positioned for 

parallel approach is provided between two 

beds, a clear deck space shall not be required 

on both sides of a bed. 

V806.2.4 Toilet and Bathing Facilities. At 

least one bathroom that is provided as part 

of a guest room shall comply with V603. No 

fewer than one water closet, one lavatory, 

and one bathtub or shower shall comply with 

applicable requirements of V603 through 

V610. In addition, required roll-in shower 

compartments shall comply with V608.2.2 or 

V608.2.3. Toilet and bathing fixtures required 

to comply with V603 through V610 shall be 

permitted to be located in more than one 

toilet or bathing area, if travel between 

fixtures does not require travel between other 

parts of the guest room. 

V806.2.4.1 Vanity Counter Top Space. If 

vanity counter top space is provided in nonaccessible guest toilet or bathing rooms, 

comparable vanity counter top space in terms 

of size and proximity to the lavatory, shall 

also be provided in accessible guest toilet or 

bathing rooms. 

EXCEPTION: Shelving shall be permitted 

to be used to provide the comparable counter 

top space. 

V806.2.5 Galleys and Pantries. Galleys 

and pantries shall comply with V804. 

V806.2.6 Turning Space. Turning space 

complying with V304 shall be provided 

within the guest room. 

V806.2.7 Doors to Adjacent Guest Rooms. 

Where provided, doors that connect adjacent 

guest rooms shall comply with V404. 

EXCEPTION: Where the adjacent guest 

room is not required to comply with V806.2, 

the side of the door in the adjacent guest 

room shall not be required to comply with 

V404.2.4. 

V806.2.8 Windows. Where glass and 

other glazed openings are provided for 

operation by passengers, at least one opening 

shall comply with V309. 

V806.3 Guest Rooms with 

Communication Features. Guest rooms 

required to provide communication features 

shall comply with V806.3. 

V806.3.1 General Emergency Alarm. 

Where general emergency alarms are 

provided in passenger vessels, visible 

notification appliances complying with 

V806.3.3 shall be provided in the guest 

rooms to alert passengers of the general 

emergency alarms. The visible notification 

appliances shall not be used for any other 

purpose. 

V806.3.2 Smoke Alarm. Where smoke 

alarms are provided in guest rooms, visible 

notification appliances complying with 

V806.3.3 shall be provided in the guest 

rooms to alert passengers of smoke alarms. 

Such visible notification appliances shall not 

be used for any other purpose. 

V806.3.3 Visible Notification Appliances. 

Visible notification appliances shall comply 

with V806.3.3. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, existing 

passenger vessels shall not be required to 

comply with V806.3.3 unless an existing 

alarm system is upgraded or replaced, or a 

new alarm system is installed. 

V806.3.3.1 U.S. Flag Passenger Vessels. 

U.S. flag passenger vessels shall provide 

visible notification appliances complying 

with applicable sections in 18.5 of NFPA 72 

(incorporated by reference, see ‘‘Referenced 

Standards’’ in Chapter 1). 

V806.3.3.2 General Alarm Activation. 

Visible notification appliances provided in 

guest rooms for the general emergency alarm 

systems shall be activated upon activation of 

the passenger vessel general emergency 

alarm. 

V806.3.3.3 Smoke Detector Activation. 

Visible notification appliances provided in 

guest rooms for smoke detectors shall be 

activated upon activation of the smoke 

detectors. 

V806.3.4 Visible Devices. Visible devices 

shall be provided to alert room occupants of 

incoming telephone calls and a door knock 

or bell. Visible devices shall not be 

connected to visible notification appliances 

required by V806.3.1 and V806.3.2. 

Telephones shall have volume controls 

compatible with the telephone system and 

shall comply with V704.3. Telephones shall 

be served by an electrical outlet complying 

with V309 located within 48 inches (1220 

mm) of the telephone to facilitate the use of 

a TTY. 

V807 Storage 

V807.1 General. Storage shall comply 

with V807. 

V807.2 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 shall be 

provided. 

V807.3 Height. Storage elements shall 

comply with at least one of the reach ranges 

specified in V308. 

V807.4 Operable Parts. Operable parts 

shall comply with V309. 

CHAPTER V 9: BUILT–IN ELEMENTS 

V901 General 

V901.1 Scope. The provisions of Chapter 

9 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or 

where referenced by a requirement in this 

document. 

V902 Tables and Counters 

V902.1 General. Tables and counters 

shall comply with V902.2 and V902.3. 

EXCEPTION: Tables and counters for 

children’s use shall be permitted to comply 

with V902.4. 

V902.2 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 positioned for a 

forward approach shall be provided. Knee 

and toe clearance complying with V306 shall 

be provided. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where raised seating 

surfaces are provided at tables or counters 

and the tops of the tables or counters are 15 

inches (380 mm) minimum and 17 inches 

(430 mm) maximum above the finish deck 

surface, clear deck spaces shall be permitted 

to be positioned for parallel approaches. 

2. Where the top of tables or counters is 10 

inches (255 mm) maximum deep, clear deck 

spaces shall be permitted to be positioned for 

parallel approaches. 

V902.3 Height. The tops of tables and 

counters shall be 28 inches (710 mm) 

minimum and 34 inches (865 mm) maximum 

above the finish deck surface. 

EXCEPTION: The top of tables and 

counters shall be permitted to be 15 inches 

(380 mm) minimum and 17 inches (430 mm) 

maximum above the finish deck surface 

where the clear deck spaces are allowed by 

V902.2 to be positioned for parallel 

approaches. 

V902.4 Tables and Counters for 

Children’s Use. Accessible tables and 

counters for children’s use shall comply with 

V902.4. 

EXCEPTION: Tables and counters that are 

used primarily by children, 5 years and 

younger, shall not be required to comply 

with V902.4 where a clear deck space 

complying with V305 positioned for a 

parallel approach is provided. 

V902.4.1 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 positioned for a 

forward approach shall be provided. Knee 

and toe clearance complying with V306 shall 

be provided, except that knee clearance 24 

inches (610 mm) minimum above the finish 

deck surface shall be permitted. 

V902.4.2 Height. The tops of tables and 

counters shall be 26 inches (660 mm) 

minimum and 30 inches (760 mm) maximum 

above the finish deck surface. 


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V903 Benches 

V903.1 General. Benches shall comply 

with V903. 

V903.2 Clear Deck Space. Clear deck 

space complying with V305 shall be 

provided and shall be positioned at the end 

of the bench seat and parallel to the short 

axis of the bench. 

V903.3 Size. Benches shall have seats 

that are 42 inches (1065 mm) long minimum 

and 20 inches (510 mm) deep minimum and 

24 inches (610 mm) deep maximum. 

V903.4 Back Support. The bench shall 

provide for back support or shall be affixed 

to a wall. Back support shall be 42 inches 

(1065 mm) long minimum and shall extend 

from a point 2 inches (51 mm) maximum 

above the seat surface to a point 18 inches 

(455 mm) minimum above the seat surface. 

Back support shall be 21⁄2 inches (64 mm) 

maximum from the rear edge of the seat 

measured horizontally. 

V903.5 Height. The top of the bench seat 

surface shall be 17 inches (430 mm) 

minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum 

above the finish deck surface. 

V903.6 Structural Strength. Allowable 

stresses shall not be exceeded for materials 

used when a vertical or horizontal force of 

250 pounds (1112 N) is applied at any point 

on the seat, fastener, mounting device, or 

supporting structure. 

V903.7 Wet Locations. Where installed in 

wet locations, the surface of the seat shall be 

slip resistant and shall not accumulate water. 

V904 Sales and Service Counters 

V904.1 General. Check-out aisles and 

sales and service counters shall comply with 

the applicable requirements of V904. 

V904.2 Approach. All portions of 

counters required to comply with V904 shall 

be located adjacent to a walking surface 

complying with V403. 

V904.3 Check-Out Aisles. Check-out 

aisles shall comply with V904.3. 

V904.3.1 Aisle. Aisles shall comply with 

V403. 

V904.3.2 Counter. The counter surface 

height shall be 38 inches (965 mm) maximum 

above the finish deck surface. The top of the 

counter edge protection shall be 2 inches (51 

mm) maximum above the top of the counter 

surface on the aisle side of the check-out 

counter. 

V904.3.3 Check Writing Surfaces. Where 

provided, check writing surfaces shall 

comply with V902.3. 

V904.4 Sales and Service Counters. Sales 

counters and service counters shall comply 

with V904.4.1 or V904.4.2. The accessible 

portion of the counter top shall extend the 

same depth as the sales or service counter 

top. 

EXCEPTION: In alterations, when the 

provision of a counter complying with 

V904.4 would result in a reduction of the 

number of existing counters at work stations 

or a reduction of the number of existing mail 

boxes, the counter shall be permitted to have 

a portion which is 24 inches (610 mm) long 

minimum complying with V904.4.1 provided 

that the required clear deck space is centered 

on the accessible length of the counter. 

V904.4.1 Parallel Approach. A portion of 

the counter surface that is 36 inches (915 

mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) 

high maximum above the finish deck surface 

shall be provided. A clear deck space 

complying with V305 shall be positioned for 

a parallel approach adjacent to the 36 inch 

(915 mm) minimum length of counter. 

EXCEPTION: Where the provided counter 

surface is less than 36 inches (915 mm) long, 

the entire counter surface shall be 36 inches 

(915 mm) high maximum above the finish 

deck surface. 

V904.4.2 Forward Approach. A portion 

of the counter surface that is 30 inches (760 

mm) long minimum by 36 inches (915 mm) 

high maximum shall be provided. Knee and 

toe space complying with V306 shall be 

provided under the counter. A clear deck 

space complying with V305 shall be 

positioned for a forward approach to the 

counter. 

V904.5 Food Service Lines. Counters in 

food service lines shall comply with V904.5. 

V904.5.1 Self-Service Shelves and 

Dispensing Devices. Self-service shelves and 

dispensing devices for tableware, dishware, 

condiments, food, and beverages shall 

comply with V308. 

V904.5.2 Tray Slides. The tops of tray 

slides shall be 28 inches (710 mm) minimum 

and 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the 

finish deck surface. 

V904.6 Security Glazing. Where counters 

or teller windows have security glazing to 

separate employees from the passengers, a 

method to facilitate voice communication 

shall be provided. Telephone handset 

devices, if provided, shall comply with 

V704.3. 

CHAPTER V 10: RECREATION FACILITIES 

V1001 General 

V1001.1 Scope. The provisions of 

Chapter 10 shall apply where required by 

Chapter 2 or where referenced by a 

requirement in this document. 

V1002 Exercise Machines and Equipment 

V1002.1 Clear Deck Space. Exercise 

machines and equipment shall have a clear 

deck space complying with V305 positioned 

for transfer or for use by an individual seated 

in a wheelchair. Clear deck spaces required 

at exercise machines and equipment shall be 

permitted to overlap. 

V1003 Miniature Golf Facilities 

V1003.1 General. Miniature golf facilities 

shall comply with V1003. 

V1003.2 Accessible Routes. Accessible 

routes serving holes on miniature golf 

courses shall comply with V402. Accessible 

routes located on playing surfaces of 

miniature golf holes shall be permitted to use 

the exceptions in V1003.2. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Playing surfaces shall not 

be required to comply with V302.2. 

2. Where accessible routes intersect 

playing surfaces of holes, a 1 inch (25 mm) 

maximum curb shall be permitted for a width 

of 32 inches (815 mm) minimum. 

3. A slope not steeper than 1:4 for a 4 inch 

(100 mm) maximum rise shall be permitted. 

4. Ramp landing slopes specified by 

V405.7.1 shall be permitted to be 1:20 

maximum. 

5. Ramp landing length specified by 

V405.7.3 shall be permitted to be 48 inches 

(1220 mm) long minimum. 

6. Ramp landing size specified by V405.7.4 

shall be permitted to be 48 inches (1220 mm) 

minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum. 

7. Handrails shall not be required on holes. 

Where handrails are provided on holes, the 

handrails shall not be required to comply 

with V503. 

V1003.3 Miniature Golf Holes. Miniature 

golf holes shall comply with V1003.3. 

V1003.3.1 Start of Play. A clear deck 

space 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum by 60 

inches (1525 mm) minimum with slopes not 

steeper than 1:48 shall be provided at the 

start of play. 

V1003.3.2 Golf Club Reach Range Area. 

All areas within holes where golf balls rest 

shall be within 36 inches (915 mm) 

maximum of a clear deck space 48 inches 

(1220 mm) long minimum and 36 inches (915 

mm) wide minimum having a running slope 

not steeper than 1:20. The clear deck space 

shall be served by an accessible route. 

V1004 Play Areas 

V1004.1 General. Play areas shall comply 

with V1004. 

V1004.2 Accessible Routes. Accessible 

routes serving play areas shall comply with 

V402 and V1004.2 and shall be permitted to 

use the exceptions in V1004.2.1 through 

V1004.2.3. Where accessible routes serve 

ground level play components, the vertical 

clearance shall be 80 inches high (2030 mm) 

minimum. 

V1004.2.1 Ground Level and Elevated 

Play Components. Accessible routes serving 

ground level play components and elevated 

play components shall be permitted to use 

the exceptions in V1004.2.1. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Transfer systems 

complying with V1004.3 shall be permitted 

to connect elevated play components except 

where 20 or more elevated play components 

are provided no more than 25 percent of the 

elevated play components shall be permitted 

to be connected by transfer systems. 

2. Where transfer systems are provided, an 

elevated play component shall be permitted 

to connect to another elevated play 

component as part of an accessible route. 

V1004.2.2 Soft Contained Play Structures. 

Accessible routes serving soft contained play 

structures shall be permitted to use the 

exception in V1004.2.2. 

EXCEPTION: Transfer systems complying 

with V1004.3 shall be permitted to be used 

as part of an accessible route. 

V1004.2.3 Water Play Components. 

Accessible routes serving water play 

components shall be permitted to use the 

exceptions in V1004.2.3. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Where the surface of the 

accessible route, clear deck spaces, or turning 

spaces serving water play components is 

submerged, compliance with V302, V403.3, 

V405.2, V405.3, and V1004.2.6 shall not be 

required. 

2. Transfer systems complying with 

V1004.3 shall be permitted to connect 

elevated play components in water. 

V1004.2.4 Clear Width. Accessible routes 

connecting play components shall provide a 

clear width complying with V1004.2.4. 


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V1004.2.4.1 Ground Level. At ground 

level, the clear width of accessible routes 

shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. In play areas less than 

1000 square feet (92 m2), the clear width of 

accessible routes shall be permitted to be 44 

inches (1120 mm) minimum provided that at 

least one turning space complying with 

V304.3 is provided where the restricted 

accessible route exceeds 30 feet (9.14 m) in 

length. 

2. The clear width of accessible routes 

shall be permitted to be 36 inches (915 mm) 

minimum for a distance of 60 inches (1525 

mm) maximum provided that multiple 

reduced width segments are separated by 

segments that are 60 inches (1525 mm) wide 

minimum and 60 inches (1525 mm) long 

minimum. 

V1004.2.4.2 Elevated. The clear width of 

accessible routes connecting elevated play 

components shall be 36 inches (915 mm) 

minimum. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. The clear width of 

accessible routes connecting elevated play 

components shall be permitted to be reduced 

to 32 inches (815 mm) minimum for a 

distance of 24 inches (610 mm) maximum if 

reduced width segments are separated by 

segments that are 48 inches (1220 mm) long 

minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) wide 

minimum. 

2. The clear width of transfer systems 

connecting elevated play components shall 

be permitted to be 24 inches (610 mm) 

minimum. 

V1004.2.5 Ramps. Within play areas, 

ramps connecting ground level play 

components and ramps connecting elevated 

play components shall comply with 

V1004.2.5. 

V1004.2.5.1 Ground Level. Ramp runs 

connecting ground level play components 

shall have a running slope not steeper than 

1:16. 

V1004.2.5.2 Elevated. The rise for any 

ramp run connecting elevated play 

components shall be 12 inches (305 mm) 

maximum. 

V1004.2.5.3 Handrails. Where required 

on ramps serving play components, the 

handrails shall comply with V503, except as 

modified by V1004.2.5.3. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Handrails shall not be 

required on ramps located within ground 

level use zones. 

2. Handrail extensions shall not be 

required. 

V1004.2.5.3.1 Handrail Gripping 

Surfaces. Handrail gripping surfaces with a 

circular cross section shall have an outside 

diameter of 0.95 inches (24 mm) minimum 

and 1.55 inches (39 mm) maximum. Where 

the shape of the gripping surface is noncircular, the handrail shall provide an 

equivalent gripping surface. 

V1004.2.5.3.2 Handrail Height. The top of 

handrail gripping surfaces shall be 20 inches 

(510 mm) minimum and 28 inches (710 mm) 

maximum above the ramp surface. 

V1004.2.6 Ground Surfaces. Deck 

surfaces on accessible routes, clear deck 

spaces, and turning spaces shall comply with 

V1004.2.6. 

V1004.2.6.1 Accessibility. Deck surfaces 

shall comply with ASTM F1951 

(incorporated by reference, see ‘‘Referenced 

Standards’’ in Chapter 1). Ground surfaces 

shall be inspected and maintained regularly 

and frequently to ensure continued 

compliance with ASTM F1951. 

V1004.2.6.2 Use Zones. Deck surfaces 

located within use zones shall comply with 

ASTM F1292 (1999 edition or 2004 edition) 

(incorporated by reference, see ‘‘Referenced 

Standards’’ in Chapter 1). 

V1004.3 Transfer Systems. Where transfer 

systems are provided to connect to elevated 

play components, transfer systems shall 

comply with V1004.3. 

V1004.3.1 Transfer Platforms. Transfer 

platforms shall be provided where transfer is 

intended from wheelchairs or other mobility 

aids. Transfer platforms shall comply with 

V1004.3.1. 

V1004.3.1.1 Size. Transfer platforms shall 

have level surfaces 14 inches (355 mm) deep 

minimum and 24 inches (610 mm) wide 

minimum. 

V1004.3.1.2 Height. The height of transfer 

platforms shall be 11 inches (280 mm) 

minimum and 18 inches (455 mm) maximum 

measured to the top of the surface from the 

deck surface. 

V1004.3.1.3 Transfer Space. A transfer 

space complying with V305.2 and V305.3 

shall be provided adjacent to the transfer 

platform. The 48 inch (1220 mm) long 

minimum dimension of the transfer space 

shall be centered on and parallel to the 24 

inch (610 mm) long minimum side of the 

transfer platform. The side of the transfer 

platform serving the transfer space shall be 

unobstructed. 

V1004.3.1.4 Transfer Supports. At least 

one means of support for transferring shall be 

provided. 

V1004.3.2 Transfer Steps. Transfer steps 

shall be provided where movement is 

intended from transfer platforms to levels 

with elevated play components required to 

be on accessible routes. Transfer steps shall 

comply with V1004.3.2. 

V1004.3.2.1 Size. Transfer steps shall 

have level surfaces 14 inches (355 mm) deep 

minimum and 24 inches (610 mm) wide 

minimum. 

V1004.3.2.2 Height. Each transfer step 

shall be 8 inches (205 mm) high maximum. 

V1004.3.2.3 Transfer Supports. At least 

one means of support for transferring shall be 

provided. 

V1004.4 Play Components. Ground level 

play components on accessible routes and 

elevated play components connected by 

ramps shall comply with V1004.4. 

V1004.4.1 Turning Space. At least one 

turning space complying with V304 shall be 

provided on the same level as play 

components. Where swings are provided, the 

turning space shall be located immediately 

adjacent to the swing. 

V1004.4.2 Clear Deck Space. Clear deck 

space complying with V305.2 and V305.3 

shall be provided at play components. 

V1004.4.3 Play Tables. Where play tables 

are provided, knee clearance 24 inches (610 

mm) high minimum, 17 inches deep (430 

mm) minimum, and 30 inches (760 mm) 

wide minimum shall be provided. The tops 

of rims, curbs, or other obstructions shall be 

31 inches (785 mm) high maximum. 

EXCEPTION: Play tables designed and 

constructed primarily for children 5 years 

and younger shall not be required to provide 

knee clearance where the clear deck space 

required by V1004.4.2 is arranged for a 

parallel approach. 

V1004.4.4 Entry Points and Seats. Where 

play components require transfer to entry 

points or seats, the entry points or seats shall 

be 11 inches (280 mm) minimum and 24 

inches (610 mm) maximum from the clear 

deck space. 

EXCEPTION: Entry points of slides shall 

not be required to comply with V1004.4.4. 

V1004.4.5 Transfer Supports. Where play 

components require transfer to entry points 

or seats, at least one means of support for 

transferring shall be provided. 

V1005 Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, and 

Spas 

V1005.1 General. Where provided, pool 

lifts, sloped entries, transfer walls, transfer 

systems, and pool stairs shall comply with 

V1005. 

V1005.2 Pool Lifts. Pool lifts shall 

comply with V1005.2. 

V1005.2.1 Seat Location. In the raised 

position, the centerline of the seat shall be 

located over the deck surface and 16 inches 

(405 mm) minimum from the edge of the 

pool. The deck surface between the 

centerline of the seat and the pool edge shall 

have a slope not steeper than 1:48. 

V1005.2.2 Clear Deck Space. On the side 

of the seat opposite the water, a clear deck 

space shall be provided parallel with the 

seat. The space shall be 36 inches (915 mm) 

wide minimum and shall extend forward 48 

inches (1220 mm) minimum from a line 

located 12 inches (305 mm) behind the rear 

edge of the seat. The clear deck space shall 

have a slope not steeper than 1:48. 

V1005.2.3 Seat Height. The height of the 

lift seat shall be designed to allow a stop at 

16 inches (405 mm) minimum to 19 inches 

(485 mm) maximum measured from the deck 

surface to the top of the seat surface when 

in the raised (load) position. 

V1005.2.4 Seat Width. The seat shall be 

16 inches (405 mm) wide minimum. 

V1005.2.5 Footrests and Armrests. 

Footrests shall be provided and shall move 

with the seat. If provided, the armrest 

positioned opposite the water shall be 

removable or shall fold clear of the seat when 

the seat is in the raised (load) position. 

EXCEPTION: Footrests shall not be 

required on pool lifts provided in spas. 

V1005.2.6 Operation. The lift shall be 

capable of unassisted operation from both the 

deck surface and water levels. Controls and 

operating mechanisms shall be unobstructed 

when the lift is in use and shall comply with 

V309.4. 

V1005.2.7 Submerged Depth. The lift 

shall be designed so that the seat will 

submerge to a water depth of 18 inches (455 

mm) minimum below the stationary water 

level. 

V1005.2.8 Lifting Capacity. Single person 

pool lifts shall have a weight capacity of 300 

pounds (136 kg) minimum and be capable of 

sustaining a static load of at least one and a 

half times the rated load. 

V1005.3 Sloped Entries. Sloped entries 

shall comply with V1005.3. 


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38158 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 

V1005.3.1 Sloped Entries. Sloped entries 

shall comply with V402 except as modified 

in V1005.3.1 through V1005.3.3. 

EXCEPTION: Where sloped entries are 

provided, the surfaces shall not be required 

to be slip resistant. 

V1005.3.2 Submerged Depth. Sloped 

entries shall extend to a depth of 24 inches 

(610 mm) minimum and 30 inches (760 mm) 

maximum below the stationary water level. 

Where landings are required by V405.7, at 

least one landing shall be located 24 inches 

(610 mm) minimum and 30 inches (760 mm) 

maximum below the stationary water level. 

EXCEPTION: In wading pools, the sloped 

entry and landings, if provided, shall extend 

to the deepest part of the wading pool. 

V1005.3.3 Handrails. At least two 

handrails complying with V503 shall be 

provided on the sloped entry. The clear 

width between required handrails shall be 33 

inches (840 mm) minimum and 38 inches 

(965 mm) maximum. 

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Handrail extensions 

specified by V503.10.1 shall not be required 

at the bottom landing serving a sloped entry. 

2. Where a sloped entry is provided for 

wave action pools, leisure rivers, sand 

bottom pools, and other pools where user 

access is limited to one area, the handrails 

shall not be required to comply with the clear 

width requirements of V1005.3.3. 

3. Sloped entries in wading pools shall not 

be required to provide handrails complying 

with V1005.3.3. If provided, handrails on 

sloped entries in wading pools shall not be 

required to comply with V503. 

V1005.4 Transfer Walls. Transfer walls 

shall comply with V1005.4. 

V1005.4.1 Clear Deck Space. A clear deck 

space of 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 

60 inches (1525 mm) minimum with a slope 

not steeper than 1:48 shall be provided at the 

base of the transfer wall. Where one grab bar 

is provided, the clear deck space shall be 

centered on the grab bar. Where two grab bars 

are provided, the clear deck space shall be 

centered on the clearance between the grab 

bars. 

V1005.4.2 Height. The height of the 

transfer wall shall be 16 inches (405 mm) 

minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum 

measured from the deck surface. 

V1005.4.3 Wall Depth and Length. The 

depth of the transfer wall shall be 12 inches 

(305 mm) minimum and 16 inches (405 mm) 

maximum. The length of the transfer wall 

shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum and 

shall be centered on the clear deck space. 

V1005.4.4 Surface. Surfaces of transfer 

walls shall not be sharp and shall have 

rounded edges. 

V1005.4.5 Grab Bars. At least one grab bar 

complying with V609 shall be provided on 

the transfer wall. Grab bars shall be 

perpendicular to the pool wall and shall 

extend the full depth of the transfer wall. The 

top of the gripping surface shall be 4 inches 

(100 mm) minimum and 6 inches (150 mm) 

maximum above transfer walls. Where one 

grab bar is provided, clearance shall be 24 

inches (610 mm) minimum on both sides of 

the grab bar. Where two grab bars are 

provided, clearance between grab bars shall 

be 24 inches (610 mm) minimum. 

EXCEPTION: Grab bars on transfer walls 

shall not be required to comply with V609.4. 

V1005.5 Transfer Systems. Transfer 

systems shall comply with V1005.5. 

V1005.5.1 Transfer Platform. A transfer 

platform shall be provided at the head of 

each transfer system. Transfer platforms shall 

provide 19 inches (485 mm) minimum clear 

depth and 24 inches (610 mm) minimum 

clear width. 

V1005.5.2 Transfer Space. A transfer 

space of 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 

60 inches (1525 mm) minimum with a slope 

not steeper than 1:48 shall be provided at the 

base of the transfer platform surface and shall 

be centered along a 24 inch (610 mm) 

minimum side of the transfer platform. The 

side of the transfer platform serving the 

transfer space shall be unobstructed. 

V1005.5.3 Height. The height of the 

transfer platform shall comply with 

V1005.4.2. 

EXCEPTION: Transfer platforms which 

serve wading pools are permitted to have a 

height of 11 inches (280 mm) minimum and 

18 inches (455 mm) maximum measured to 

the top of the platform surface from the deck 

surface. 

V1005.5.4 Transfer Steps. Transfer step 

height shall be 8 inches (205 mm) maximum. 

The surface of the bottom tread shall extend 

to a water depth of 18 inches (455 mm) 

minimum below the stationary water level. 

EXCEPTION: In wading pools where the 

depth of the water is less than 18 inches (455 

mm), the water depth of the bottom tread 

surface is permitted to be equal to the depth 

of the pool. 

V1005.5.5 Surface. The surface of the 

transfer system shall not be sharp and shall 

have rounded edges. 

V1005.5.6 Size. Each transfer step shall 

have a tread clear depth of 14 inches (355 

mm) minimum and 17 inches (430 mm) 

maximum and shall have a tread clear width 

of 24 inches (610 mm) minimum. 

V1005.5.7 Grab Bars. At least one grab bar 

on each transfer step and the transfer 

platform or a continuous grab bar serving 

each transfer step and the transfer platform 

shall be provided. Where a grab bar is 

provided on each step, the tops of gripping 

surfaces shall be 4 inches (100 mm) 

minimum and 6 inches (150 mm) maximum 

above each step and transfer platform. Where 

a continuous grab bar is provided, the top of 

the gripping surface shall be 4 inches (100 

mm) minimum and 6 inches (150 mm) 

maximum above the step nosing and transfer 

platform. Grab bars shall comply with V609 

and be located on at least one side of the 

transfer system. The grab bar located at the 

transfer platform shall not obstruct transfer. 

EXCEPTION: Grab bars on transfer systems 

shall not be required to comply with V609.4. 

V1005.6 Pool Stairs. Pool stairs shall 

comply with V1005.6. 

V1005.6.1 Pool Stairs. Pool stairs shall 

comply with V502. 

V1005.6.2 Handrails. The width between 

handrails shall be 20 inches (510 mm) 

minimum and 24 inches (610 mm) 

maximum. 

V1006 Shooting Positions 

V1006.1 Turning Space. A circular 

turning space 60 inches (1525 mm) diameter 

minimum with slopes not steeper than 1:48 

shall be provided at shooting positions. 

CHAPTER V 11: TENDERS 

V1101 General. Tenders shall comply 

with the provisions of Chapter 11 where 

required by V201.1.3. 

V1102 Wheelchair Spaces. At least two 

wheelchair spaces shall be provided and 

shall comply V1102. 

V1102.1 Deck Surface. The deck surface 

of wheelchair spaces shall comply with 

V302. Changes in level are not permitted. 

EXCEPTION: Slopes not steeper than 1:48 

shall be permitted. 

V1102.2 Width. A single wheelchair 

space shall be 36 inches (915 mm) wide 

minimum. Where two adjacent wheelchair 

spaces are provided, each wheelchair space 

shall be 33 inches (840 mm) wide minimum. 

V1102.3 Depth. Wheelchair spaces shall 

be 48 inches (1220 mm) deep minimum. 

V1102.4 Securement. Wheelchair spaces 

shall be provided with securement systems 

which limit the movement of occupied 

wheelchairs or mobility aids under normal 

tender operating conditions. 

V1103 Onboard Accessible Route. At 

least one onboard accessible route complying 

with V402 shall connect each wheelchair 

space to the entry and departure points of the 

tender used by passengers in non-emergency 

conditions serving the seating area in which 

the wheelchair space is located. 


tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS2
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 122 / Tuesday, June 25, 2013 / Proposed Rules 38159 

[FR Doc. 2013–14367 Filed 6–24–13; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 8150–01–P 


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