30 AUGUST 2017 • FOGHORN LEGISLATIVEREPORT By Ed Welch, PV A Legislative Director As a leader in passenger vessel design, stability assessments and refurbishments, our vessels are not only beautiful, they’re also safe and efficient to operate while producing maximum profitability for owners. To bring Jensen on board for your next passenger vessel design or build, contact us at 206.332.8090 or visit our website at jensenmaritime.com. PASSENGER VESSEL DESIGNS: OPTIMIZED FOR PROFITABILITY T he Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted 27 years ago, but PVA is regularly asked by members about their legal responsi- bilities under the ADA. Here are a few typical questions: My Subchapter T vessel is small (only 25-passenger capacity). Am I subject to the ADA? Yes! TheAmericans with Disabilities Act applies to every commercial pas- senger-carrying vessel, no matter how small and no matter what type of service it provides – water taxi, dive or snorkeling boat, whalewatching vessel, charter fishing boat, or sightsee- ing vessel. The U.S. Access Board has never finalized its pending passenger vessel rule. How can you say the ADA applies? It’s true that the Access Board’s proposed rule is still in regula- tory limbo. And given the current Administration’s disinclination to issue new rules, who knows when it might be made effective? Its purpose is to establish guidelines as to how new passenger vessels will built (or in some cases, how existing passenger vessels may be altered) to promote accessibility for customers with disabilities. That’s why PVA staff has labeled it the “con- struction” rule. But the ADA has many more implications for passenger vessel operators than simply how a vessel is to be constructed. I’m going to design and build a new vessel soon. How can I see the Access Board’s proposed guidelines? Even though the guidelines are not in effect, it’s smart to become familiar Ten Common Questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act