MAY 2018 • FOGHORN 29 LEGISLATIVEREPORT We NY, too! We NY, too! May 8, 2018 PVA Congressional Fly-In Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria Alexandria, VA October 30 - November 1, 2018 PVA Western Region Meeting Hyatt Regency Maui Lahaina, HI November 7-9, 2018 PVA Original Colonies Region Meeting Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor Boston, MA January 17-20, 2019 PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2019 Hyatt Regency New Orleans, LA For more information, including program details and registration information, go to www.passengervessel.com/SitePages/ calendar.html PVA CALENDAR leashed, or tethered, unless this inter- feres with the work of the dog or the individual’s disability prevents the use of these devices. In those cases, the in- dividual must maintain control of the service dog through voice, signal, or other effective controls. If the dog is “out of control” and the person fails to take effective action to bring it under control, the person with the disabil- ity can be asked to remove the service dog. This can also be done if the dog is not housebroken and relieves itself in a public space. Of course, removing an offending animal may prove challeng- ing if a vessel is already underway. Conclusion In summary, a passenger vessel operator must modify its practices and procedures to permit a person with a disability to use a service animal. Only a dog (or a miniature horse) can qualify as a service animal. The service dog must be individually trained to do work or perform a task for the person with a disability. A passenger vessel operator can ask only very limited questions about the service dog. There can be no extra charge or surcharge imposed on a person with a disabil- ity accompanied by a service dog. The service dog can be excluded only if it is out of control or is not housebroken.An emotional support dog does not qualify as a service animal and does not have to be accommodated. Vessel operators are encouraged to explain these rules to employees who interact with customers both on the vessels and those selling tickets shoreside to be sure they understand what is legally expected regarding service animals and what is not. n