PVA Requests Extension for Comments on Proposed DOT Disabilities Rule

The Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) has requested an extension, until October, from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to submit comments on the proposed rule concerning transportation for individuals with disabilities. DOT has since moved the date for receipt of comments from April 23 to June 22.

PVA has cited several reasons for the requested extension including the need to thoroughly educate its members about the complex proposed rule. Further, PVA noted that the association’s regulatory committee was not scheduled to meet again until early October, at which time members would discuss and approve the organization’s comments.

“Many of our members run seasonal operations, and they are just now beginning to start their businesses,” explained John Groundwater, PVA’s executive director. “They rely on their fellow vessel operators who volunteer to be in PVA’s leadership to analyze, think through the ramifications, and then respond to proposed rules. Due to the demands of running their businesses, they simply need additional time to review and make substantive comments on behalf of PVA’s entire membership.”

PVA’s written request also noted several other challenges related to DOT’s deadline including: four other rules from four different agencies currently impacting the industry; the similar rules being drafted by both DOT and the U.S. Access Board related to individuals with disabilities which seem to be at different places in the process; inconsistent definitions of “larger vessel” in different versions of the rule -- and the ramifications for smaller vessels if the rule eventually applies to them; and finally, the concern that language in the Federal Register seems directed at large ocean going cruise ships, many of which are not part of the U.S.-flag fleet.

To read the full text of the written request by PVA President Jonathan Claughton, click here.

•About the Passenger Vessel Association

The Passenger Vessel Association is the national association representing the interests of owners and operators of dinner cruise vessels, sightseeing and excursion vessels, car and passenger ferries, gaming vessels, private charter boats, whale watching and eco-tour vessels, day-sailers and windjammer sailing vessels, overnight cruise ships and amphibious DUKW. PVA members operate U.S. Coast Guard certificated, Canadian Coast Guard or state inspected vessels. PVA members operate approximately 4,200 vessels. The passenger vessel industry carries more than 200 million passengers each year. Visit PVA on the Internet at: http://www.passengervessel.com.