ruben.maritime

WASHINGTON, 23 January – The US government yesterday officially staked out its position that passenger vessels – including foreign flag cruise ships – operating in domestic waters are subject to rules regarding accommodations for disabled persons. With a filing in the Federal Register, the Department of Transportation said it will soon propose a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rule that will encompass passenger vessels and that “Issues concerning physical accessibility standards will be addressed at a later time, in conjunction with proposed passenger vessel accessibility guidelines drafted by the Access Board.” The filing cites the 2005 US Supreme Court case – Spector, et al versus Norwegian Cruise Lines – is stating that the DOT feels it has clear authority to issue ADA-based rules on foreign flag vessels, a position that has long been disputed by industry leaders. Contacted by Fairplay, Christine Fischer, spokesman for the Cruise Lines Industry Association, says the industry trade group is studying the filing and will offer comment after they have “digested it”. Holland & Knight maritime attorney Dennis Bryant told Fairplay that he doubts the cruise association will have major objections to the expected rulemaking as it has been very active in the Access Board’s deliberations. Following the board’s closed door meeting last month, Bryant suggests the proposed ADA rule will be released soon.

Etiquetas: cruise market, cruises

This entry was posted on martes, enero 23, 2007 at 8:44 p. m.. You can skip to the end and leave a response.