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Notice

The Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) rulemaking has concluded. The PROWAG final rule has been published in the Federal Register. Please visit the Access Board’s PROWAG page for the guidelines.

(Proposed) Passenger Vessels Accessibility Guidelines

V201 Application

V201.1 Scope

All areas of newly designed and newly constructed passenger vessels and altered portions of existing passenger vessels shall comply with this document to the extent required by V201.1.

Advisory V201.1 Scope. The requirements are to be applied to all areas of a passenger vessel unless exempted, or where scoping limits the number of spaces and elements required to comply with this document.

Example 1 (Exempted Spaces). Areas intended for use only by employees are not required to comply with this document (V203.2).

Example 2 (Space Scoping). Not all clustered single user toilet rooms must comply with this document (V213.2 Exception 4).

Example 3 (Element Scoping). Operable parts provided in passenger areas must comply with this document (V205.1), but the operable parts in passenger areas intended for use only by employees are not required to comply with this document (V205.1 Exception 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.

Advisory V201.1.1 Large Vessels. For U.S. flag passenger vessels, the US Coast Guard (USCG) determines the number of passengers a vessel is permitted to carry and how many, if any, would be overnight passengers. This information is recorded in the vessel’s certificate of inspection (COI) which is required to be carried onboard the vessel. Under USCG regulations, it is possible that a vessel could be capable of carrying more passengers then the COI allows. However, the vessel owner may certificate a vessel to carry fewer than the maximum for business and regulatory reasons.

V201.1.2 Ferries

Ferries permitted to carry more than 99 passengers shall comply with Chapters V 1 through V 10.

Advisory V201.1.2 Ferries. There are passenger vessels which are referred to as water taxis. If a water taxi meets the definition of a ferry in section V106.5 and is permitted to carry more than 99 passengers, the water taxi is subject to the requirements of this document.

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.

Advisory V201.3 Temporary and Permanent Structures. Temporary facilities covered by these requirements include, but are not limited to, reviewing stands, bleacher areas, stages, platforms and daises, fixed furniture systems, wall systems, and exhibit areas.

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.

Advisory V202.3 Alterations. Although covered entities are permitted to limit the scope of an alteration to individual elements, the alteration of multiple elements within a room or space may provide a cost-effective opportunity to make the entire room or space accessible. Any elements or spaces of the passenger vessel that are required to comply with these requirements must be made accessible within the scope of the alteration, to the maximum extent feasible. If providing accessibility in compliance with these requirements for people with one type of disability (e.g., people who use wheelchairs) is not feasible, accessibility must still be provided in compliance with the requirements for people with other types of disabilities (e.g., people who have hearing impairments or who have vision impairments) to the extent that such accessibility is feasible.

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.

Advisory V203.2 Employee Areas and Features. Where an accessible means of escape required by V207 runs through an employee space, only the circulation path in the space containing the accessible means of escape is subject to applicable accessibility requirements because the circulation path is not intended for use only by employees.

Nothing in this section or this document alters an employer’s obligation under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, which may include modifications to areas and features of passenger vessels that are intended for use only by employees, unless doing so would cause the employer undue hardship. Compliance with this document is not a defense to the claim that an employer has violated Title I by failing to make such areas or features accessible to an employee or applicant as a reasonable accommodation.

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.

Advisory V205.1 General. Section V205.1 covers controls used by passengers, such as light switches, electrical outlets, environmental controls, dispensers and trash receptacles.

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 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.

Advisory V206.2.1 Multi-Deck Passenger Vessels.Deck is a defined term in this document (see V106.5). Under section V206.2.1, all passenger decks and mezzanines must be connected to an onboard accessible route in multi-deck vessels, unless an exception applies. Where an exception applies and a deck is not required to be connected to an elevator or other means of vertical access, the mezzanine on that deck is also not required to be connected to a means of vertical access. However, the exceptions do not exempt the elements and spaces located within such decks and mezzanines from compliance with this document. For example, a drinking fountain on a passenger deck not connected by an elevator or other means of vertical access must still comply with V211 and be located on an accessible route within the deck required by V206.2.2.

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 multi-deck passenger vessels are exempted by V206.2.1 Exceptions 1 through 10.

Advisory V206.2.2 Spaces and Elements.Accessible routes must connect all spaces and elements required to be accessible including changes in level (e.g., tender platforms, raised dining areas, and speaker platforms) within the deck. Where an elevator or other means of vertical access is not required by V206.2.1 to a passenger deck, the requirements of V206.2.2 still apply within that deck. Where a percentage of elements or spaces are required to comply with this document, then only the percentage of elements and spaces that are required to be accessible must be connected to an accessible route.

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.

Advisory V206.2.3 Restaurants and Cafeterias Exception 2. Examples of “same services” include, but are not limited to, bar service, rooms having smoking and non-smoking sections, lotto and other table games, carry-out, and buffet service. Examples of “same decor” include, but are not limited to, seating at or near windows and railings with views, areas designed with a certain theme, party and banquet rooms, and rooms where entertainment is provided.

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.

Advisory V206.2.9.1 Ground Level and Elevated Play Components. The term “ground level” is used in this document and refers to the base level of a playground. Assistance material written for landside applications is available at www.access-board.gov and can aid in applying the play area provisions to passenger vessels.

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 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.

Advisory V207.1 General. An administrative authority, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, typically requires passenger vessels subject to its jurisdiction to have one or more means of escape from occupied rooms and spaces connecting to areas where passengers and crew can be evacuated from the vessel (e.g. survival craft embarkation stations). Generally, a means of escape provides a protected and unobstructed way of travel that may include horizontal components (e.g., doorways and passageways) and vertical components (e.g., stairways). The means of escape also may include areas of refuge (also known as muster stations or assembly stations) that are designed to protect occupants from the effects of hazards such as fire and smoke. Passengers may be required to wait in these areas temporarily before they are either permitted to re-enter the affected areas where hazards are no longer a threat or may be routed to areas where they can evacuate the vessel.

The accessible means of escape required by this document must provide passengers who cannot use an inaccessible means of escape with a substantially equivalent level of protection from hazards as is provided passengers who can use an inaccessible 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 but 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 the occupants a level of protection that is substantially equivalent to the level of protection afforded by the means of escape provided 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. A protected waiting area 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.

A protected waiting area should be sized to accommodate at least one clear deck space (see V305) for each occupant to be served. Building codes typically require one such space per 200 occupants based on the occupant load of all accessible spaces to be served by the protected area. The clear deck spaces should not reduce the required width of any means of escape traveling through the area. Where more than two clear deck spaces are provided at a single location, each space should be accessible without necessitating travel through more than one adjoining clear deck space. Protected waiting areas should be equipped with an audible and visible two-way communication system that connects the bridge of the vessel or other space where emergency actions are directed.

Doors to protected waiting areas should be identified by a sign stating “Protected Waiting Area” that includes the International Symbol of Accessibility (see V703.7.2.1). Signs should be provided in protected waiting areas that contain information on the use of the area during emergencies, including use of the two-way communication system to summon crew assistance, and directions to other accessible means of escape.

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.

Advisory V208.1 General. The passenger boarding system may be carried by the vessel or located at landside structures, or partially carried by the vessel and located on land.

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.

Advisory V210.1 General Exception. A “cluster” is a group of rinsing showers proximate to one another, generally, within sight of, or adjacent to, one another.

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.

Advisory V213.2 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms. These requirements allow the use of unisex (or single-user) toilet rooms in alterations when technical infeasibility can be demonstrated. Unisex toilet rooms benefit people who use opposite sex personal care assistants. For this reason, it is advantageous to install unisex toilet rooms in addition to accessible single-sex toilet rooms in new facilities.

Advisory V213.2 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms Exceptions 3 through 5. A “cluster” is a group of toilet rooms proximate to one another. Generally, toilet rooms in a cluster are within sight of, or adjacent to, one another.

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.

Advisory V213.3.1 Toilet Compartments (Stalls). A toilet compartment is a partitioned space that is located within a toilet room, and that normally contains no more than one water closet. A toilet compartment may also contain a lavatory (i.e., a sink provided for hand washing). Where a toilet compartment has more than one plumbing fixture, it must meet the space requirements for a toilet room (see V604.8). Full-height partitions and door assemblies can comprise toilet compartments where the minimum required spaces are provided within the compartment.

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 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.

Advisory V215.1 General. Section V224.4 contains scoping for guest rooms required to have communication features and references the technical requirements in V806.3 which address the general emergency alarm and smoke detector alarms in guest rooms.

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.

Advisory V216.2 Designations. Section V216.2 applies to signs that provide designations, labels, or names for rooms or spaces where the sign is not likely to change over time. Examples include signs labeling restrooms, room and deck numbers or letters, and room names. Tactile text descriptors are required for pictograms that are provided to label or identify a permanent room or space. Pictograms that provide information about a room or space, such as “no smoking,” occupant logos, and the International Symbol of Accessibility, are not required to have text descriptors.

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.

Advisory V216.3 Directional and Informational Signs. Information about spaces and facilities includes rules of conduct, occupant load, and similar signs. Signs providing direction to rooms or spaces include those that identify escape routes.

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, check-out 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.

Advisory V217.1 General. These requirements apply to all types of public telephones, including courtesy phones provided at passenger vessel restaurants or concierge desks that provide free direct connections to passenger guest rooms or guest services.

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.

Advisory V217.4 Hearing Aid Compatibility. It is recommended the Telecommunications Industry Association Standard RS-504 (Magnetic Field Intensity Criteria for Telephone Compatibility with Hearing Aids) be used (reproduced in 47 CFR 68.316, Hearing aid compatibility: Technical requirements) to determine hearing aid compatibility.

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.

Advisory V219.1 General. Assistive listening systems transmit an audio signal to receivers to assist people who are hard of hearing in understanding the audio signal received by others from room sound systems (e.g., in a movie theater). Further information can be found in the advisories under V706.

V219.2 Required Systems

Passenger areas shall provide assistive listening systems complying with V706 in accordance with V219.2.

Advisory V219.2 Required Systems. Although this document only requires assistive listening systems to be provided under certain conditions, the ADA regulations of the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Transportation regarding auxiliary aids and services may require assistive listening systems to be provided in other areas and under other conditions to make communications available to people who are hard of hearing.

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.

Advisory V219.2.2 Emergency Information. Emergency information includes passenger safety briefings and instructions to passengers during emergency conditions.

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.

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 SeatingMinimum Number of Required ReceiversMinimum 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

Advisory V219.3 Receivers. Assistive listening systems are generally categorized by their mode of transmission. There are hard-wired systems and three types of wireless systems: induction loop, infrared, and FM radio transmission. Where no seats are provided in an assembly area, use the occupant load of the assembly area to determine the seating capacity, and therefore the number of receivers to provide. Hardwired systems are rarely used anymore. However, where provided, receiver connections for hard-wired systems should be dispersed throughout the applicable areas.

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.

Advisory V221.1 General. The term assembly area is defined in V106.5 as a portion of a passenger vessel, used for the purpose of entertainment, educational or civic gatherings, or similar purposes. Assembly areas include, but are not limited to, classrooms, passenger meeting rooms, motion picture houses, auditoria, theaters, and dinner theaters. Assembly areas should not be confused with the term areas of refuge (also known as assembly stations or muster stations). Areas of refuge are typically large spaces that are separated from the effects of fire and flooding where passengers can gather in an emergency, and then if necessary be directed to an evacuation station for disembarking a vessel. An assembly area could be designed and constructed to also function as an area of refuge. Section V222 addresses transportation seating areas which are defined in V106.5 as an area, other than an assembly area, where fixed seats are provided for passengers.

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 SeatsMinimum 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.

Advisory V221.2.1.2 Boxes. The number of wheelchair spaces required in boxes is based on the total number of seats provided in all the boxes and must be located in no fewer than 20% of the boxes. For example, a performance facility has 20 boxes, each of which contains 10 seats, totaling 200 seats. In this example, 5 wheelchair spaces would be required, and the wheelchair spaces must be placed in at least 4 of the boxes. Additionally, because the wheelchair spaces must also meet the dispersion requirements of V221.2.3, the boxes containing these wheelchair spaces cannot all be located in one area unless an exception to the dispersion requirements applies.

V221.2.2 Integration

Wheelchair spaces shall be an integral part of the fixed seating plan.

Advisory V221.2.2 Integration. The requirement that wheelchair spaces be an “integral part of the fixed seating plan” means that wheelchair spaces must be placed within the footprint of the fixed seating area. Wheelchair spaces cannot be segregated from seating areas. For example, it would be unacceptable to place only the wheelchair spaces, or only the wheelchair spaces and their associated companion seats, outside the seating areas defined by risers in an assembly area.

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.

Advisory V221.2.3 Dispersion and Fixed Lines of Sight. Consistent with the overall intent of the ADA, individuals who use wheelchairs must be provided equal access so that their experience is substantially equivalent to that of other members of the audience. Thus, while individuals who use wheelchairs need not be provided with the best seats in the house, neither may they be relegated to the worst.

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.

Advisory V221.2.3.1 Horizontal Dispersion. Horizontal dispersion of wheelchair spaces is the placement of spaces in an assembly facility seating area from side-to-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.

Advisory V221.2.3.2 Vertical Dispersion. When wheelchair spaces are dispersed vertically in an assembly facility they should be placed at different locations within the seating area from front-to-back so that the distance from the screen, stage, or other focal point is varied among wheelchair spaces.

Advisory V221.2.3.2 Vertical Dispersion Exception 2. Points of entry to bleacher seating may include, but are not limited to, cross aisles, and entrance ramps and stairs. Vertical, center, or side aisles adjoining bleacher seating that are stepped or tiered are not considered entry points.

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.

Advisory V221.2.4 Dispersion and No Fixed Lines of Sight. A tour vessel is an example of a passenger vessel where seats are not installed to provide lines of sight to fixed screen or fixed performance areas.

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.

Advisory V221.4 Designated Aisle Seats in Assembly Areas. When selecting which aisle seats will meet the requirements of V802.4, those aisle seats which are closest to, not necessarily on, accessible routes must be selected first. For example, an assembly area has two aisles (A and B) serving seating areas with an accessible route connecting to the top and bottom of Aisle A only. The aisle seats chosen to meet V802.4 must be those at the top and bottom of Aisle A, working toward the middle. Only when all seats on Aisle A would not meet the 5 percent minimum would seats on Aisle B be designated.

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 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 SeatsMinimum 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.

Advisory V222.3.3 Dispersion. Example. A ferry has two decks. The main deck is the only entry deck of the vessel and has a transportation seating area inside the main deck cabin. The upper (second) deck has a transportation seating area outside and another inside the upper deck cabin. A total of 149 fixed seats are provided in the three seating areas. An elevator or other means of vertical access is not required to connect the two decks (see V206.2.1), to meet the dispersion requirements of V222.3.3, the three required wheelchair spaces must be located in the main deck cabin transportation seating area.

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.

Advisory V224.1.1 Alterations. In alterations and additions, the minimum required number of accessible passenger guest rooms is based on the total number of guest rooms altered or added instead of the total number of guest rooms provided in a passenger vessel. Typically, each alteration of a passenger vessel is limited to a particular portion of the passenger vessel. When accessible guest rooms are added as a result of subsequent alterations, compliance with V224.5 (Dispersion) is more likely to be achieved if all of the accessible guest rooms are not provided in the same area of the passenger vessel.

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 ProvidedMinimum Required Number of Rooms With Tubs or ShowersMinimum Number of Required Rooms With Roll-In ShowersTotal 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 ProvidedMinimum Number of Required Guest Rooms with Communication Features
2 to 25 2
26 to 50 4
51 to 75 7
76 to 100 9
101 to 150 12
151 to 200 14
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.

Advisory V224.5 Dispersion. Factors to be considered in providing an equivalent range of options may include, but are not limited to, room size, bed size, cost, view, bathroom fixtures such as hot tubs and spas, smoking and nonsmoking, and the number of rooms provided.

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.

Advisory V225.2 Storage. Types of storage include, but are not limited to, closets, cabinets, shelves, clothes rods, hooks, and drawers. Where provided, at least one of each type of storage must be within the reach ranges specified in V308; however, it is permissible to install additional storage outside the reach ranges.

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.

Advisory V225.3 Self-Service Shelving. Self-service shelves include library and store shelves. Self-service shelves at food service lines are addressed in V227.4.

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.

Advisory V226.1 General. Where tables or counters are provided in assembly areas or transportation seating areas, the requirements of V221 or V222 would apply instead of V226. V226 and V902 can be used as guidance where portable tables are provided.

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, check-out aisles, sales counters, service counters, food service lines, queues, and waiting lines shall comply with V227 and V904.

V227.2 Check-Out Aisles

Where check-out aisles are provided, check-out aisles complying with V904.3 shall be provided in accordance with Table V227.2. Where check-out 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 FunctionMinimum 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.

Advisory V227.3 Counters. One continuous counter can be used to provide different types of service. For example, order and pick-up are different services. It would not be acceptable to provide access only to the part of the counter where orders are taken when orders are picked-up at a different location on the same counter. Both the order and pick-up section of the counter must be accessible.

V227.4 Food Service Lines

Food service lines shall comply with V904.5. Where self-service 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.

Advisory V230.1 General. Most strength training equipment and machines are considered different types. Where operators provide a biceps curl machine and cable-cross-over machine, both machines are required to meet the provisions in section V230.1, even though an individual may be able to work on their biceps through both types of equipment.

Similarly, there are many types of cardiovascular exercise machines, such as stationary bicycles, rowing machines, stair climbers, and treadmills. Each machine provides a cardiovascular exercise and is considered a different type for purposes of these requirements.

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.

Advisory V231.2 Minimum Number. Where possible, providing access to all holes on a miniature golf course is recommended. If a course is designed with the minimum 50 percent accessible holes, designers or operators are encouraged to select holes which provide for an equivalent experience to the maximum extent possible.

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.

Advisory V231.3 Miniature Golf Course Configuration. Where only the minimum 50 percent of the holes are accessible, an accessible route from the last accessible hole to the course exit or entrance must not require travel back through other holes. In some cases, this may require an additional accessible route. Other options include increasing the number of accessible holes in a way that limits the distance needed to connect the last accessible hole with the course exit or entrance.

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 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.

Advisory V232.2.1 Ground Level Play Components. The term “ground level” is used in this document and refers to the base level of a playground. Assistance material written for landside applications is available at www.access-board.gov and can aid in applying the play area provisions to passenger vessels.

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 ProvidedMinimum Number of Ground Level Play Components Required to be on an Onboard Accessible RouteMinimum 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.

Technical Assistance

Contact the Access Board for further guidance on access to passenger vessels