Summary of Changes Made
2006 Draft Passenger Vessel Accessibility Guidelines

Changes made to the 2006 revised draft to create the 2008 revised draft of the Passenger Vessel Accessibility Guidelines include:

• Numerous Sections – Replacing the terms kitchen and kitchenette with galley and pantry.
• V101 – Adding an advisory note that alerts readers that ADA regulations from DOT and DOJ also apply, in addition to the provisions in the document.
• V104.1.2 – Adding “full load” in referring to design trim and heel.
• V105.2 – Removing mandatory references to ASME, NFPA, and ANSI/BHMA standards (see also V207.3, V404.3, V407.1, V408.1, V408.3.2.1, V410.2 and V410.3).
• V106.5 – Removing the definition for closed-circuit telephone, and modifying the definitions for addition, assembly area, camber, entry deck, ferry, mezzanine, and tender.  Also, the term “public seating area” was replaced with “transportation seating area”.
• V201.1 – Modifying the advisory note.
• V201.1 Exception – Clarifying that the document does not apply to non-fixed features of a passenger vessel.
• V201.1.2 – Modifying the ferry scoping by applying the access provisions to ferries which carry 100 or more passengers (instead of all ferries), and modifying the advisory note.
• V201.1.3 – Clarifying the tender scoping, and modifying the advisory note.
• V201.4 – Removing the amenity provision and adding related provisions concerning drinking fountains (V211.1.1), toilet rooms (V213.1.1), and transportation seating areas (V222.2).
• V202.3 Exception 3(a) – Modifying the exception to not require alterations that move a vessel from 46 CFR subchapter T coverage to subchapter H.
• V203.2 – Exempting features (in addition to areas) intended for use only by employees.
• V203.6 – Modifying the exemption to address only raised diving boards.
• V203.7 – Exempting outboard swim and dive platforms not used for embarkation or disembarkation.
• V203.8 – Exempting raised sporting platforms (e.g., boxing rings).
• V206.2.1 Exception 7 – Exempting vertical access to adjustable vehicle decks.
• V206.2.1 Exception 8 – Exempting vertical access to sun decks on high speed ferries.
• V206.2.1 Exception 9 – Exempting vertical access between entry decks on certain smaller vessels.
• V206.2.2 – Clarifying the advisory note regarding access on decks not connected to vertical access.
• V206.2.9.1, V232.2.1, and V1004.2.1 – Clarifying through three advisory notes the meaning of “ground level” play components.
• V206.3 – Clarifying the location of accessible routes.
• V206.3 Exception – Exempting smaller vessels from compliance with V206.3.
• V207.2 Exception 1 – Adding “hatch” to the list of features in the exception.
• V207.3 – Removing references to NFPA 13 and “international convention” (see also V105) and related advisory note for exceptions 1 and 2.
• V208.1 – Modifying the passenger boarding system provisions to be triggered by DOT criteria (which DOT has not yet proposed), and adding an advisory note.
• V209 Exception 3 – Exempting the stair access provisions for smaller vessels.
• V210.1 – Adding an advisory note regarding clustered rinsing showers.
• V211.1.1 – See V201.4.
• V213.1.1 – See V201.4
• V213.2 Exception 5 – Exempting certain clustered single user toilet rooms on high speed ferries.
• V216.4.2.2 and V216.4.3 – Adding a platform lift reference.
• V216.6 – Clarifying what types of elevators need signage in alterations.
• V216.8 – Adding TTY signage and TTY directional signs.
• V216.9 – Adding directional signage for wheelchair accessible (fixed) public telephones.
• V216.10 – Requiring signage indicating the type of assistive listening system and receiver being used.
• V216.10 Exception – Exempting V216.10 requirements in certain cases.
• V217.1 – Simplifying the provision by removing the list of telephone types.
• V217.2 – Modifying the TTY scoping.
• V217.4 – Adding hearing aid compatibility requirement to all (fixed) public telephones.
• V219.1 – Adding an advisory note explaining what is an assistive listening system.
• V219.2 – Clarifying when permanently installed assistive listening systems are required, and adding an advisory about other ADA communication requirements.
• V219.3 – Adding an advisory note regarding assistive listening system receivers.
• V219.3 Exception 2 – Modifying how the number of receivers is determined.
• V221 – Modifying the assembly area requirements to address box seating, seats at tables, and seating with fixed and non-fixed lines of sight, and moving the transportation seating area provisions (originally called public seating areas) to V222.
• V222 – Modifying the transportation seating area provisions by reducing the number of wheelchair spaces on vessel that carry 240 or less passengers, not requiring companion seats, and establishing dispersal where tables and counter are provided.
• V225 – Removing the scoping for lockers.
• V225.3 – Clarifying the advisory note regarding self-service shelves at food service lines.
• V226.1 – Modifying the dining and work surface scoping to now apply to tables and counters without fixed seats (fixed seats would use V221 or V222), and adding an advisory note.
• V229.1 – Modifying the window scoping to apply to certain guest rooms.
• V234.2 – Removing the option to use a sloped entry as an accessible means of entry into a swimming pool (pool lift option remains).
• V235.1 – Removing “on a site” from the provision.
• V236 – Adding scoping for gaming and arcade machines.
• V237 – Adding scoping for post-mounted binoculars.
• V238 – Adding scoping provisions for dressing, fitting and locker rooms (originally contained in V222).
• V302.2 – Removing the reference to pad, and clarifying the carpet advisory note.
• V305.7.1 Exception – Allowing 32 inch wide platform lifts in smaller vessels.
• V403.1 – Allowing the walking surface component for accessible routes, accessible means of escape, and accessible passenger boarding systems to overlap vehicles ways.
• V403.5.1 Exception 3 – Allowing fold-down seats in smaller vessels to project into walking surfaces with running slopes of 5 percent or less, and adding an advisory note.
• V403.6 Exception – Clarifying that guardrails are not subject to the handrail requirement for walking surfaces with running slopes of 5 percent or less.
• V404.1 Exception – Modifying the exception to apply to doors intended (versus designed) to be used only by employees.
• V404.2.3 – Adding an advisory note about doors with radius corners.
• V404.2.4 Exceptions 4 and 5 – Allowing fold-down seats in smaller vessels to project into maneuvering clearances, and not requiring latch side clearances for doors intended to be operated only by employees.
• V404.2.5.1 and V404.2.5.2 – Modifying the threshold requirements at doors required to have coamings to conform to the minimum height allowed by the administrative authority.
• V404.3 – Removing the reference to ANSI/BHMA A156.10 and A156.19 (see also V105), and adding an advisory note recommending ANSI/BHMA use.
• V407.1 – Removing the reference to ASME A17.1 (see also V105), and modifying the advisory note to recommend ASME use.
• V407.4 – Modifying the door location requirement for the second elevator in Table V407.4.1 to allow doors at any location (versus side, off-centered).
• V408.1 – Removing the reference to ASME A17.1 (see also V105), and adding an advisory note recommending ASME use.
• V408.3.2.1 – Removing the reference to ANSI/BHMA A156.19 (see also V105), and adding an advisory note recommending ANSI/BHMA use.
• V409.1 – Modifying the platform lift rated load provision by reducing it to 450 pounds minimum (from 600 pounds).
• V410.1.1 Exception – Not requiring the accessible means of escape to have the same width as the means of escape required by the administrative authority.
• V410.2 – Removing the references to NFPA 13 and “international conventions” in exception 2 and the advisory note on SOLAS.
• V410.3 – Removing the requirement to comply with rule 2.27 in ASME A17.1 and the references in exception 2 to NFPA 13 and “international conventions”.
• V410.4 – Modifying the platform lift provisions (when used as part of an accessible means of escape) to require areas of temporary refuge in certain cases.
• V411.2 – Requiring exit stairs accessing areas of temporary refuge to be enclosed, and adding a reference to platform lifts.
• V411.3 – Referencing clear deck spaces versus wheelchair spaces, and requiring compliance with V305.7.
• V411.4 – Combining old V411.4 and V411.5 into one provision.
• V413.4 Exceptions 1 and 2 – Allowing certain changes in level on gangway surfaces.
• V413.8 Exception – Allowing removable handrails on gangways which function as vehicle bridges.
• V502.2 – Clarifying how to measure stair tread depth.
• V604.3.1 – Adding an advisory note.
• V604.3.2 – Clarifying in the advisory note that clearances at showers and water closets may overlap.
• V608.3.2 Exception – Allowing the removal or reduction in size of the third grab bar in certain standard roll-in showers, and adding an advisory note.
• V703.7.2 – Removing the symbol for volume control telephones, as all (fixed) public telephones must have volume control.
• V706.1 and V706.3 – Clarifying the advisory notes on assistive listening systems.
• V802.1.5 – Clarifying the overlap prohibitions for wheelchair spaces, and modifying the advisory note.
• V802.1.6 – Adding knee and toe clearance provision for wheelchair spaces at tables and counters.
• V802.3.1 – Modifying the companion seat provision.
• V806.2.4.1 Exception – Allowing shelving to be provided instead of vanity counter top space.
• V806.2.7 Exception – Modifying the guest room connector door provision.
• V902 – Modifying the technical provisions to address tables and counters, instead of dining and work surfaces.
• V902.1 – Removing the advisory note about dining and work surfaces.
• V902.2 and V902.3 Exceptions – Allowing low tables and counters, and short depth tables and counters, to have clear deck spaces arranged for parallel approaches, and adding an advisory note.
• V1103 – Modifying the tender accessible route provisions to not require every entry and departure point in larger tenders to be connected to an onboard accessible route.