Julia Lynn Hollenbeck

Vessels are public accommodations and the same (proposed) ruling regarding Service Animals should be applied to vessels and their operators as what is applied to land accommodations such as hotels, restaurants, and other places of public accommodations in the United States of America. Vessel operators should therefore not allow emotional support animals on board. Any and all requirements necessary for a person with a disability dependent on a mobility aid to travel, engage, or participate in activities on a vessel whether with a companion or not should be provided by operators. In other words, if the passenger requires assistance because of not having an able-bodied companion to assist, then the operators of the vessel should provide the personnel to provide assistance for any and all embarkation or disembarkation at all ports of call, if the vessel travel originated in the United States of America. It should however, be left to the discretion of senior staff whether or not to supply a mobility device to a passenger, unless in a medical emergency or equipment failure of a mobility device used by a passenger. Further, it is important for senior staff on vessels to make certain crew members will assist a passenger who may need to have air applied to wheelchair tires or assist with other types of equipment failure. The relationship between DOT and the DOJ should be mutually agreed upon for the benefit of persons with disabilities. There should not be a division between these departments because it would increase confusion and disarray among the greater population of persons with disabilities dependent on using a mobility device.