§3503 Fire-retardant Materials

Summary

Passenger ships with berths for 50 or more people must be made of fire‑retardant materials. They must also use engines, boilers, main electrical panels, fuel and oil tanks, and generators that meet current Coast Guard rules. Boilers and the main electrical generators must be inside noncombustible enclosures with fire suppression systems. An older ship that was in service before January 1, 1968 and that stays inside the Boundary Line is temporarily exempt until December 1, 2028. Owners of those exempt ships must tell potential passengers and crew in writing before travel or purchase that the ship does not meet current fire‑safety standards, post clear notices throughout the vessel and in each stateroom, carry liability insurance set by the Federal Maritime Commission, and each year upgrade at least 10% of the non‑fire‑retardant parts. They must focus upgrades on galleys and engineering spaces, cut combustible materials to the Secretary’s satisfaction at annual inspections, provide exits at both bow and stern, notify the Coast Guard before changes, tell ports and state emergency offices each year that the ship is noncompliant, give extra Coast Guard‑approved firefighting training that goes beyond the rules in effect on October 1, 2017, and try to keep or hire trained crew. Owners cannot disclaim liability for fire harm caused by their negligence. The Secretary will inspect and audit these ships each year, make rules for this program, and may withdraw a vessel’s certificate or apply penalties for violations.