Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 2019

Small Passenger Vessel Safety Act of 2019

This bill applies U.S. Coast Guard regulations regarding safety management systems to small passenger vessels and requires the Coast Guard to prescribe additional regulations to secure the safety of individuals and property on board certain small passenger vessels.

The regulations prescribed must include requirements for

• the addition of interconnected fire detection, protection, and suppression equipment, including fire extinguishers, in all areas to which passengers have access, including dining areas, sleeping quarters, and lounges;
• fire detection, protection, and suppression systems in unmanned areas with machinery or areas with other potential heat sources;
• fire detection, suppression, and control in all areas to which passengers have access, including dining areas, sleeping quarters, and lounges;
• all such vessels to have not less than two avenues of escape from all general areas accessible to passengers;
• marine firefighting training programs to improve crew member training and proficiency; and
• the handling, storage, and operation of flammable items, such as lithium ion batteries.