46 USC § 3509 - Medical standards

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t46/s3509"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "46 USC § 3509 - Medical standards"
title_number: 46
title_name: "SHIPPING"
section_number: "3509"
section_name: "Medical standards"
chapter_number: 35
chapter_name: "CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS"
part_number: "B"
part_name: "Inspection and Regulation of Vessels"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-03-26"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIII [LXXXIII], § 8322(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4702.)"
---


# § 3509. Medical standards

The owner of a vessel to which section 3507 applies shall ensure that—

**(1)** a physician is always present and available to treat any passengers who may be on board the vessel in the event of an emergency situation;

**(2)** the vessel is in compliance with the Health Care Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities established by the American College of Emergency Physicians; and

**(3)** the initial safety briefing given to the passengers on board the vessel includes—

**(A)** the location of the vessel’s medical facilities; and

**(B)** the appropriate steps passengers should follow during a medical emergency.

---

**Source Credit**: (Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIII [LXXXIII], § 8322(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4702.)

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Exemptions for Certain Passenger Vessels

For provisions exempting certain passenger vessels from the requirements authorized under this section, see , set out as a note under .