Are Cruise Ships the Safest Way to Travel?

This has long been a claim that the cruise lines have made in an effort to get your hard earned dollars, but the truth is no one is sure if it is true.  The truth is, because cruise ships are registered all over the world currently it is nearly impossible to get accurate information on how much crime takes place on the high seas.  Without a central agency tasked with collecting and distributing data on crimes that take place at sea, the truth of what goes on aboard cruise ships is anybody’s guess.  In other words the statement that cruises are the safest form of travel is nothing more than unverifiable rhetoric and hyperbole.

The good news is…

No matter how safe (or unsafe) cruise ships were in the past, they are about to get a whole lot safer.   A new bill has been passed by the Senate that would require cruise ships to improve their onboard security, dramatically.   Authored by Rep. Doris Matsui D-California and Sen. John Kerry D-Mass would require that all ships docking in U.S. ports comply with the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act.

What changes will be made?

• All cruise ships will now be required to report any crimes, suspicious deaths and missing persons to the US Coast guard and FBI immediately whether they occur at sea or in port.    Additionally crime scenes will need to be preserved.
• All crime statistics will include the number and type of crimes will now be made available to the public.
• Passengers will now be made aware of their rights and given literature detailing the ships response systems for both criminal and medical issues.
• Stateroom doors will need to be equipped with both peepholes and safety latches.
• Rails will be required to be at least 42 inches in height and ships will be required to use video surveillance cameras in nearly all parts of the ship.
• Ships will also need to carry a forensic assault specialist and rape kits onboard the ship.  Additionally, any rape victims will be provided with access to an 800 number which gives them access to an outside sexual assault organization not affiliated with the cruise ship.

Failure to comply with the new bill will result in serious penalties including heavy fines and not being allowed to enter American waters.  Many of the requirements were already implemented by the cruise ship industry but with the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act it will no longer be voluntary.

The cruise ship security bill has already passed the Senate and now just awaits the signature of President Obama.

Related posts:

1. Federal Government Takes Interest In Cruise Safety
2. New Swine Flu Screening Guidelines Aboard Cruise Ships
3. CDC Readjusts Their Mexico Travel Warning
4. TIC Examines: The Princess Cruises Alcohol Policy
5. 10 posts to Help You Cruise Smart Cruise Safe and Cruise More Often

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