Cruise lines to comply with tough new US laws
Cruise lines have begun altering their ships to comply with tough new safety regulations being introduced in the United States, according to the Passenger Shipping Association.
Cruise lines that fail to conform could be denied entry to US ports and face severe fines of up to $250,000 as well as potential imprisonment for staff.
Passenger Shipping Association PR director Penny Guy said many ships already feature a number of the new requirements, such as higher railings and peepholes in cabin doors.
The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, signed this week by President Obama, will come into force in 18 months time, setting new requirements for ships carrying more than 250 passengers.
In addition to deck rail heights and peep holes in cabin doors, the Act will require all ships visiting US ports to have on-deck video surveillance and an emergency sound system plus trained forensic specialists, rape evidence kits and anti-retroviral medication.
The new law was drafted introduced following the disappearance of a US passenger George Smith who went missing from a Royal Caribbean Cruise in the Aegean on his honeymoon in July 2005.
Blood stains were found on an overhang below the couple’s private balcony on the cruise ship, but the man’s body was never found.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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