[Travelandtourism] The Cruise Vessel Safety & Security Act

[cheryl echevarria]

A new U.S. bill aimed at increasing safety on cruise ships is set to become 
law. The Cruise Vessel Safety & Security Act will require cruise lines to 
install peepholes on cabin doors, ensure rails are no lower than 42 inches 
and provide passengers with information on how to report crimes. The law 
means business: non-compliance can result in denial of entry into U.S. 
ports, civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation and criminal penalties up 
to $250,000 and/or one year's imprisonment.

The bill, introduced by Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), 
requires safety measures for Americans at sea and provides protections for 
those sexually assaulted on board. All cruise ships will be required to 
install the 42-inch guard rails and peepholes in every passenger and crew 
member's door, in addition to security latch door and smart keys, on-deck 
video surveillance and an emergency sound system on the ship. Passengers and 
crew must also be provided with a list of all U.S. embassies and consulates 
in the countries they visit.

For treating and examining persons alleging sexual assault, the act requies 
cruise ships to have on board medications to prevent sexually transmitted 
diseases; equipment and materials for performing post-assault examinations; 
and doctors and/or registered nurses with appropriate 
experience/certification in emergency medicine.

In additon, cruise ship companies must provide transparency in reporting by 
establishing a structure between the cruise industry, the FBI, and the Coast 
Guard, including requirements that each ship maintain a log book, which 
would record all deaths, missing individuals, alleged crimes, and 
passenger/crewmember complaints regarding theft, sexual harassment and 
assault. In addition, there will be a need to establish a program designed 
by the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the FBI to train 
appropriate crew members in crime prevention, detection, evidence 
preservation, and reporting of criminal activities in the international 
maritime environment.

The bill was presented to President Obama for signage on July 19.


The biggest compliment you can pay me is to recommend my services!

Cheryl Echevarria
Independent Travel Consultant
C10-10646

http://Echevarriatravel.com
1-866-580-5574

Reservations at echevarriatravel.com
Affiliated as an Independent Contractor with Montrose Travel CST-1018299-10