Congressional Bill Could Make Cruising Easier on the Mind

A long overdue, important change in criminal activity laws could soon make choosing a cruise easier for consumers. In addition to comparison shopping for prices, destinations and itineraries, people may soon also be shopping for safety.

Truly, the subject of international maritime law is complex. There is little doubt that the subject has been clothed in a dense cloak of secrecy; an area of mystery that has been encouraged by the cruise industry as a whole in the past. This view is now changing, however; in fact, many within the industry currently cooperate fully in such areas as sharing information with the Coast Guard.

The change in attitude is not one that has occurred overnight. Many complaints and protests have been lodged with the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) as well as with many governmental representatives. Two such representatives, Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts and Doris Matsui of California have picked up the cause after hearing many heartbreaking stories of rapes, fear, grief and lost cruise guests while at sea.

Sexual assault is a frequently reported crime at sea, with crew members often included in allegations. Because of this, cruise ships are required to carry rape kits as well as having an evidential employee on hand throughout a cruse. The ships also carry antiretroviral medications as protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Other defensive measures taken by cruise ships for their guests’ protection are up to date video surveillance, peep holes added in stateroom doors and more advanced security measures included in staterooms.

The bill called the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act is before Congress currently. The goal of the legislation is to tighten restrictions on the cruise industry; one which has skirted the lawful issue of this subject for many years. A great bonus for potential cruise passengers would be a new website initiated by the Secretary of Transportation, a site that would list the type and number of crimes reported on cruise ships and whether passengers or crew members were involved. Each cruise line would be required to link to this special statistics page from their individual websites.

If passed by Congress, a huge step forward will have been taken toward ensuring cruise ship passenger safety.