The President recently signed into law a piece of legislation regulating cruise ship safety and transparency. As reported in the USA Today, the new law mandates crime reporting, requires aid for rape victims, and forces all ships have cabin peepholes and guard rails at a certain height.
Specifically, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires following:
• Cruise ships shall erect 42 inch guard rails, and peepholes in the cabin doors of every passenger and crew member;
• Cruise ships shall have on deck video surveillance systems and emergency sound systems installed;
• Cruise ships shall maintain a log book that records deaths, missing people, and allegations of any crime;
• Cruise ships shall be required to have rape kits on board, and medications to prevent sexually transmitted disease, and a trained sexual assault specialist to be on board each ship;
• The new shall also mandates that all crew members shall receive training in preventing and detecting crime, as well as preserving evidence and reporting crimes in international waters.
While many cruise lines, and crew ships, were already adhering to many of the of the components of this new law, this new law is a step in the right direction to change the public perception associated with one's safety while a passenger on a crew ship. Public perception has grown over the years that cruise ships are not safe in light of the many unfortunate incidents that have occurred on cruise ships over the past few years.
If you, or a loved one, have been injured while aboard a cruise then please contact our office to discuss your legal rights. We do not charge for the initial consultation, and if we don't make a recovery on your behalf then you do not owe us attorney fees. Call us today.
