The amount of people taking cruises continues to increase even during a difficult economy. The allure of visiting several exotic locations leads many people to pick a cruise as their vacation of choice. Occasionally, a cruise can become a nightmare due to a personal injury or crime. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010, recently signed into law by President Obama, aims to make cruise ships safer for passengers and crew.
Congress had been working on more extensive laws for the cruise industry for nearly five years. Victim's rights groups had long maintained the difficulty in obtaining information from cruise lines when an accident or criminal act occurred. For ships that hold 250 or more people, and either depart or arrive in the U.S., these new rules apply.
Some of the highlights of the Act include:
- Providing security cameras in common areas on the ship
- Installing guardrails that are at least 42 inches high
- Adding peepholes and additional locks on cabin doors
- Limiting the times and number of employees that have access to passenger cabins
- Reporting requirements for crimes committed while at sea
- Staffing a doctor familiar with the treatment of sexual assaults
- Requiring medical personnel treating sexual assault victims to keep treatment information confidential
Many cruise lines are owned by U.S. corporations, but sail using a non-U.S. license. Depending on where the crime or injury occurred there would be no responsibility to report to U.S. authorities. With the new rules in place, cruise lines will be held more accountable to report what happens on their ships. And prospective passengers will be able to find out about crime and injury rates on cruise line websites.
One of the major goals of the law is to cut down on sexual assaults. Ships would have to contain rape kits, and also staff doctors who know how to process and treat sexual assault victims. New provisions are also in place to protect the victim's confidentiality. The ship cannot release the treatment records unless the passenger gives consent.
Failure to comply will result in possible civil and criminal penalties for the cruise line, and the ship may be refused entry into the U.S. These provisions make it easier for injured passengers or victims of crime to get the information they need to build a case. If you have been injured while on a cruise, contact a personal injury attorney to assess your case and determine whether you can obtain compensation for your injuries.
