New US rules to crackdown on cruiseship crime

[MEJG]

Nautilus International is warning members in the cruise ship sector to prepare for stringent new safety regulations, due to come into force very shortly. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act has been passed by the US Senate and House of Representatives, and now only awaits the president's signature to become law

This Act only applies to all cruiseships carrying over 250 passengers on international voyages which embark/disembark passengers in a US port.

Requirements include:

- Cabin door peepholes for visitor identification
- deck rail height at a minimum of 1.07m (42 inches)
- crime report information packs for passengers
- rape examination kits
- STD/STI medication
- Trained medical staff in dealing with assault and sexual assault
- Log of all shipboard crime
- Immediate reporting of serious offences to FBI / USGC
- Trained Crew member certified in crime scene preservation (to apply 2 years after new certification standards are adopted)

Non compliant vessels can be denied entry into US ports, civil penalties up to US$50,000 per violation, criminal penalties up to US$250,000 and even a year in jail...