A new law requires that cruise ships carrying more than 250 passengers on international trips that embark or disembark passengers at any U.S. port comply with significant security requirements.
All cruise ships must have technology to detect people who have fallen overboard and be equipped with a video surveillance system to document crimes, according to the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act 2010.
Furthermore, all brand new ships are required to have latches and time-sensitive key technology on all passenger and crew cabin doors. All cruise ships must meet certain design and construction standards within 18 months of the measure’s enactment.
Cruise ships that fail to comply with the new specifications will not be allowed in U.S. ports. Additionally, noncompliance can result in civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation and criminal penalties up to $250,000 and/or a year’s imprisonment.
