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New law passed to protect passengers on cruise ships.

Last week, President Obama signed into law the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010. This new law, which is supported by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), defines new standards for the safety and security of American citizens sailing as cruise ship passengers in and out of U.S. waters. The law requires that large cruise vessels carrying American citizens adopt basic crime reporting, safety, and security measures that are similar to those used by the American hotel industry.

These new safety measures include:

• New safety features for ships: Security upgrades to protect passenger safety include peepholes on all passenger doors, onboard video surveillance systems, time-sensitive locks and latches (in new ships) and other security features. All guard rails must be 42 inches high.

• New rules for crewmembers: Cruise lines must develop policies to restrict crewmember access to passenger cabins.

• Safety and crime information for passengers: Passengers must be given information about how to contact the American consulate and other authorities at every destination on the cruise.

• Record keeping: Ships must keep a record of all serious cruise ship crimes and thefts of over $1,000. This record must be made available to law enforcement officials. Cruise ships must inform the FBI of all serious crimes including all cruise passenger deaths, assaults and cruise ship thefts of over $10,000.

• Crime reporting: Crime statistics will be compiled by the FBI. They will be broken down by cruise line and posted on the Internet. Cruise lines must include a link to the crime reporting web site on their own web sites.

• Sexual assault response: On-board medical personnel on cruise vessels must undergo sexual assault response training. They must be able to conduct a forensic medical examination of sexual assault victims and prepare documentation for both the victim and the authorities. Medical personnel must provide medication to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, medical personnel must immediately provide sexual assault victims with private telephone and Internet access to law enforcement authorities, counsel, and third-party services, such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline program.

• Protection of privacy: Medical confidentiality must be protected.

Cruise vessels that violate these laws are liable for civil and criminal penalties, including denial of entry into American waters.

Passengers injured on cruise ships are protected under maritime law. If you have been injured, assaulted or otherwise harmed while on a cruise, you have rights. However, the fine print on your ticket may make it difficult for you to get fair compensation for your injuries and other losses. To learn more about cruise ship injuries or to get help, contact the Louisiana maritime attorneys at The Young Firm.