President Obama has signed off a new US cruise ship law, which will set more stringent security rules for every ship calling at US ports.
This new law has been introduced following the disappearance of a US passenger who went missing on his honeymoon in July 2005. George Smith had been on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the Aegean Sea. Blood stains were found on an overhang below the couple’s private balcony on the cruise ship, but Smith’s body was never found.
The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will come into force in 18 months and will impose major new rules for ships carrying more than 250 passengers.
This law will set requirements for deck rail heights, and will require peep holes in every cabin door, on-deck video surveillance and an emergency sound system.
It will also require ships to employ a trained forensic sexual specialist as well as carry rape evidence kits and anti-retroviral medication.
Any Cruise lines that do not conform to theses new rules could be denied entry into US ports. They can also face civil fines of up to $50,000 per violation and criminal penalties of up to $250,000 as well as potential imprisonment.
These laws seem very strict and I wonder will it put off or stop some cruise lines from entering the US.
About Me
- Diana
- Worcestershire, United Kingdom
- I have worked in the travel industry most of my working life, owning my own agency for 14 years as well as working for travel industry suppliers. I wanted to share my life, my stories, my likes and dislikes with you and hopefully get some feedback from all of you out there in blogger world. I currently live in the Midlands, I am 45 years old and have two grown up children 24yrs and 19 years.
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