The bill language transfers the responsibility for maintaining the cruise vessel crime data website from the Coast Guard to the Department of Transportation and requires a number of changes to ensure the website is user-friendly and includes all important data. Specifically, it requires the website to be updated quarterly and sorted by cruise line. The website will be required to identify each cruise line by name, identify each crime committed or allegedly committed by a passenger or crewmember regardless of the status of the investigation, and identify the number of individuals alleged overboard.

“This is an important victory for cruise safety advocates and for the millions of Americans who have taken a cruise or are considering one in the future. While cruise ships are billed as safe, family-friendly vacations, the reality is that crime happens onboard these ships just as it does anyplace else,” said California Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “This key provision from the Cruise Passenger Protection Act will ensure that anyone considering a cruise can easily view a more accurate number of crimes that occurred on each cruise line, and the nature of the crime. This is a huge step forward toward transparency and ensuring the safety of cruise passengers.”

“The members of ICV are deeply indebted to the many members of the House and Senate who have been dedicated to the protection of cruise ship passengers. The Coast Guard Reauthorization Act will help to bolster and strengthen the existing CVSSA which Congresswoman Matsui authored in 2010 by increasing the public’s awareness through the quarterly publication of additional safety information and crime data. All of the victims of cruise ship crime and negligence who for years, have taken their impassioned stories to Congress can breathe a bit easier thanks to the unwavering support of Congress Members such as Congresswoman Matsui and Congressman Poe who like us believed in the irrefutable rightness of this cause. We are indeed grateful on this historic day,” said Kendall Carver, chairman of the International Cruise Victims Association (ICV).

Congresswoman Matsui is a long-time advocate for improving safety and security aboard cruise vessels. She authored the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA), bipartisan legislation that was signed into law in 2010, requiring the cruise industry to comply with a number of security and crime reporting provisions. Last year, she introduced the CPPA, legislation which would build on the passenger safety measures put in place by the CVSSA by clarifying and strengthening the crime reporting and video surveillance requirements. In addition to requiring the website improvements passed today, this legislation bolsters FBI notification requirements when an alleged incident occurs, and strengthens video surveillance requirements to ensure maximum protection for passengers and victims, while taking steps to avoid privacy concerns.

..."ensuring the public has access to important safety information they need prior to booking a cruise."

I think this is a bit offensive to those bodies responsible for the safety of vessels. There is no information I personally require before setting foot on any cruise ship - I rely on the port inspections etc to say whether or not a ship is seaworthy. If someone had jumped overboard at anytime, or some crime has allegedly been committed at some point, why does that affect my safety at the point in time.

I trust there is a Mall Shopping Protection Act (MSPA) and an Hotel Guest Protection Act (HGPA) along similar lines already in existence. Mall or Hotel crime data does not seem to appear on any readily accessible website and this is far more important when on vacation not knowing areas.

Does anyone check crime data before choosing a cruise ship or cruise line? I have not met anyone who does yet. I do and know many people who check out what sort of areas hotels are in when needing to stay in 'unknown' cities. Perhaps cruise lines should also be permitted to check out booked passengers and deny boarding to those they deem unsuitable for what ever reason.

Pam

[ 01-10-2015: Message edited by: PamM ]