US cruise ship laws are set to change in the future..!!

A new rule which will set more stringent security rules for every ship calling at US ports, has reportedly been signed by President Obama.

The new law - The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will come into force in 18 months and will impose major new rules on ships carrying more than 250 passengers.

The 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.

Cruise lines that do not conform to the new rules could be denied entry into US ports, will face civil fines of up to $50,000 per violation and criminal penalties of up to $250,000 as well as potential imprisonment.

The 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.

Phil: I guess anything that improves the safety of passengers is a good thing. I do like the peep hole facility on cabin doors as standard.

This is a cruise blog entry by Phil.