Security at Sea

Major crimes on cruise ships are extremely rare because of its multiple layers of
security based on the data from the FBI. The industry follows comprehensive protocols
both prior to departure and at sea. Major lines have an exceptionally trained ship
security personnel and sophisticated security department. CLIA voluntarily and
committed to transparency in crime reporting on oceangoing voyages worldwide.

Ensuring Security at Sea

 Comprehensive Security: The cruise industry follows comprehensive

security protocols, both prior to departure and at sea. Passengers, crew, and
baggage must pass through rigorous security checkpoints before boarding. In
addition to video surveillance and around-the-clock onboard emergency
contacts, cruise ships keep an official manifest that lists everyone onboard.
Proof of identity is required to access a cruise ship, and only crew, ticketed
passengers and those on a pre-approved list may enter. See Cruise ships
safety study
 Highly Trained Security Personnel: Exceptionally trained ship security
personnel are on call 24/7. Major cruise lines have sophisticated security
departments run by former federal, state and military law enforcement
officials and are staffed by competent, qualified security personnel. Every
ship sailing to or from the U.S. must have at least one crewmember onboard
specifically trained in crime prevention, detection, and reporting.
 Transparency in Crime Reporting: The cruise industry is deeply committed
to transparency in crime reporting. Cruise Lines International Association
(CLIA) Cruise Line's voluntarily report any serious crime allegation involving
an American on oceangoing voyages worldwide, regardless of the ship’s
location and flag. For alleged crimes involving foreign citizens outside of U.S.
waters, the victim’s home country has the full authority to investigate, as well
as local law enforcement and the country where the ship is registered.
 Sample Prohibited Items List: The Sample Prohibited Items List includes
items that the security professionals of CLIA’s members have identified as
potentially being dangerous or posing a risk to the crew, passengers or ship.
Possession by passengers or crew of these items is generally not permissible
without a valid reason, unless required in direct support of ship operations, as
part of a crew member’s official duties, and with consent of a duly authorized
ship representative
This is the Sample Prohibited Item List identified by the security professionals of CLIA’S
members that are potentially dangerous or posing a risk to crew, passengers or ship.

Prohibited Items

1. Any illegal narcotics/drugs

2. All firearms including replicas, imitations and their components
3. Air, BB or pellet pistols or rifles
4. Any other projectile-weapon (e.g., paint ball guns)
5. All ammunition
6. All explosives, including imitation explosives and devices
7. Fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics (excluding those which are part of the
vessel’s lifesaving equipment and which have been properly manifested)
8. Sharp pointed weapons including throwing stars
9. Knives with a blade longer than 4 inches/10.16 cm
10. Open razors
11. Skean Dhus or Kirpans2,4
12. Spears or spear guns
13. Crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows
14. Blunt weapons including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes,
batons, flails or nunchakus
15. Items containing incapacitating substances (e.g. gas guns, tear gas
sprays, mace, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could
be used to maim or disable)
16. Flammable substances and hazardous chemicals unless carried in limited
quantities and in accordance with company instructions (e.g., petrol,
methylated spirits, paint thinners etc.)
17. Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon
18. Stun devices
19. Large batteries
20. Items brought on board the vessel and not supplied by the Company
containing any kind of heating element, such as but not limited to:
immersion heaters, heating blankets, flat irons, water heaters, coffee
machines with heating / hot plates,
21. Any remotely controlled or autonomously flying devices, toys or drones
22. Self-balancing hover boards, air wheels, scooters, or Segway’s (except
those provided by the Company for shore excursions)
23. Compressed gas tanks, bottles, cylinders including dive tanks, propane
tanks and aerosol Cans.
24. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), ham radios,
satellite phones, transformers, lasers and laser pointers.
How cruise line industry manages risks to have a safer voyage?

Many regulations and conventions have been adopted to improve operational safety
conditions and the use formal safety assessment is one way of ensuring that action is
taken before a disaster occurs.

What is FSA or Formal Safety Assessment?

It is a structured and systematic methodology, aimed at enhancing maritime safety,

including protection of life, health, the marine environment, and property, by using risk
analysis and cost benefit assessment. FSA consists of five steps:

1. Identification of hazards - what might go wrong?

(a list of all relevant accident scenarios with potential causes and outcomes)

2. Assessment of risks - how bad and how likely?

(Evaluation of risk factors)

3. Risk control options - can matters be improved?

(Devising regulatory measures to control and reduce the identified risks)

4. Cost benefit assessment - what would it cost and how much better would it be?

(Determining cost effectiveness of each risk control option)

5. Recommendations for decision making - what actions should be taken?

(Information about the hazards, their associated risks and the cost effectiveness of
alternative risk control options is provided)

FSA is highly technical and complex. But it does offer a way forward and a means of
escaping from the dilemma of the past in which action was too often put off until
something went wrong - with the result that the actions taken often owed more to
public opinion and political considerations than they did to technical merit.

Why is it risk assessment is important to carry out?

 It is financially beneficial, and it helps reduce the risks and accidents.

 It is regulatory requirement and legally required to conduct risk assessment.
 It is normally and ethically right thing to do as risk assessment helps in
preventing injuries and accidents.
How can you protect yourselves when you are in the cruise?

TIPS FOR HEALTHY CRUISING:

If you’re sick, report your illness.

Before your voyage:
– Ask your cruise line if there are alternative cruising options.
– Consult a doctor to find out whether it is safe for you to sail.

During your voyage, call the ship’s medical facility and follow the medical staff’s
recommendations.

Wash your hands often!

Why: Avoid exposing yourself and others to anything that may cause illnesses and
spread germs.

When: Wash your hands often but especially after using the toilet and before eating or
smoking.

Take care of yourself.

Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water.

Why: Resting helps rebuild your immune system. Drinking water helps prevent
dehydration.

Leave the area if you see someone get sick (vomiting or diarrhea).
Report it to cruise staff if they are not already aware.

Reducing Your Risk of Infection

There are some measures you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick during your
cruise.

Before the Trip

 Check the history of the cruise ship you are planning to take (for example, any
previous outbreaks or failed inspections).
 If you have a chronic illness, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to go on a cruise.

Once Onboard

 Avoid other passengers who are ill.

 Avoid foods that may have been washed in contaminated water.
 Go to the infirmary if you have symptoms of an infection.
REFERENCES:

  http://www.cdc.gov 

https://cruising.org/en/about-the-industry/policy-priorities/security-at-sea

https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/FormalSafetyAssessment.aspx