Cruise ship passenger safety policies changing after Costa Concordia disaster

Our maritime injury lawyers point out hat cruise ship bookings have dropped off precipitously since the Costa Concordia disaster left 16 people dead and 16 others still missing. The cruise industry, alarmed by the results of the cruise ship crash, has begun reviewing and revising existing policies regarding passenger safety.

In May, The International Maritime Organization Maritime Safety Committee conference in May 2012 will focus on cruise ship safety concerns. Among the issues to be addressed are:

• Qualification and training of crews, particularly in relation to their communication with passengers.
• The adequacy of current stability rules for ships damaged or exposed to poor weather conditions.
• The possible need to adapt prevailing safety standards to keep up with new technical developments in engine type, materials, and design.
• Ways to ensure that passenger lists are accurate and up to date.
• Plans and procedures for evacuation.
• The possible expansion of safety standards to other types of ships offering domestic voyages (such as historical ships and sailing ships).

The Maritime Safety Committee will propose new rules and standards based on the information and decisions reached in the May conference.

Already, three major cruise industry bodies, including the largest in North America, have announced some mandatory changes to cruise ship passenger safety procedure. These three industry organizations have announced that cruise ships must conduct safety “muster” drills before leaving port. Previously, the ships were allowed to conduct the drills within 24 hours of leaving port. Passengers who board after the musters have already taken place should receive prompt individual or group attention to acquaint them with safety procedures.

The new policy could be a step forward in safety. The Costa Concordia went down less than 24 hours after leaving port. About 600 of her over 3,000 passengers had not participated in safety drills when the disaster occurred. Inquiries are underway to determine whether this lack of safety drilling played a significant role in the chaotic evacuation and outcome of the disaster.

Our maritime injury lawyers caution that safety drills only ensure one aspect of your safety. Deficiencies still remain in the rapidity with which a major cruise ship evacuation can happen and in means to ensure that lifeboats remain available and undamaged until all passengers and crew are able to evacuate a sinking vessel.

If you’re injured at sea or you lose a loved one to an unforeseen maritime disaster, contact our maritime injury lawyers for a free and confidential legal consultation about the accident. We understand the trauma and disorientation you experience after an accident at sea. Our concern is to help you understand all of your legal options in addressing the injury and obtaining the financial compensation you deserve for the harm you’ve suffered. Reach our maritime injury lawyers toll free at 877-307-9500 or at your convenience through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.