Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009
UPDATE:
On July 27th , 2010, President Obama signed Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.)’s Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, which will increase security, law enforcement, and accountability on cruise ships in international waters. The Senate unanimously passed this legislation earlier this month. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) sponsored the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
Improve Ship Safety and Protect Vessel Security Zones (Anti-Piracy)
In brief, The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will:
• improve ship safety by requiring forty-two inch guard rails, peep holes in every passenger and crew member’s door, on-deck video surveillance, and an emergency sound system
Provide Transparency in Reporting
In brief, The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will:
Improve Crime Scene Response
In brief, The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will:• improve crime scene response by requiring rape kits, anti-retroviral medications, and a trained forensic sexual assault specialist be aboard each ship
Improve Training Procedures
In brief, The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will:• establish a program designed by the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the FBI to train appropriate crew members in crime prevention, detection, evidence preservation, and reporting of criminal activities in the international maritime environment.
