Cruise Ship Security: How Safe Are Cruisers?

Table Of Content

• Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America
• 1 Safety Regulations and Compliance
• What Security Measures Are in Place at Sea?
• 2 Security Personnel and Training
• Cruise Ship Jails and Security (A Security Officer Reveals All) – What Are They Like?
• Is there a system of communication in place in case of an emergency?

When you finish your contract, don’t try to be clever and “smuggle” things that you purchased during your contract. Remember that customs form that you filled out when you joined the ship? Customs officials know what you initially came onboard with and therefore know what you should be paying duty on, if applicable.

Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America

Cruise ships also prioritize the security of individual cabins to ensure the protection of personal belongings and the privacy of passengers. After a few unfortunate incidents at sea, Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) member cruise lines created and agreed to the Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights in 2013. Instead of norovirus, what you should be concerned about is seasickness, sunburns, and hangovers. Seasickness on cruise ships is rarer since ships have stabilizers to prevent large motions at sea.

1 Safety Regulations and Compliance

The big ship illness you'll often hear about is the diarrhea-inducing norovirus. However, per the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), it's actually a myth that you're more likely to contract it on cruise ships. In fact, there's only a 1 in 5,500 chance of contracting the illness while a cruise ship is actively experiencing an outbreak. (Your chances of getting norovirus in the U.S., meanwhile, is 1 in 15.) Regardless of the odds, you'll be doing yourself a favor by still washing your hands frequently. CruiseSafely.com is the best online resource for travel tips, travel warnings, real-time health alerts, safe cruising advice, travel insurance, safety products and much more.

What Security Measures Are in Place at Sea?

Additionally, they have advanced communication technology that allows them to stay connected with other vessels, emergency services on land, and even satellite systems. Almost all cruise ships have at least one doctor and two nurses onboard to handle medical emergencies. These medical professionals are equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. Also, many cruise lines have well-stocked medical facilities that can provide treatment for various medical issues.

If the perpetrator poses a threat to other passengers, ships do have what's called a brig — a ship jail — where suspects can be taken and held until the next steps are determined. Cruise ship safety is the responsibility of both the cruise line and individual passengers. Following the sinking of the Titanic, which didn't have enough lifeboats for everyone, the international maritime community developed Safety of Life at Sea standards. Under SOLAS, passenger ships are now required to carry enough lifeboats for all passengers. They are outfitted with navigation and communications equipment and basic necessities required for survival until help arrives.

Note that because they are never far from land-based medical care, most river cruise vessels do not have onboard medical staff. Additionally, medical care can be expensive on cruise ships that do offer it. It's generally not covered by regular health insurance, so always purchase a travel insurance policy. In addition to these international regulations, cruise lines have safety precautions and security policies in place. They conduct regular safety drills and inspections, and crew members are trained to respond to different emergencies. Yes, all cruise lines must have medical personnel onboard their vessels to ensure the health and safety of their passengers and crew members.

Cruise Ship Jails and Security (A Security Officer Reveals All) – What Are They Like?

One of the best parts about cruise ship security jobs is that there are always opportunities for advancement. If you enjoy working security, you can move up the ladder within the security department to obtain a management role. According to Indeed, the average security officer makes about $57,000 annually.

Is there a system of communication in place in case of an emergency?

International Security Warning Issued for Ships in the Red Sea - The Maritime Executive

International Security Warning Issued for Ships in the Red Sea.

Posted: Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The International Maritime Organization has established the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, which sets out minimum safety standards for vessels, including cruise ships. Passenger involvement in safety procedures is encouraged to enhance overall security on board cruise ships. Passengers are often required to participate in emergency drills and practice safety procedures during the voyage. This active involvement not only increases passengers’ awareness of safety protocols but also helps to familiarize them with evacuation routes and emergency equipment. Sinking cruise ships are rare but unfortunately, problems with personal safety while on board are not.

Explained: What It’s Like to Go Through Cruise Security

Essentially, the Code standardizes how cruise ships and port facilities work together to detect and deter acts that would be a threat to security of the ship. For example, the Code requires ships and their ports to each have their own security officers, security plans, and security equipment. In addition, the Code requires that both ships and ports must monitor and control access as well as monitor the activities of people and cargo. The security team consists of security guards, supervisors, guest security supervisors, and ship security officers.

Onboard security is enhanced by the presence of well-trained security officers. These officers are on call around the clock and are equipped to handle various security situations. Additionally, crew members receive continuous training in emergency procedures and first aid, further bolstering the ship’s security measures. As with crime anywhere, you might find that you must advocate for yourself or your family when it comes to those rights. It's wise to take your own photos when possible and to request copies of all documentation, including copies of any written statements made by you or other witnesses.

These devices help the security team detect any concealed weapons, dangerous objects, or prohibited items during pre-boarding security checks. By having these technologies in place, cruise ships can provide a higher level of security and deter potential threats. Technological advancements have played a significant role in enhancing cruise ship safety. Modern cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art electronic navigational instruments that enable them to stay on course and avoid potential hazards.

However, to be safe, bring anti-nausea medication and ginger chews if you're prone to motion sickness. Cruises are generally a happy-go-lucky travel option if you don't want the hassle of planning out a multi-destination itinerary all on your own. Boarding a cruise ship is like handing over the reins for the next week or two as your food, excursions, and entertainment are all taken care of for you. However, throwing away your inhibitions can lull you into forgetting basic safety concerns.

By implementing effective security measures, cruise ships can instill confidence in passengers, encouraging repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. This, in turn, helps to sustain the growth and success of the tourism industry. One of the keys to ensuring safety on board is implementing international rules and regulations.

These companies comply with strict international rules and regulations to ensure safe and secure voyages. Once a security breach is identified, specific steps are followed to mitigate the risks. These steps may include initiating a lockdown procedure to restrict movement and prevent further access to sensitive areas. Security personnel will coordinate with other departments to ensure the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew members. Depending on the severity of the breach, a Crisis Management Team may be activated, consisting of key personnel from various departments to manage the incident effectively. Even in the best of times, cruise ships can be vectors for disease and illness.

Ship's staff are trained to deal with these cases, prevent escalation and, in most cases, keep them from affecting other passengers. But it stands to reason that all that intoxication can sometimes lead to more serious crimes. They must be constantly alert and prepared to respond to unusual incidents at any time. Matt also mentioned that most people who join a cruise ship security team will have experience in either the Military, Aviation, Hotel Security, or will have been in the Police. The last thing you want to think about is getting hacked when you’re on vacation, especially when sailing off to a far-flung destination halfway around the world. Though it would be rare for your accounts and personal information to be compromised when on a cruise ship, it could happen.

At the beginning of every cruise, all guests and crew must complete a drill known as the "muster" drill, to ensure they are familiar with what to do and where to go in the unlikely event of an emergency. To further ensure they are aware of their specific muster location, we identify it on each of guest’s card keys. Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) requirements, including railing heights, access control, closed circuit TV, medical preparedness, crime allegation reporting and crew training. Our own requirements generally exceed those specified within the CVSSA. Coast Guard, from each country our ships visit also regularly inspect our ships. Their examinations focus on life-saving equipment and safety and environmental protection items and these officials have the authority to prevent our ships from sailing if we fail to adhere to regulations.