South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
There is a new safety policy in effect, created to help reduce the risks of cruise ship injuries in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere. Recently, a number of cruise lines and safety organizations announced that passengers must participate in a mandatory muster drill before their ship can depart, according to the Travel Market Report.
The Passenger Shipping Association, the European Cruise Council and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report that all ships are now partaking in the new muster policy. Now, passengers who board the ship must no undergo an on-board safety briefing, either as a group or individually, before the ship sets sail, in order to meet the new guidelines set forth by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
Going on a cruise ship vacation is an escape for many people. However, safety issues are still a legitimate concern. Cruise ship passengers and employees are required to keep safe traveling a top priority. Our Fort Lauderdale cruise ship injury attorneys understand that cruise ship voyages can turn disastrous very quickly. It’s important, as a passenger, to be ready to deal with any dangers that come your way. These new muster drills will help to equip passengers with the knowledge necessary to deal with problems at sea.
The new policy took effect on the 27th of January at the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review. The new policy was the result of the Concordia shipwreck that happened in January.
Since the January accident, a number of cruise ship companies have been in touch with passengers on upcoming voyages to reassure them about their safety procedures and policies.
“Most of my clients, whether new or first time, have no safety concerns. To see the cruise lines step up and enforce stricter controls is good, but really this is a non-issue,” said Lisa Silvestri CTC, ECC, owner, of Silvestri Travel, one of Florida’s TRAVELSAVERS agencies.
The first announcement came from Royal Caribbean. The company said it is joining forces with the Resolve Maritime Academy to deliver new simulator-based navigation and safety training tools for employees of the cruise ships.
During the second quarter of 2012, the training will be available to employees of all of Royal Caribbean’s brands — Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. Employees will undergo this training program at the new training center in Fort Lauderdale.
Silvestri says that her customers aren’t too concerned with cruise ship safety, but do say that it’s reassuring to see cruise companies enforce stricter policies. These new policies will help to offer passengers with more info regarding the ship’s company and its employees’ procedures.
If you or someone who is close to you has been injured on a cruise ship that docks in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach or in any of the surrounding areas, contact the Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez. Call for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights at 1-800-529-2368.
More Blog Entries:
Fort Lauderdale Passengers Should be Wary of Cruise Ship Accidents, Injury and Illness, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, February 4, 2012
Injuries on Fort Lauderdale Cruise Ships Best Handled by Experienced Attorney, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, March 27, 2011