In response to the Costa Concordia incident and as part of the industry’s continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures, the Cruise Lines International Association, Inc. (CLIA), speaking on behalf of the global cruise lines industry, has announced the launch of a Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review. The Review will include a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety. As best practices are identified, they will be shared among CLIA members and any appropriate recommendations will be shared with the IMO. Recommendations will be made on an ongoing basis.Key components of the Review include:
• An internal review by CLIA members of their own operational safety practices and procedures concerning issues of navigation, evacuation, emergency training, and related practices and procedures.While the cruise industry has an outstanding safety record, CLIA is fully committed to understanding the factors that contributed to the Costa Concordia incident and is proactively responding to all maritime safety issues. The Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review will enable the industry to do so in a meaningful and expedited manner.
• Consultation with independent external experts.
• Identification and sharing of industry best practices and policies, as well as possible recommendations to the IMO for substantive regulatory changes to further improve the industry’s operational safety.
• Collaboration with the IMO, governments and regulatory bodies to implement any necessary regulatory changes.
About CLIA: The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research, and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information about CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member lines and travel agencies, visit Cruising.org.
Yet another safety review after the ship has settled on the rocks and bodies are still being recovered. How many people within the industry has said that someday that egomaniacle nut case, albiet a fine ship handler, is going to run his ship aground because he isn't paying attention? The answer lies within the bridge team, a group of seaman, highly skilled in navigation, seamanship and the quirks of handling that particular ship. Some are qualified to command and are awaiting the opportunity. They know what happened and why.
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