Senate Passes Cruise Vessel Safety Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The International Cruise Victims Association (ICV) applauds Senate passage today of a measure ensuring the safety of cruise ship passengers on the high seas. ICV, with members and friends in more than 20 countries, represents victims of crime on cruise ships, their families and friends, and individuals concerned about the problems of victimization and disappearances on cruise ships.

The Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act of 2009 requires cruise lines to report all crimes aboard cruise ships plus take other actions to protect the victims of crimes on cruise ships. The first measure of its kind, the approval of this legislation represents a historic step toward securing all passengers the safety and security they need and deserve.

ICV has been advocating for these measures to be adopted since 2006, participating in countless meetings with Members of Congress, and three Congressional hearings. The hearings were held at the urging of Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), with the support of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Elijah Cummings (D-MD). Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) introduced corresponding legislation in the U.S. Senate.

We are thrilled that through the efforts of Sen. John Kerry the Senate has passed this major legislation. "When the cruise safety legislation is signed into law, it will serve to protect Americans across the nation during what ought to be relaxing vacations," said International Cruise Victims Association Chairman Kendall Carver. "Without Congresswoman Matsui's efforts in the House and Sen. Kerry's efforts in the U.S. Senate, this legislation would not have moved forward.”

Because of minor differences between the House and Senate bill, the next stage will be for the House to reconcile these differences. It is anticipated that this will be done within the next couple of weeks. "I look for the necessary final steps to be taken so that the legislation can be forwarded for the President's signature as soon as humanly possible," Carver added.

For more information about the International Cruise Victims Association, please visit www.internationalcruisevictims.org