ICV UPDATE: ICV Goes International

SAMMAMISH, WASHINGTON The International Cruise Victims Association, Inc. (ICV), a not for profit corporation formed by victims and families of victims of cruise crimes, has been the voice promoting safety on cruise ships.

Earlier this year ICV announced that at the May meeting of the IMO Safety Committee, proposals were made to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by the United States to establish safety standards on cruise ships worldwide.  Unfortunately, nothing moved forward at that time.

However, ICV is pleased to announce that at the IMO Assembly last week in London, a resolution was adopted based on a proposal submitted by the United Kingdom, the Bahamas, the Philippines, and the United States, formally recognizing the serious nature of crimes at sea while fully respecting the criminal jurisdiction that may be asserted under international law; and inviting Member States to submit proposals to the IMO Legal Committee to consider the issues. 

This was achived only after pressure was put on the IMO to take action. Adding to the pressure was the fact that three additional countries joined with the United States in this effort.  While this proposal is indeed a start, it is only a small step toward getting this world organization to recognize and address the matter of crime on cruise ships.

In a response to the letter ICV sent to the Executive Director of the IMO prior to this meeting, we were advised by the IMO on December 5^th  the following:

This is an initial step in the process for having the Organization undertake an in depth consideration of concerns such as those raised in your messages.  It would be expected that the co-sponsors of the resolution, among others, would come forward in the near future with proposals for specific action by the Organization, including the details to be addressed by the proposed guidance.    

The level of awareness of this issue has been raised in Europe because of the Rebecca Coriam disappearance and the efforts of her family to see that action was taken.  It shows what one dedicated family can do to initiate change within an industry. ICV and Victims Support UK have supported their efforts, adding to the pressure for change.  

We would also like to inform you that Kendall Carver and Jamie Barnett of ICV have been asked to make a presentation in The Hague this coming May to those attending 14th International Symposium for the World Society of Victimology (WSV).  Victims Support (VS-EU) is also one of the sponsors and it is anticipated that VS- UK will join ICV in our 90 minute presentation.  Both the WSV and VS-EU and UK have taken official action to endorse and assist ICV to bring changes to the laws governing Cruise Lines around the world.   

Delegates will be attending from around the world and we are extremely pleased to have been invited to participate in this world group symposium.

 Kendall Carver, Chairman

602-852-5896

Jamie Barnett, President

818-355-6462