Post-Concordia: House Committee to Review Cruise Safety

In a press release, Congressman John Mica (R-FL) said the U.S. House of Representatives' Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, of which he serves as chairman, will conduct a hearing to review cruise ship safety. 

“The Costa Concordia tragedy is a wakeup call for the United States and international maritime organizations to carefully review and make certain we have in place all appropriate standards to ensure passengers’ safety on cruise ships,” said Mica. 

“In general, cruise travel is a safe form of transportation and an important jobs provider for the nation’s economy," he acknowledged. "Congress must closely examine how this incident occurred and address questions raised regarding vessel safety and operating standards and crew training requirements."

Mica said the committee plans to review the events of the accident, the industry's safety measures and training requirements set by law and international maritime transportation agreements to ensure cruising as a mode of transportation remains as safe as possible.

Mica said he asked Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) to help lead the review and preliminary investigations in preparation for a hearing to be slated for February.

“Although it is early in the investigatory process, it appears the Costa Concordia was a preventable tragedy,” LoBiondo said. He said the Congressional groups will use this hearing to review current U.S. laws and regulations in an effort to ensure a similar tragedy does not occur aboard vessels calling on American ports.

Mica continued in his statement: “The cruise industry has grown dramatically over the past 25 years, providing not only enjoyable, affordable opportunities for travelers, but also a huge economic boost for parts of the U.S. and throughout the world. We must ensure that vessel safety and operating standards and crew training requirements are adequate and adequately enforced and that the millions of Americans who board these ships are kept safe.”

On January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia, with approximately 4,200 individuals on board, including more than 120 U.S. citizens, crashed into an undetermined object off the coast of Italy. The ship suffered a 160-foot gash in its hull, causing it to rapidly keel over and partially submerge. Rescue efforts for more than 20 people missing -- including two Americans -- continue by Italian authorities.