Cruise Lines International Association, Inc. (CLIA) announced the launch of a Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review. This review will include a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety.
CLIA said that as "best practices" are identified, they will be shared among CLIA members and any appropriate recommendations will be shared with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Recommendations will be made on an ongoing basis.
Key components of the Review? CLIA members will conduct a review of their own operational safety practices and procedures -- addressing issues of navigation, evacuation, emergency training, and related practices and procedures.
CLIA and its member lines will also consult with independent external experts. They will identify and share best practices, policies and potential recommendations to the IMO for substantive regulatory changes to further improve the industry’s operational safety.
They will also collaborate with the IMO, governments and regulatory bodies to implement any necessary regulatory changes.
CLIA's press statement said: "While the cruise industry has an outstanding safety record, CLIA is fully committed to understanding the factors that contributed to the 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."