The European Cruise Council (ECC) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) adopt new safety policies
The world cruise industry, represented by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the European
Cruise Council (ECC), has announced a new safety policy establishing a mandatory emergency drill for all
embarking passengers prior to departure from port, under the International Convention for the Safety of Life
at Sea (SOLAS). The industry announced a Cruise Ship Operational Safety Review and Improvement on 27
January, as a result of its continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures.
This new policy has been driven by the associations’ members and is to take immediate effect, going beyond
existing legal requirements. The agreement adopted by all the associations requires passengers travelling on
board cruise ships to be called to muster stations for the mandatory safety drill prior to departure from the
port. Exceptionally, where passengers arrive after the mandatory muster has been completed, that is to say
where boarding is conducted at other ports during the cruise, passengers shall be informed without delay,
alone or in groups, of all the safety requirements and obligations applicable under the SOLAS Convention. This
policy has been designed to help ensure that all mandatory exercises or briefings are promptly conducted for
new embarking passengers.
Emergency drills are mandatory exercises conducted on board cruise ships to ensure that passengers are
informed of safety protocols, including emergency evacuation procedures, while on board the ship.
The Cruise Ship Operational Safety Review and Improvement is based on a comprehensive assessment of the
most important human and operational factors relating to maritime safety. After identifying potential
enhancements, the findings are shared with organisation members, and the resulting recommendations are
submitted to the International Maritime Organisation (OMI), the European Union, or other governmental
authorities, as appropriate. The industry’s efforts are also consistent with the framework and spirit of the
International Safety Management Code.