CLIA sets a course to review safety

CLIA is launching a Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review “in response to the Concordia incident and as part of the industry’s continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures.” In making the announcing, CLIA said that it was speaking on behalf of the global cruise lines industry, and indicated the review “will include a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety.” CLIA continued, “As best practices are identified, they will be shared among CLIA members and any appropriate recommendations will be shared with the IMO. Recommendations will be made on an ongoing basis.” Key components of the review will include an internal review by CLIA members of their own operational safety practices and procedures concerning issues of navigation, evacuation, emergency training, and related practices and procedures; consultation with independent external experts; identification and sharing of industry best practices and policies, as well as possible recommendations to the IMO for substantive regulatory changes to further improve the industry’s operational safety; and collaboration with the IMO, governments and regulatory bodies to implement any necessary regulatory changes. In concluding its announcement of the launch of the safety review, CLIA 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.” Go to http://www.cruising.org for more.