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Cruise ships are meant to be relaxing and fun. But incidents like theft, assaults, or other security issues can sometimes disrupt that experience and leave passengers feeling uneasy. These scary incidents often leave people wondering about the security response they can expect, particularly whether or not cruise ships have jails.
To help passengers feel informed and safe, this article explains everything about cruise ship jails and the safety measures cruise lines take to protect both passengers and crew members while at sea.
Big cruise ships operate like floating cities, and even small ships often have jails onboard. These secure holding areas, known as brigs, are small and simple. Each cruise ship brig has a bench or bed and sometimes a bathroom. They are located on lower decks, away from guest areas, and they are used only when other safety measures fail.
Brigs are used to isolate passengers whose actions threaten the safety of other passengers or disrupt order on board. Once the cruise ship reaches port, local authorities take custody of the passengers and handle any legal matters.
On a cruise ship, not every ship rule violation leads to confinement. However, there are certain behaviors and actions that are serious enough to require this level of security.
Some of these actions include:
Incidents involving stolen belongings are among the most common problems reported at sea. These cases may involve missing wallets, jewelry, electronics, or even sensitive personal information. While property crimes may not be as violent as other offenses, they can leave victims feeling shaken and unsafe.
When theft becomes a pattern or involves significant value, and when the person poses an ongoing risk to other passengers, confinement may be necessary.
Alcohol-related incidents are another frequent issue on cruises. When someone becomes so intoxicated that they start causing disturbances, threatening others, or putting other guests at risk, security should step in.
Some of these unruly behaviors might include harassment, fights, or refusing to follow safety instructions. If the person’s actions escalate and create a danger to others, they may be confined in the brig to restore order and protect the people around them.
Acts of violence, whether they are physical attacks or sexual assaults, are to be treated with absolute seriousness on cruise ships. These incidents can happen between passengers or crew members, and victims often feel especially vulnerable because they’re isolated at sea.
When security guards identify a credible threat or an active offender, the person responsible should be placed in the brig as an immediate safety measure. They’re usually kept there until authorities at the next port can begin a formal investigation. The ship’s medical team should also be central to the response.
Maintaining safety on a cruise ship goes far beyond the brig. Multiple departments work together behind the scenes to prevent criminal activities before they escalate. Here are some of the measures and key areas involved in keeping passengers safe while at sea:
Every cruise ship has a security office that handles reports, reviews complaints, and maintains records of incidents that occur on board. This team works closely with the ship’s security officers and helps coordinate the next steps when a serious situation is reported.
Cruise ship security teams should be composed of trained professionals. Their main role is to keep the ship safe by responding to emergencies, managing incidents, and preventing situations from getting worse. Cruise ship security officers are often the first to step in when a crime occurs, and they help contain the situation until law enforcement officers on land can take over.
The captain has full authority over everything that happens on the ship. This includes the final say on how serious crimes are handled and on the actions the security team should take. If someone poses a safety risk, the captain can order them to be confined in the brig or restrict their movement until the ship reaches port. Their decisions should be based on maritime law and should be aimed at keeping everyone on board safe.
Most cruise ships use cameras to monitor hallways, decks, lounges, and other busy areas. These recordings help security teams respond quickly when something happens and can also be used as evidence if a crime is reported.
Cruise lines often run background checks on crew members before hiring them, and some may screen passengers depending on the route. This helps to reduce the risk of bringing dangerous individuals on board.
Brig is a nautical term for a jail on a cruise ship. It was originally connected to a type of ship called a brigantine, which often had a small room used to hold people who caused trouble during long trips. Over time, the word “brig” became the common name for any similar holding space on a ship. Today, modern cruise ships still use it to describe the secure room where someone is kept until the ship arrives at the next port.
Cruise ships should take a range of steps to keep passengers safe. However, even when all of these measures are properly taken, certain incidents, such as assaults or theft, can still happen. These incidents can leave victims feeling vulnerable and not sure of their next steps. In situations like these, or cases when cruise lines fail to take proper security measures, you should speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer.
A cruise ship injury lawyer can protect your rights, gather evidence, and provide legal guidance through the legal process. At Louis A. Vucci P.A., our firm has a proven track record of securing fair settlements for cruise ship victims. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable. Don't handle the burden alone; contact us today.
Related Reading:
Cruise Ship Safety: Regulations and Tips
What Happens If You Fight on a Cruise Ship: Assault and Battery
There are many things for which a passenger may make a claim, some of which include: