Free Confidential Consultation

(786) 375-0344

Cruise Ship Safety: Regulations and Tips

Home » Uncategorized » Cruise Ship Safety: Regulations and Tips
Safety orange lifebuoy hanging on steel guardrail on deck of a ship

All cruise ships follow safety-related regulations, including emergency procedures, ship design, and crew training. These rules help the cruise industry keep strong safety management standards to protect passengers and crew.

Whether you’re a passenger or a crew member, knowing these safety measures can help you feel more confident and comfortable on your cruise. Keep reading to learn more about cruise ship safety.

Key Takeaways

  • Cruise ship safety is based on strict rules set by laws like the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, and the Jones Act to help keep you and the crew safe.
  • Cruise safety isn’t just about rules and equipment. Another important part is the safety drill you’re required to join before the ship sets sail, as well as emergency codes.
  • You can support cruise ship safety by following easy safety tips like keeping an eye on your kids, avoiding risky behavior, and drinking responsibly.

Cruise Ship Safety Regulations

Cruise ship safety regulations are established to provide a security guide on how cruise ships operate. Many cruise ships go above and beyond global standards, including carrying backup mechanical equipment and provisions. Cruise ships are regularly inspected by government officials for things like safety, sanitation, environmental protection, and response to criminal activity.

Some of the specific laws and regulations that govern cruise ships include:

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea is one of the most important international regulations in the cruise industry. It was established by the International Maritime Organization to set strict requirements for how ships should be constructed, operated, and equipped.

One of its main goals is to reduce the risk of emergencies like ship fires. That is why the law requires cruise ships to have fire protection systems like sprinkler systems, fire doors, and fire detection alarms throughout the vessel.

Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA)

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires ships to follow new requirements for crime reporting, environmental protection, and handling emergency situations. A major reason it was established was because of the prevalence of sexual and physical assault, as well as cases of missing persons on cruise ships. For safety, the organization provided the Coast Guard with detailed guidance on how to make sure cruise lines comply with the CVSSA’s safety standards. It also set up a course curriculum to train at least one crew member on how to prevent crime and handle evidence properly.

Jones Act

The Jones Act, also called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, plays an important role in keeping the cruise industry in the U.S. safe and reliable. It requires ships traveling between U.S. ports to be built, owned, and operated by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The Jones Act also offers safety provisions for crew members. For example, if a seaman gets injured on the job, they're allowed to sue their employers for negligence.

Maritime Law

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, is a unique set of safety regulations that apply only when cruise ships are at sea. Maritime law jurisdiction depends on which country’s flag the ship is flying. For example, a cruise ship flying the American flag in the Persian Gulf follows U.S. maritime law and not the laws of the surrounding countries.

Under Maritime law, if you're a victim of a slip and fall accident due to a wet floor or you get sick from food contamination, you're allowed to file an injury claim.

Cruise Safety Drills

Before a cruise ship sets sail, all passengers and crew must take part in a safety drill. There are two types of safety drills: the traditional muster drill and the e-muster drill. In a traditional drill, crew members will guide you to your assigned muster station and explain safety steps in person. They'll also show you the right way to put on life jackets and how life rafts are deployed.

The e-muster drill, on the other hand, lets you watch safety videos on your phone or cabin TV before checking in at your muster station. Either way, these safety drills help everyone onboard know how to respond in case of an emergency or the unlikely event of an evacuation.

Cruise Safety Tips

Whether you're traveling solo, with kids, or as a senior, it’s important to know a few basic cruise ship safety tips to have an enjoyable cruise experience. Here are some tips to help you feel more secure:

For Adults

  • Avoid Risky Behavior –  Don’t lean on railings, sit on ledges, or try to climb over barriers. These actions are some of the main causes of falling overboard.
  • Drink Responsibly – Alcohol can affect your judgment and balance, especially on a moving ship. So when drinking, watch your alcohol intake.
  • Wear Non-slip Shoes –  Decks can get wet and slippery, especially near pools or outdoor bars. Wearing shoes with grip can help prevent falls and serious injuries.
  • Use Handrails – Always use railings when walking around the ship, especially when it’s rocking or moving quickly. This small habit can prevent losing balance or taking a bad fall.

For Parents of Children

  • Supervise Children at All Times – Children are naturally curious, and cruise ships have many areas that can be dangerous. Always keep an eye on your children, especially near pools, to avoid swimming pool accidents.
  • Educate Children on Safety Rules – Before the cruise, discuss safety guidelines with your children. Teach them not to run on decks, not to climb railings, and what to do if they get separated from you. 

Seeking Compensation for Cruise Ship Injuries

If you’ve been injured on a cruise, you may be entitled to compensation, but only if liability is proven. This means that you have to prove that the cruise line failed to act with reasonable care and that their negligence directly caused your injury. Once liability is proven, you can pursue different forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages. 

However, when seeking compensation, it's important you work with an experienced cruise injury attorney to increase your chances of receiving compensation. It's also important to act quickly, as most cruise contracts have strict deadlines for reporting injuries and filing claims.

Contact Our Cruise Ship Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Whether it's your first voyage or you're a seasoned traveler, understanding cruise ship safety is necessary. From fire protection systems to extensive training for crew members, these safety measures exist to protect you from unlikely events.

At Louis A. Vucci P.A., we do all we can to protect passengers who’ve been injured due to poor cruise vessel security. Our team understands maritime law and how to handle passenger claims. Contact our cruise ship lawyer for a free consultation today.

Related Reading:

Request a Free Consultation

Name(Required)

Jack

Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you to everybody at the Vucci Office! In particular - Karl, Millie and Raul . I was visiting from England and they couldn’t have made me feel more welcome; They worked perfectly as a team to make me feel assured and made a hard time much easier.

Louis Vucci was recommended to me by a friend from my previous career and after using him, I can safely say I have no regrets.Louis was consistently honest with me which I greatly appreciated. He spent an endless amount of time on my case and his passion was so genuine - I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I couldn’t recommend them anymore.
Once again, thank you!

Albert L.

I was injured on a cruise ship – I slipped and fell and injured my shoulder. I was not sure about the process and needed help. I had no idea about the difficulty in dealing with a cruise line. My attorney, Louis Vucci, handled my claim from beginning to end and guided me throughout. He and his staff were courteous and attentive and obtained a great result on my behalf.

Betty A.

I had to have hip repair surgery because of a slip and fall on a cruise ship. Louis was very kind and professional. This was my first experience working with an attorney. He never tired of all my questions and answered truthfully and respectfully. He honestly understood my concerns and addressed every single one. I could not have asked for a better attorney. He and those in his office were wonderful. He settled my case in a timely manner and I was very happy with the outcome.

Andrew Somer

I worked with Louis and The Vucci Law Group from an incident I had aboard a cruise ship. Louis was very candid, honest and sympathetic to my situation. He was thorough and worked on my behalf with the cruise line, insurance and medical companies. He kept me fully updated and informed every step of the way. He made this very challenging time a little easier to handle. Highly recommended.

Denise Grosdanof

My son broke his arm while participating in the onboard child care program. I approached other lawyers who turned down my case. I was about to give up and I decided to try one last time. I found Louis and I could not be happier that I did. Not only did he sympathize with my case he was well versed on legal responsibility the ship has to ensure safety of children while in their care. He responds to inquiries and emails immediately and takes you through the steps to file a claim. We were extremely happy with the outcome! I highly recommend working with Louis, he is knowledgeable friendly and easy to approach. The whole process was painless.

K. K.

I broke my C4 vertebrae after suffering a fall on a Flow Rider excursion sold by Carnival Cruise Line. I was very fortunate to have Louis Vucci represent me in my personal injury lawsuit. Louis was extremely professional, knowledgeable and tenacious. He did an excellent job of asserting my claim against all responsible parties (including the Flow Rider operator in Grand Turk), anticipating and addressing their defenses, and securing a very favorable settlement. Along the way, Louis always kept me informed about the status of my case and minimized any inconvenience to me, which I very much appreciate since I live in New Jersey. Thank you Louis for your good counsel and determination to obtain a fair and just resolution.

Ryan Bockiaro

Louis is down-to-earth and will go out of his way to help you

See all Testimonials
Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:00PM
Saturday - Sunday | Closed
©2025 Louis A. Vucci P.A.. All rights reserved | Powered By Cobalt Digital
phone-handsetmap-marker linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram