Commerce Committee Unanimously Approves Kerry Cruise Ship Safety Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 8 2009): The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation today passed a bill authored by Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) to increase security, law enforcement, and accountability on cruise ships in international waters.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 was voted out of the Commerce Committee by a unanimous vote. Originally introduced in the 110th Congress as a companion bill to Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) and former Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT), the legislation would require all crimes that occur aboard cruise ships to be reported to the Coast Guard and Federal Bureau of Investigations. Cruise ships, which operate under foreign flags of convenience, are not currently required under U.S. law to report crimes that occur outside of U.S. territorial waters.

“The term ‘duty free’ does not apply to the safety of passengers,” said Sen. Kerry. “Murky lines of jurisdiction are no longer an excuse for risking the safety of millions of Americans who will board cruise ships this year. Security, safety, and accountability must all be strengthened to hold criminals accountable and end the cycle of serious crimes on these vessels. I thank Chairman Rockefeller for giving this issue the timely attention it deserves and call on my colleagues to quickly move this legislation to the Senate floor.”

“The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 will ensure the safety and protection of millions of Americans who embark on cruises each year,” said Rep. Matsui. “For far too long, American families have unknowingly been at risk on cruise ships. I applaud Senator Kerry and the Committee for making the safety of Americans a priority, and look forward to making significant progress moving this legislation forward in the coming weeks.”

“This is truly an historic day in the fight for the safety of cruise ship passengers,” said Ken Carver, the President of the International Cruise Victims Association and the father of one of Senator Kerry’s constituents, Merriam, who disappeared on a cruise ship in 2004. “The efforts made by Senator Kerry and the Commerce Committee have truly made the difference.”