RC installing peepholes in doors

[Sandytoes]

Cruise Ship Safety Bill Introduced in Senate

 

Senator John Kerry introduced a new cruise ship safety bill to the Senate that would require cruise lines to install peepholes in cabin doors, increase guardrail heights and maintain crime report logbooks. The bill is designed to hold the cruise industry more accountable for crimes committed onboard cruise ships, and mirrors legislation introduced by Rep. Doris Matsui in the House, and also comes days after Kerry led a Senate subcommittee hearing examining cruise ship safety.

The new bill is in response to the fact that cruise ships are not currently required under US law to report crimes that occur outside US territorial waters. And furthermore, it remains unclear what crimes are required to be reported, to which agency and who has what jurisdiction.

In addition, victims of crime aboard cruise ships are accusing the lines of skirting what US regulations there are by hiring foreign crews and registering ships in foreign countries.

The new legislation would require cruise lines to train crew members in crime scene investigation and to keep sexual assault evidence collection kits on board. Cruise ships would also be required to stock medications that are used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases after an assault, and a US-licensed medical practitioner would need to be on every ship to perform the necessary examinations and to administer treatment.

One cruise line, Royal Caribbean, has already volunteered to make some changes including having peepholes put in all its cabin doors by the end of the year.

[silentbob007]

Good ... I've never seen the harm in it and it is one of the positives that Carnival has over RCCL.

[cb at sea]

We had a peephole in our JS on Brilliance last year! I don't remember if there were any on cruises beyond that! (I have a hard time remembering what I had for dinner last night!)

[dak_friendly]

Just so people are aware they exist... "Reverse Peephole Viewers" are available that allow someone to "peek" in.

 

Solution to the non-problem, place a sticky note over the hole. You did pack those right ... ;)

 

To be more realistic, having a peephole does allow that one speck of light for you to locate the door if you have an inside cabin.

[Cindy]

Cruise Ship Safety Bill Introduced in Senate

 

 

 

Senator John Kerry introduced a new cruise ship safety bill to the Senate that would require cruise lines to install peepholes in cabin doors, increase guardrail heights and maintain crime report logbooks. The bill is designed to hold the cruise industry more accountable for crimes committed onboard cruise ships, and mirrors legislation introduced by Rep. Doris Matsui in the House, and also comes days after Kerry led a Senate subcommittee hearing examining cruise ship safety.

The new bill is in response to the fact that cruise ships are not currently required under US law to report crimes that occur outside US territorial waters. And furthermore, it remains unclear what crimes are required to be reported, to which agency and who has what jurisdiction.

In addition, victims of crime aboard cruise ships are accusing the lines of skirting what US regulations there are by hiring foreign crews and registering ships in foreign countries.

The new legislation would require cruise lines to train crew members in crime scene investigation and to keep sexual assault evidence collection kits on board. Cruise ships would also be required to stock medications that are used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases after an assault, and a US-licensed medical practitioner would need to be on every ship to perform the necessary examinations and to administer treatment.

One cruise line, Royal Caribbean, has already volunteered to make some changes including having peepholes put in all its cabin doors by the end of the year.

 

I think the peep holes are a good idea, but I don't think raising the height of the guardrails is necessary. The rails already come up to my chest (I'm 5'4" tall). Any higher and I'll be looking at the ocean through plexiglass!:(

[tomko2]

Love the idea of peepholes for security.

Kathy:)

[Sandytoes]

Just so people are aware they exist... "Reverse Peephole Viewers" are available that allow someone to "peek" in.

 

Solution to the non-problem, place a sticky note over the hole. You did pack those right ... ;)

 

To be more realistic, having a peephole does allow that one speck of light for you to locate the door if you have an inside cabin.

 

I see your humor. ;)..:D

 

~~~

 

Just so your aware -

 

Royal Caribbean has faced the most scrutiny in part because of high-visibility incidents -- has hired at least two former top FBI officials.

 

 

In addition, Royal Caribbean has hired female investigators and counselors, put suicide hotlines in place and required mandatory sexual harassment training. In January, the company will begin notifying guests of a shipboard policy that crew members are not to fraternize with customers.

Additionally, cameras are being installed in hallways and corridors, though Bald conceded that those cameras were not being monitored.

[travelntreats]

I see your humor. ;)..:D

 

~~~

 

Just so your aware -

 

Royal Caribbean has faced the most scrutiny in part because of high-visibility incidents -- has hired at least two former top FBI officials.

 

 

In addition, Royal Caribbean has hired female investigators and counselors, put suicide hotlines in place and required mandatory sexual harassment training. In January, the company will begin notifying guests of a shipboard policy that crew members are not to fraternize with customers.

Additionally, cameras are being installed in hallways and corridors, though Bald conceded that those cameras were not being monitored.

How did you come to find out all this info ??? I think security needs to improve on cruise ships. Of all our cruises, the security just seems to be there in body, but only give a false sense of security when you hear of all the bad things that have happened in the past on cruise ships. I am surprised that peep holes have not been placed on stateroom doors on the RCL ships I have sailed on. All the CCL ships I have sailed on had them.

[CroozeAddict]

Senator John Kerry introduced a new cruise ship safety bill to the Senate ...

Thank you Nanny Kerry.

 

Nothing like making the cruise lines spend more money on worthless garbage so we can pay more to cruise.

[TEXASMUNK]

"Hey guys, let's pass a law, that will make people really think we actually care about them!"

 

Who will be in charge? "I dunno, but I got a law passed"

 

Railings:

 

Would someone please cite the incident where the hieght of the railing caused a death or accident?

 

Peepholes: Already in the works

 

Maybe this will distract the masses and keep them from wondering why we won't drill for gas and oil off Flordia while China is already drilling 50 miles from the Florida coast!!!!

[BILL-WI]

Just what we need...more government regulation to protect us from our own stupidity!:eek: :eek:

 

Give me a break!

 

BILL

[temple1]

I don't think it is such a bad idea having the peep holes. The railing height depends on how high they want it. I don't think it is such a bad idea for them to have the rape kits and drugs on board.

 

Many of these are things you would expect when traveling in the US and not thing twice about it. Building codes tell you even on your personal house how high the porch or deck rails need to be. Hotels and other public accomodations have long had to obey stricter rules than private homes.

[CroozeAddict]

Just what we need...more government regulation to protect us from our own stupidity!:eek: :eek:

 

BILL

 

Hear ... Hear!!!

[FrancescaH]

Cruise Ship Safety Bill Introduced in Senate

 

 

 

Senator John Kerry introduced a new cruise ship safety bill to the Senate that would require cruise lines to install peepholes in cabin doors, increase guardrail heights and maintain crime report logbooks. The bill is designed to hold the cruise industry more accountable for crimes committed onboard cruise ships, and mirrors legislation introduced by Rep. Doris Matsui in the House, and also comes days after Kerry led a Senate subcommittee hearing examining cruise ship safety.

The new bill is in response to the fact that cruise ships are not currently required under US law to report crimes that occur outside US territorial waters. And furthermore, it remains unclear what crimes are required to be reported, to which agency and who has what jurisdiction.

In addition, victims of crime aboard cruise ships are accusing the lines of skirting what US regulations there are by hiring foreign crews and registering ships in foreign countries.

The new legislation would require cruise lines to train crew members in crime scene investigation and to keep sexual assault evidence collection kits on board. Cruise ships would also be required to stock medications that are used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases after an assault, and a US-licensed medical practitioner would need to be on every ship to perform the necessary examinations and to administer treatment.

One cruise line, Royal Caribbean, has already volunteered to make some changes including having peepholes put in all its cabin doors by the end of the year.

 

That last paragraph is the one that interested me more than the peepholes. So they have the kits... who then keeps them so it's usable evidence if ever matched? And how do they think they are going to match any samples? Are they going to require employees to give a sample? And I didn't think doctors were currently US licensed.. will that change anything?

[Sandytoes]

Nothing like making the cruise lines spend more money on worthless garbage so we can pay more to cruise.

 

I don't think anything that enhances passenger safety, reduces shipboard crime, and protects victims from poor treatment by a cruise line is worthless.

A cruise operator must take reasonable care to ensure passenger safety and security.

Any improvements on a cruise line, whether RC or not, is heading in positive direction, protecting the passengers and crew members, along with saving on cruise line lawsuit settlements.

 

~~

 

FrancescaH

 

That last paragraph is the one that interested me more than the peepholes. So they have the kits... who then keeps them so it's usable evidence if ever matched? And how do they think they are going to match any samples? Are they going to require employees to give a sample? And I didn't think doctors were currently US licensed.. will that change anything?

I don't have the answers to your questions.

 

You might want to read this.

 

http://www.rainn.org/public-policy/news/RAINN-Testifies-on-Capitol-Hill-about-Cruise-Ship-Safety/Evelyn-Fortier-Testimony

[CroozeAddict]

I don't think anything that enhances passenger safety, reduces shipboard crime, and protects victims from poor treatment by a cruise line is worthless. Sure, there have been safety incidents in the past but the majority of the cases were due to passenger stupidity. Also, as far as I know, the crime rate on cruise ships is ALMOST non-existant. You can debate this issue forever. There will always be an opinion about "safety improvement" ... it's a never ending issue. IMHO ... there comes a time when it is worthless.

 

A cruise operator must take reasonable care to ensure passenger safety and security. They do take reasonable care. Who said they didn't?

 

Any improvements on a cruise line, whether RC or not, is heading in positive direction, protecting the passengers and crew members, along with saving on cruise line lawsuit settlements. Improvements are great ... if necessary. IMO the cruise lines do a very good job in providing security for the passengers. Granted ... there are going to be exceptions. BUT ... do we run a bill through congress everytime something negative happens?:eek: This is what Kerry appears to be doing.

 

I think your opinions on safety are well founded:) but there comes a time when it can go overboard (pun not intended). My comments are in blue in the above quote.

[john & Gerrie nj]

Thank goodness everything is hunky dory in the world. This is type Bill fpr change we get from Wash.

I can only wonder what "Pork" will be added at the last minute.

john

[Sandytoes]

Maybe they can add mandatory helmets and seat belts for scooter drivers.

Thank goodness everything is hunky dory in the world. This is type Bill fpr change we get from Wash.

I can only wonder what "Pork" will be added at the last minute.

john

I'm sorry, but I just don't get it. :rolleyes:

 

Is this suppose to be funny? :confused:

[john & Gerrie nj]

I thought your post was a joke post at first.

Obviously you think we need the Department of Peephole Security.

I do not.

John

[rigldbrg]

Maybe this will distract the masses and keep them from wondering why we won't drill for gas and oil off Flordia while China is already drilling 50 miles from the Florida coast!!!!

 

While this is somewhat off topic, drilling for oil 50 miles from Florida is not occuring. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hwl7MBs14OAtZbu1YJe8l-X7O8vAD91906B80

 

IMHO, I think the point of the new legislation is to force the cruise industry to be more accountable. While I believe that there is already a reasonable degreee of safety on board, there have been numerous incidents in the industry that point to a cruise line acting in a way that suits it's own best interests rather than in the interest of justice. IE, cover an incident up so that no bad press leaks out which could cause a black eye for the particular cruise line. That's not to say that the cruise line industry is full of bad people with sinister motives; just that they may not be as forthcoming with information which may have a negative connection to their company and an incident involving their passengers or crew. In truth, I think these measures will add a marginal amount of overall security onboard, but will certainly force the cruise line industry to be more upfront about what occurs on their ships. Whaterver additional cost is well worth it.

[rigldbrg]

I think your opinions on safety are well founded:) but there comes a time when it can go overboard (pun not intended). My comments are in blue in the above quote.Also, as far as I know, the crime rate on cruise ships is ALMOST non-existant.

 

Since there is currently no mandate to document or record incidents that occur onboard, there is no way of knowing how common or uncommon criminal activity is. I think this is the point of the legislation.

[CroozeAddict]

Since there is currently no mandate to document or record incidents that occur onboard, there is no way of knowing how common or uncommon criminal activity is. I think this is the point of the legislation.

 

I have no problem with the documenting of incidents which I'm sure they already do. My point is ... how often do you hear of a serious incident on-board. If one occurs, the passengers should hear about it and no doubt make it on these boards.

 

The passenger to incident ratio is so miniscule that what Kerry is proposing is just too much. Bottom line is that along with the added cost to us ... we will have more restrictions put on us. I wonder if Kerry has ever cruised?:confused:

[Sandytoes]

I have no problem with the documenting of incidents which I'm sure they already do.

 

My point is ... how often do you hear of a serious incident on-board. If one occurs, the passengers should hear about it and no doubt make it on these boards.

:confused:

 

 

With the new law-

 

legislation would establish a reporting structure based on the current voluntary agreement in place between the cruise industry, the FBI, and the Coast Guard.

Additionally, each ship would be required to maintain a log book, which would record all deaths, missing individuals, alleged crimes, and passenger/crewmember complaints regarding theft, sexual harassment, and assault.

The log books would be available to FBI and Coast Guard electronically, as well as to any law enforcement officer upon request.

Statistical information would be posted on a public website maintained by the Coast Guard.

 

Each ship would be required to maintain anti-retroviral medications and medications

used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases after assault, as well as equipment and materials for performing a medical examination to determine if a victim has been raped.

A United States licensed medical practitioner would be on every ship to perform the necessary examinations and to administer treatment.

Private medical information would be protected, and would require written authorization for release.

Additionally, all passengers would be given free, immediate, and confidential access to a National Sexual Assault Hotline and the FBI.

 

Because in the past

When local authorities did decide to investigate,

key evidence may have dissipated by the time they were contacted.

That’s because, unless someone onboard assumed responsibility

for immediately securing the crime scene, evidence may already have been contaminated or cleaned by others by the time the local police arrive.

Also, before local authorities show up, the offender may already have either collaborated with others, or been dismissed by the cruise line and escorted off the ship.

Cruise lines usually fly the crew member back home. (If the offender then travels to another country, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to find them again).

 

This law is paved with good intentions.

[temple1]

What makes you think every passenger that has something stolen from their room or other event (rape, mugging, etc.) is going to post on here or other forums? That doesn't even begin to make sense.

 

I don't know what part of the proposed legislation infringes upon cruisers and their freedoms. Like the previous poster mentioned - some cruise lines are more interersted in the bottom line and preventing bad press than they do the welfare of their customers.

 

From what I've read on here some cruise lines already have peep holes. That's not an issue. All cruise lines have security personnel, further training and tools to do their jobs should not be an issue. American certified doctors should not be an issue. The only thing I see as intrusive to anyone is the height of the balcony rails. Since none of us knows what height they are proposing - how can we be upset about it?

 

Like I posted before, much of this is what you would expect as the norm in a land based US vacation. As many on here have made EXTREMELY clear on the immersion cruise postings, that is what many expect.

[Trainman-2]

Congress cannot make the world idiot proof! :eek: