RC installing peepholes in doors

[Mark_K]

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.

And yet another use for duct tape.

[Mark_K]

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

The question is not so much "is it worthless?" as it is "is the cost worth the benefit?". Congress is notoriously poor at making those decisions.

[renata102]

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

 

Give me a break!

 

BILL

 

aren't all laws pretty much protecting us from our own stupidity???? More power to it then, becuase we have gotten mightly stupid as we have "progressed"

[gosaints2006]

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

 

Give me a break!

 

BILL

 

I am going to write my lawmakers and ask them to change the law....They need to have padded peepholes. What I am looking out of the peephole and the ship rocks?? I might hit my forehead on the door! :mad:

[Mark_K]

aren't all laws pretty much protecting us from our own stupidity???? More power to it then, becuase we have gotten mightly stupid as we have "progressed"

No. Many laws are there to protect us from the ill intentions of others.

[KatieGator]

I am going to write my lawmakers and ask them to change the law....They need to have padded peepholes. What I am looking out of the peephole and the ship rocks?? I might hit my forehead on the door! :mad:

 

Oh no, no, no....what you do is just sue the cruise line. Silly :p

[SherriZ366]

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.

This is now a LAW yet. It is a BILL introduced by Kerry (S. 3204) and Matsui. The only thing that has happened is that it has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.

 

The bill needs to have the following happen in both Houses of Congress: Committee/subcommittee Hearings, Committee/subcommittee markup (where the bill's provisions can be amended at these 2 levels), House and Senate floor consideration & passage, Conference Committee (where selected House and Senate members reconcile the differences in the 2 versions of the bill), passage of the Conference Report (the compromise version of the bill) by both Houses of Congress and signature of the President (unless he vetoes the bill whereby it goes back to the House and Senate to be voted on -- 2/3 majority needed in each House to override the President's veto.). As there is very little time left in this Congress -- especially as it an election year, I doubt that this bill will go anywhere duirng this the 100th Congress. It is more of a marker to do something next year if Kerry and Matsui reintroduce the legislation in January.

[temple1]

There are quite a few on here, I hope your daughters or wives are never raped on a cruise ship. But hey, can't legislate against stupidity, cause if they are attacked on a cruise ship, it must be because of their own stupidity.

[hermang]

Hear ... Hear!!!

 

Government bans Alcohol from all cruise ships so no one can get drunk and fall over. Unless you are a ceretain senator or congressman <heh heh>

[hermang]

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

 

Congress and Senate will then need to take many cruises to assess the safety of these ships. Pork Pork Pork. Horatio Caine will be head of CSI Royal Caribbean and move his office from MDPD to the Oasis

[Davey Interweb]

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!!!!

 

Seriously, you say this in practically every other thread and it would appear that you're one of the exceedingly rare people who still believes any of the random crap that falls out of Dick Cheney's mouth. Perhaps if you were to spend a moment reviewing this article we could finally lay this asinine claim to rest. Just a thought.

 

"Distracting the masses", indeed.

[dennbr9]

Thank you Nanny Kerry.

 

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

 

 

Mega Dittos!

 

I am 6'3" and I would have to climb up on the existing rail if " I wanted" to accidentally fall over it?

 

Just shows why people had such a hard time making the choice between him and George. Dumb and Dumber - take your pick.

[onevacationlover]

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.

 

Hmm..I didn't realize this.... about "Reverse Peephole" LOL..good to know..

[DJan07]

I think this bill is a really great idea. I don't really understand why people have problems with government assistance, especially when it is for the safety of everyone. I hate to sound like some of my fellow liberals, but stupid people should be protected, too. I absolutely cannot stand people that don't have an ounce of sense, but the jobs of the government and cruise lines is to protect every single person. Obviously, there is only so much they can do. If someone is climbing between balconies, clearly nothing can be done. Maybe the higher railings won't prevent anything, but in some cases, it could save a life. I'm not trying to start a political battle, but as I learned in my Political Science classes, a lot of the time, bills are introduced to show concern about an issue. I agree completely that the majority of issues onboard a cruise ship are due to stupidity, however, I would rather be safe than sorry. If I have to pay a few dollars more to have a peephole in my stateroom so that someone alone in the room and can see who may be knocking, so be it. I think for Royal Caribbean preventative measures like this look good for the company not only because it shows a general concern for passengers, but will prevent negative media attention and loss of revenue after having to pay a settlement for a major incident. When thinking about the costs of these measures, how much extra could someone possibly have to pay? The new measures certainly would be costly, but seeing how many people cruise on a single ship per year, even the most minimal fee would cover the changes in a short period of time. I understand what you all are saying about government interference and how we should probably be worried about more important things, but give the politicians some credit. They're working to make our lives better, no matter how "stupid" an idea may be. Thoughts or opinions? By the way, please don't flame me for these comments. I will be more than happy to have a mature, adult discussion even if you disagree with my statements.

 

Derek

[Davey Interweb]

The 54" railing-height requirement is ill-conceived, I think, but it's not going to fly anyway. The cruise lines aren't about to make major structural changes at the behest of the US government, and I'm pretty sure the courts would back them if it came to that.

 

As for the rest of the legislation, it's a lot of procedural stuff that the cruise lines should already be doing on their own accord.

[hermang]

I think this bill is a really great idea. I don't really understand why people have problems with government assistance, especially when it is for the safety of everyone. I hate to sound like some of my fellow liberals, but stupid people should be protected, too. I absolutely cannot stand people that don't have an ounce of sense, but the jobs of the government and cruise lines is to protect every single person. Obviously, there is only so much they can do. If someone is climbing between balconies, clearly nothing can be done. Maybe the higher railings won't prevent anything, but in some cases, it could save a life. I'm not trying to start a political battle, but as I learned in my Political Science classes, a lot of the time, bills are introduced to show concern about an issue. I agree completely that the majority of issues onboard a cruise ship are due to stupidity, however, I would rather be safe than sorry. If I have to pay a few dollars more to have a peephole in my stateroom so that someone alone in the room and can see who may be knocking, so be it. I think for Royal Caribbean preventative measures like this look good for the company not only because it shows a general concern for passengers, but will prevent negative media attention and loss of revenue after having to pay a settlement for a major incident. When thinking about the costs of these measures, how much extra could someone possibly have to pay? The new measures certainly would be costly, but seeing how many people cruise on a single ship per year, even the most minimal fee would cover the changes in a short period of time. I understand what you all are saying about government interference and how we should probably be worried about more important things, but give the politicians some credit. They're working to make our lives better, no matter how "stupid" an idea may be. Thoughts or opinions? By the way, please don't flame me for these comments. I will be more than happy to have a mature, adult discussion even if you disagree with my statements.

 

Derek

 

If the government requires a peep hole - then there will be 50 pages of regulations as to size shape color etc. Talk about killing trees. There was an interesting clip on youtube the other day about the government's mandated use of these energy efficient cfc bulbs - There are 15 pages of regultions about how to clean up space in case it breaks because after all it contains Mercury which is dangerous.

 

I am all for cruise ship safety but this is kneejerk reaction to some high profile incidents that even got congressional hearings like when George Smith disappeared. Note to Congress - FIX THE FREAKIN PRICE OF OIL so we can cruise at a reasonable price.

[Davey Interweb]

If the government requires a peep hole - then there will be 50 pages of regulations as to size shape color etc. Talk about killing trees. There was an interesting clip on youtube the other day about the government's mandated use of these energy efficient cfc bulbs - There are 15 pages of regultions about how to clean up space in case it breaks because after all it contains Mercury which is dangerous.

 

I am all for cruise ship safety but this is kneejerk reaction to some high profile incidents that even got congressional hearings like when George Smith disappeared. Note to Congress - FIX THE FREAKIN PRICE OF OIL so we can cruise at a reasonable price.

 

So on one hand you're upset about killing trees and mercury in our lightbulbs, but on the other you demand cheap oil so you can carry on a lifestyle of consumption? Is that about right?

[G'ma]

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.

 

What a waste of tax-payer dollars!!! Another really, really dumb bill, with no way to enforce it, no teeth in it and unrealistic demands..... Right......

 

You'd think with what our country is going through right now that "crew members learning crime scene investigation" and "making cruise line accountable for crimes committed on ships" - both unenforceable - both not needed - would be far down the list of important matters.

 

Typical nonsense that has been coming out of Washington for 10 years.

 

The only place those rules could ever be required and enforced is on American flagged ships that are subject to American laws....and there aren't that many of them.

 

Hogwash!!!

[KandCsailing]

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!:(

I'm not quite 5'3" and 54" high (4'5") is the height of my chin. Do they have a lot of 7-footers falling overboard?

May as well enclose the whole thing in glass and give everyone sea-breeze scented air-fresheners in every cabin.:rolleyes:

 

Peep-holes are a great plan and about time. The ones on CCL I can look out, but I just stayed in a hotel where you had to be at least 5'8" to look out. Dumb.

[bluefintuna]

Why do so many Americans think the government (or cruise ships) will protect them? Is this the cocoon they build around themselves to blissfully get by each day? I know security exists on cruise ships, but I have never seen them in any capacity. We all have to be aware of our surroundings wherever we are, but none of us do this 100% of the time. We have been on 23 cruises and I have never seen an ugly incident or been fearful in any way. Thousands cruise and I think the cruise lines do their utmost to ensure our comfort, pleasure and safety.

[Davey Interweb]

What a waste of tax-payer dollars!!! Another really' date=' really dumb bill, with no way to enforce it, no teeth in it and unrealistic demands..... Right......

 

You'd think with what our country is going through right now that "crew members learning crime scene investigation" and "making cruise line accountable for crimes committed on ships" - both unenforceable - both not needed - would be far down the list of important matters.

 

Typical nonsense that has been coming out of Washington for 10 years.

 

The only place those rules could ever be required and enforced is on American flagged ships that are subject to American laws....and there aren't that many of them.

 

Hogwash!!![/quote']

 

I think it can be enforced on foreign-flagged ships, though. This has already occurred in respect to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

In the grand scheme of things, I don't think that this legislation would come at a great cost to the public. Seeing that trillion-dollar simultaneous wars and multi-billion-dollar bank bailouts seem to be a-okay with the public I don't see why anyone would kick up a fuss about this.

 

Thousands cruise and I think the cruise lines do their utmost to ensure our comfort, pleasure and safety.

 

...but when an incident does occur - such as a sexual assault - the cruise lines have a history of stonewalling investigations, destroying or manipulating evidence, or just plain paying out shut-up money. Everything is just peachy until then.

[Sandytoes]

Derek ~~

 

Thank you for putting this so well.

This is the most mature, intelligent, and well articulated post I have seen in a long time.

Chris

 

 

 

I think this bill is a really great idea. I don't really understand why people have problems with government assistance, especially when it is for the safety of everyone. I hate to sound like some of my fellow liberals, but stupid people should be protected, too. I absolutely cannot stand people that don't have an ounce of sense, but the jobs of the government and cruise lines is to protect every single person. Obviously, there is only so much they can do. If someone is climbing between balconies, clearly nothing can be done. Maybe the higher railings won't prevent anything, but in some cases, it could save a life. I'm not trying to start a political battle, but as I learned in my Political Science classes, a lot of the time, bills are introduced to show concern about an issue. I agree completely that the majority of issues onboard a cruise ship are due to stupidity, however, I would rather be safe than sorry. If I have to pay a few dollars more to have a peephole in my stateroom so that someone alone in the room and can see who may be knocking, so be it. I think for Royal Caribbean preventative measures like this look good for the company not only because it shows a general concern for passengers, but will prevent negative media attention and loss of revenue after having to pay a settlement for a major incident. When thinking about the costs of these measures, how much extra could someone possibly have to pay? The new measures certainly would be costly, but seeing how many people cruise on a single ship per year, even the most minimal fee would cover the changes in a short period of time. I understand what you all are saying about government interference and how we should probably be worried about more important things, but give the politicians some credit. They're working to make our lives better, no matter how "stupid" an idea may be. Thoughts or opinions? By the way, please don't flame me for these comments. I will be more than happy to have a mature, adult discussion even if you disagree with my statements.

 

[TEXASMUNK]

Kudos to you for your furvor!!!

 

But get you facts straight. There is more acreage under forest today in the US than in 1776.

 

Are you going to be the first to volunteer to move into a cave when Congress is done destroying our nation with their worship of the new god...mother earth?

 

Drill, and drill NOW!

[temple1]

But get you facts straight. There is more acreage under forest today in the US than in 1776.

 

Drill, and drill NOW!

 

Where in the world did you dig up such a statement? Look around you, oh, you're in Texas, I would suppose if one compared the forested acreage in 1776 of what was considered the 13 original colonies and then compare to the 50 states today you might be ahead in 2008, probably pretty close if you look at most of the eastern states today and the loss of forested acres.

 

If you are talking about tree farms, they are in no way comparable to old growth that has been destroyed.

 

Yeah, drilling is going to be a BIGGGG help. In 7 - 10 years. Plus why not put our efforts into other means of power - oil is not the only answer.

[TEXASMUNK]

Yeah I live in Texas....and make a nice living selling print.

 

Instead of jumping, go do some research....try any of the major paper companies for a starter. get the info before you get excited.

 

Drill and drill NOW