Matsui, Fortenberry Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Passenger Safety Laws on Cruise Ships

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) introduced the Cruise Passenger Protection Act (CPPA) to strengthen passenger safety on cruise ships. The CPPA would build on the passenger safety measures signed into law through the 2010, Matsui-led Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA). The bill strengthens crime reporting and video surveillance requirements, improves medical standards, and holds cruise lines responsible for deaths, sexual assaults, and violent crimes at sea.

"People deserve protections whether they are on land or at sea. If someone suffers a heart attack on board a cruise vessel, they deserve a standard of care, and if someone is sexually assaulted on board a ship, they deserve protections and a thorough investigation. For decades, that has not been the case," said Congresswoman Matsui, author of the CVSSA. "I am proud to have worked with Democrats and Republicans to pass the CVSSA in 2010, but we still have much work left to be done. This legislation builds on the CVSSA by improving reporting requirements, raising consumer protections, and preventing bad actors from interfering in the pursuit of justice. I am grateful to the victims and families who have come forward to share their stories. It is on all of us to implement safeguards that protect families and give people piece of mind that when they board a cruise they will be safe. I look forward to working with Congressman Fortenberry and our colleagues in Congress to move this legislation forward and improve cruise safety for all."

"Millions of Americans take cruises every year. They deserve a safe passage. In 2016, a Nebraska couple tragically perished on a cruise ship. Their family has since been working courageously to ensure that others are adequately protected. I've met with their daughter and was impressed by her passion on this issue. I am pleased to support this important measure," said Congressman Jeff Fortenberry.

"Over the years, it has been clear that follow up legislation to the CVSSA is critical to ensure the safety and security of passengers on cruise ships" said Jamie Barnett, President of the International Cruise Victims. "We are pleased to see Congresswoman Matsui introduce strong bipartisan legislation that will safeguard future passengers and provide strong and fair victims' rights for all."

Under current law, cruise vessel owners and operators are required to report homicides, suspicious deaths, missing U.S. nationals, kidnapping, assaults with the serious bodily harm, firing or tampering with a vessel, thefts of over $10,000, and sexual assaults.

Source