136 FEATURE Strengthening safety measures Although research shows general maritime safety is improving, weather and fire-related risks remain concerns for cruise and ferry operators. Alice Chambers reports The maritime industry is becoming increasingly safer. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that while worldwide cruise ship capacity grew by more than 55 per cent from 2009 to 2018, the number of operational incidents decreased by 37 per cent during the same period. CLIA suggests this is thanks to crew member training, constant improvements carried out by shipowners, and adherence to precautions and strict regulations. Every ship has to be built, equipped and operated in accordance with the international maritime treaty known as the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Originally written for steel ships plying the North Atlantic in winter in 1914 after the Titanic disaster in 1912, SOLAS has since been updated on multiple occasions – in 1929, 1948, 1960, 1974 and so on – to set minimum standards for the safe construction, equipment and operation of all ships. Despite passenger ship operators following these conventions, they still have to deal with ongoing risks. For example, cruise operations can be significantly affected by unpredictable weather events, with brands often opting to change itineraries to protect passengers and crew in these instances. In July 2024, for instance, Royal Caribbean International cancelled multiple stops at the island of Roatán in the Caribbean due to the impact of the Category 5 Hurricane Beryl, while MSC Cruises redirected MSC World Europa from its planned stopover in Malta due to hazardous wind conditions in Valletta’s Grand Harbour. The ship’s captain diverted the ship from Malta because there was potential for the wind to exceed 30 knots, which would have rendered manoeuvres at the port unsafe. “The ultimate decision to enter port remains with the master of the vessel, who may consider cancelling the call subject to the circumstances of the case if he deems it unsafe to enter port,” said the Malta transport ministry. In some cases, such as with hurricanes, the captain knows at least a day in advance if the scheduled route will be unsafe for passengers. This is because they can use identification systems, electronic nautical charts, e-navigation and hydrographic data to track information about sea conditions and the status of navigational channels. The Category 5 Hurricane Beryl hit the Caribbean in late June and early July 2024 Photo: iStock/FrankRamspott
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