143 The U.S. Coast Guard is working with other industry stakeholders to introduce new standards to reduce the number of cruise ship accidents caused by stormy seas Photo: U.S. Coast Guard threats to the cruise industry outside of hurricane season, a cruise ship transiting south of Louisiana suffered water damage to approximately 200 staterooms and 12 minor injuries during a stronger than forecasted thunderstorm, which generated 100-knot winds and seas of up to 20 feet. Recent casualty investigations of incidents during Antarctic excursions originating from cruise ships also raised new safety concerns as tourists endeavour to experience the polar region and its wildlife firsthand. While its uncommon for incidents involving cruise ship excursion vessels incidents to result in serious passenger injuries and fatalities, two rigid hull inflatable boat accidents in Antarctic waters near Elephant Island were stark reminders of the risks associated with operating in frigid regions with no possibility of air evacuation to an appropriate trauma centre. The subsequent investigations revealed that operators should provide the following for expeditions in extreme environments: adequate crew training, effective personal protective equipment, multiple vessels for remote areas (the buddy system) and consistent implementation of manufacturer instructions for small boats. To help counter the threats posed by heavy seas, the U.S. Coast Guard is engaging with the applicable classification societies and the International Association of Classification Societies to ensure that class rules for vessel structures account for breaking waves that impact the vessel from all potential angles. This type of collaborative approach under the International Maritime Organization framework will ensure that cruise ship standards and protocols can be adapted as needed in changing operating environments to avoid future incidents. Lieutenant Corey Landante is an officer for the U.S. Coast Guard “ Investigations uncovered significant shortfalls in the international standards for cruise ship structures”
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