The global cruise industry announced a new emergency drill policy requiring mandatory muster for embarking passengers prior to departure from port.  The new policy follows the industry's announcement on 27 January of a Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review in response to the Concordia incident and as part of the industry's continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures.

The Passenger Shipping Association, Cruise Lines International Association and European Cruise Council, put forward the new policy with the support of their member cruise lines.

The new muster policy, which has been voluntarily initiated by the associations' members and is effective immediately, exceeds existing legal requirements by calling for the mandatory muster of all embarking passengers prior to departure from port.

On rare occasions when passengers arrive after the muster has been completed, passengers will be promptly provided with individual or group safety briefings that meet the requirements for musters applicable under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).  The formal policy is designed to help ensure that any mandatory musters or briefings are conducted for the benefit of all newly embarked passengers at the earliest practical opportunity.

Musters are mandatory exercises conducted on cruise ships to ensure passengers are informed of safety protocols while onboard the ship, including emergency evacuation procedures.  Current legal requirements for conducting a muster of passengers can be found in SOLAS and mandate that a muster occur within 24 hours of passenger embarkation.

The Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review includes a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety.  As best practices are identified, they will be shared among cruise industry association members and any appropriate recommendations will be shared with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), European Union and other governmental authorities as appropriate.

The industry's efforts also are consistent with the framework and spirit of the International Safety Management Code. Recommendations resulting from the Review will be made on an ongoing basis.

A copy of the new muster policy can be viewed at http://www.cruising.org/regulatory/cruise-industry-policies

Source: CLIA