Cruise Ships – The Next Terrorist Target?
Cruise Ships - The Next Terrorist Target?
The USA’s “Customs and Border Protection Department” is looking into how safe cruise ships are from attack by terrorists.
This is a result of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, which beleives cruise ships could be the terrorists next targets, with any incident very difficult to control whilst at sea.
“The study will look at the benefits of getting more passenger information into the hands of homeland security officials, similar to the Transportation Security Administration’s Passenger Name Record system used with airlines,“
says Cruise Log.
Th Customs office said it agrees with the GAO’s recommendation to screen passengers muchg more thoroughly – similar to what happens at airports.
The 52-page report “Maritime Security: Varied Actions Taken to Enhance Cruise Ship Security, but Some Concerns Remain,” admits that cruise ships are “attractive terrorist targets.”
Meanwhile, Cruise Lines International Association has said that its members phelped produce report and will fully participate in the new plans, saying:
“The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) supports the efforts made by the Department of Homeland Security to ensure the continued safety of millions of cruise passengers – our industry’s Number One priority.”
Cruise lines already have to give the Homeland Security department passenger and crew list for each ship which enters or leaves or entering US ports.
The list is checked against what are described as “certain databases, such as terrorist watch lists.”
The Coast Guard says it is aware that terrorist groups have the “capability” to attack a cruise ship.
Related articles on Cruise Ships – The Next Terrorist Target?
- Cruise Industry Security Will Tighten (usnews.com)
- New Cruise Ships for 2011 (cruise-lines-routes.suite101.com)
- Cruising and Conservation: Cruise Lines Commemorate Earth Day (prweb.com)
- A Guide to Cruise Travel, Trip and Holiday Insurance Policies (insurance.suite101.com)
