There are many factors to be considered when examining cruise ship safety. This study presents a detailed accounting of the many components that must be analyzed in a review of cruise ship safety. Among those with the greatest impact are design and construction standards, the inspection process, safety management and the human element. Despite the recent incidents noted, there appears to be no evidence of trends or heightened risks associated with ocean going cruise ships from U.S. ports. It is the opinion of the Task Force that the cruise ship industry is a safe industry and current initiatives should further improve its safety record.
Passenger vessels operating from U.S. ports are among the safest modes of transportation available.
Not one passenger death due to a vessel casualty has been reported over the past ten years. Nearly all reported injuries were minor, and were the result of slips, trips, and falls. To ensure the continued safety of the industry, the Task Force recommends certain improvements in the human factor areas of crew training and communications. Ninety-eight percent of cruise ships operating from U.S. ports are foreign flagged. From 1990 to 1995, there was an average of 113 foreign flag cruise vessels per year which visited or operated from U.S. ports.