Are Cruise Ships Safe?

The answer is YES!

The Costa Concordia’s accident off the Italian coast is a horrible tragedy, with at least 11 people dead and others still missing.

But the industry’s record for safety remains strong: Nearly 14 million people cruise each year on major cruise ships, and few industry watchers can even remember the last time a fire or ship failure resulted in passenger deaths.

The U.S. Coast Guard is involved with safety aspects of the cruise ship design before it is even built. Once launched, each cruise ship that sails from the U.S. must pass U.S. Coast Guard certification. Each is inspected at least every six months on both announced and unannounced inspections that include reviewing staff safety procedures. Crews are drilled regularly on safety procedures. Those that don’t sail from U.S. ports still must meet safety standards set by individual countries and by SOLAS, an international safety and standards convention that is set by International Maritime Organization, an arm of the United Nations.Read more: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-01-18/lifestyle/30638057_1_cruise-ship-costa-cruises-cruise-industry#ixzz1k2gbtTRQ
byJane Woolridge