FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 13, 2014       

CONTACT: JONELLE TRIMMER
(202) 225-7163

On Second Anniversary of Costa Concordia Tragedy GAO Releases Report on Implementation of Congresswoman Matsui’s Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act  

Report shows good progress but more work to be done on crime reporting and video surveillance

WASHINGTON, DC – Today on the two year anniversary of the Costa Concordia tragedy, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released its review of cruise ship security and safety issues, including implementation of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA), bipartisan legislation authored by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and signed into law July 27, 2010.  

“Two years ago today the Costa Concordia ran aground off the coast of Giglio Island, killing 32 passengers and injuring 64.  This incident was a tragic reminder that cruises marketed as safe, family-friendly vacations can quickly turn into dangerous nightmares,” said Congresswoman Matsui.  “I am pleased that the GAO report released today shows that good progress has been made in implementing the safety and security measures required in my legislation, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act.  Measures such as medical treatment for victims of sexual assault, availability of passenger safety information, and security latches and time sensitive keys, are critical to ensuring cruise passengers have better protections and greater access to information about the safety of their vessel.”

The report found that 11 of the 15 measures required under the CVSSA have been implemented, however provisions on technology requirements for overboard detection, crime reporting and video surveillance need to be strengthened.  

“In addition to the good progress highlighted in the GAO report, it clearly demonstrates that further efforts are needed.  That is why I have introduced H.R. 2800, the Cruise Passenger Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that will build on the CVSSA to ensure passengers have access to accurate, timely, and transparent cruise ship crime data figures. If passed, this legislation will implement technical changes to address the crime reporting concerns laid out in the GAO report, and continue our commitment to providing passengers with valuable safety information,” added Matsui.

The Cruise Passenger Protection Act (CPPA) would build on the passenger safety measures put in place by the CVSSA by clarifying and strengthening the crime reporting requirements and the video surveillance requirements.  The CPPA bolsters FBI notification requirements when an alleged incident occurs aboard a cruise ship.  The bill also ensures consumers are able to access more detailed information about crimes that occur on cruise vessels, by further breaking out the data on specific types of crimes so consumers have a better understanding of what the data means.  Finally, the CPPA strengthens video surveillance requirements in the CVSSA to ensure maximum protection for passengers and victims, while taking steps to avoid privacy concerns.

The GAO report can be viewed at: http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-43.

###