The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) issued a clause, requiring all cruise vessels to carry a licensed doctor, which may soon become law, building on existing legislation requiring an onboard registered nurse.
According to the clause, every cruise ship must ensure that “a physician is always present and available to treat any passengers who may be on board the vessel in the event of an emergency situation.”
It also gives legal weight to the health care guidelines for cruise ship medical facilities published by the American College of Emergency Physicians, and it requires cruise operators to brief passengers on the location of the medical bay and the steps to follow during a medical emergency.
Moreover, the clause requires the USCG to issue guidance on placement of security cameras in public areas aboard passenger vessels.
After the guidance is published, cruise operators will have to conduct a risk assessment to “evaluate the placement of video surveillance equipment to deter, prevent, and record a sexual assault aboard the vessel.
The amendments had the support of the Cruise Lines International Association, the primary organization representing the global cruise industry, according to the Miami Herald.
