Tag: passenger ships

CLIA released their annual 'Asia Cruise Trends' report, revealing that most Asian source markets registering double-digit year-on-year growth. The number of Asian passengers in 2017 grew at an impressive rate, with increases in passenger volume across most of the Asia markets compared to 2016.

Foreign flag passenger vessels arriving in the US that embark passengers for the first time or make an initial US port call while carrying US citizens as passengers must take part in the Initial Certificate of Compliance exam process. Vessels returning to service after absence from the US must also participate in the ICOC exam process.

Passenger amenities on cruise ships has far surpassed the original language of the existing regulations. The Marine Safety Center in 2016 developed Plan Review Guideline SOLAS-29 “Overhanging Decks” to assist vessel owners and operators when using or installing awnings and similar coverings on open deck areas.

USCG announced that it is starting operations to stop boats illegally taking passengers for hire in Northern Minnesota and Western Lake Superior waters. 50% of stopped vessels, during a similar operation last summer in the vicinity of Chicago, were operating illegally on Lake Michigan.

California-based Bay Ship and Yacht Co. has secured a contract to build the first hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel in the US for Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine. The vessel is expected to be delivered and in service by September 2019 and will operate on the San Francisco Bay.

Amendments to the STCW Convention and the STCW Code set a new requirement for training and emergency familiarization of crewmembers on passenger ships, effective from 1st of July 2018. All personnel are required to have undergone relevant training before being assigned to shipboard duties.

The UK Coast Guard informed that it suspended the search and rescue operation for a missing person from a ferry, off the Aberdeenshire coast in the late hours of 27 June. HM Coastguard was contacted by the MV Hjaltland just after 11 pm Wednesday reporting the missing person.

Recently, USCG terminated the voyage of a yacht after found to violate several regulations governing the operation of commercial passenger vessels, including carrying more passengers. USCG says this highlights the need for continued coordination between the Coast Guard, the passenger vessel industry, and local law enforcement.

The passenger vessel 'Odyssey' experienced mechanical failure as it was off Rowe’s Wharf in Boston Harbor, on Thursday, June 21. As a result, the boat hit six sailboats in the mooring field. The incident took place while the 'Odyssey' was getting underway for a harbor cruise with 328 passengers onboard.

Rising passenger numbers on cruise ships have resulted in the introduction of new technologies and the internet of things which makes the journey more engaging and personalised. However, there is a flip side, and with thousands of people’s information available cruise line digitisation makes them a target for hackers.