US MARAD to certify cruise safety and security training

US MARAD to issue certifications effective for five years

The U.S. Maritime Administration (U.S. MARAD) has begun certifying cruise vessel security and safety training program providers.

As part of the voluntary certification, U.S. MARAD will review training plans and supporting information for consistency with training standards established under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010, which imposes new security and safety standards on cruise ships.

Under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010 (Public Law 111-207), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) established model training standards covering crime prevention, detection, evidence preservation and reporting of criminal activities in the international maritime environment.

The Act allows U.S. MARAD to certify security and safety training providers who provide training consistent with the model standards.

Under the U.S. MARAD certification program, organizations wishing to have their cruise vessel security and safety training programs certified by U.S. MARAD as consistent with the model standards may voluntarily submit their programs to U.S. MARAD for review. This voluntary certification program will assist organizations in ensuring the safety and security of cruise ship passengers traveling to and from American ports.

U.S. MARAD will issue certifications effective for five years to successful training provider applicants, and will list certified training organizations on its website.

Source: U.S. MARAD