The United
Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) has
agreed to a proposal put forward by the United Kingdom, Cruise
Lines International Association (CLIA), and the Philippines to
develop guidelines to address concerns related to alleged serious
crimes and persons missing at sea. All twenty four delegations
that spoke after the proposal had been presented expressed their
appreciation and supported it without exception.
Building upon an earlier proposal from CLIA, the United Kingdom
led a coalition of government and industry stakeholders in support
of the proposal.
UK Shipping Minister, Mike Penning said:
"Taking a cruise should be a safe and enjoyable
experience. However we have been reminded in recent years that
crime exists at sea as it does on land, and we should be certain
that there are effective mechanisms in place to respond to this. I
am grateful to those at the IMO, our partners CLIA and the
Philippines for their help in making such valuable progress. I
would now urge all other flag states to get behind this important
proposal."
CLIA President and CEO, Christine Duffy, said:
"CLIA greatly appreciates the extensive leadership and
commitment of Minister Penning, the United Kingdom, and the
Philippines in advancing this important proposal to
governments."
Key elements of the proposal included: preservation of evidence;
medical and pastoral care for victims; effective and timely
reporting to governments; and cooperation between governments with
regard to investigations.
The technical work necessary to complete the guidelines will
begin immediately and will be led by the United Kingdom who will
work with other Member States of the IMO to ensure that the
development of guidelines are proportionate for different ships
types and without excessive burden to the Master and crew, a
crucial element will be consultation and input from CLIA and other
organizations with specialized expertise and consultative status
within the IMO.
Notes to Editors
1. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United
Nations specialised agency responsible for the safety and security
of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. 2.
Cruise Lines International Association(CLIA) is the
world's largest cruise association and is dedicated to
the promotion and growth of the cruise industry. CLIA is composed
of 26 of the major cruise lines serving North America and serves
as a non-governmental consultative organization to the
International Maritime Organization. CLIA's mission is to
promote policies and practices that foster a safe, secure and
healthy cruise ship environment; educate and train its travel
agent members; and promote and explain the value, desirability and
affordability of the cruise vacation experience. 3. The UK
Government and CLIA remain fully committed to the issue of crimes
at sea and will now, led by the UK, engage with IMO Member States
and other organizations with specialized expertise and
consultative status within the IMO to develop guidelines that are
proportionate and suitable for all ship types and size and which
do not impose excessive burden on the Master and crew. Press
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