DECEMBER 20, 2012 — As we reported last month, port state control authorities in the 27 member Paris MOU will focus their attention on passenger ship safety in 2013. 

Today, on behalf of the global cruise industry, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today announced its support for the Paris MOU Harmonized Verification Program(HAVEP) that will see Port State Control Officers inspect passenger ships and witness a number of emergency drills and scenarios on operational controls that govern the safe operation of passenger vessels.

"The global cruise industry welcomes the Paris MOU's focus on passenger ship safety in 2013 through HAVEP, as the safety of passengers and crewmembers is the cruise industry's number one priority," said Bud Darr, vice president, technical and regulatory affairs, CLIA. "Through HAVEP, crew members will have additional opportunities to showcase their preparation for emergency situations in addition to demonstrating the extensive knowledge and training through the conduct of comprehensive drills which are already required by both international and national laws and industry procedures and policies."

"Every aspect of the cruise industry is heavily regulated and cruise shipping has a long track record as one of the safest forms of vacation travel," said Rob Ashdown, Director, Technical, Environment & Operations, CLIA Europe. "The industry is subject to a rigorous inspection regime and regularly monitored under international and EU law. As an industry that is both confident and transparent in our safety procedures we very much welcome this new programme of inspections and look forward to maintaining our co-operation with the Member States of the Paris MOU to help ensure that cruise ships continue to meet the highest safety standards."

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