President Obama has signed a new US cruise ship law, which will put in place more stringent security rules for every ship calling at US ports.
The Cruise Vessel Security & Safety Act comes into force in 18 months for ships carrying over 250 passengers. The new law will require a variety of standardised security and safety measures that include set deck rail heights, on-deck video surveillance, peep holes in every cabin door and an emergency sound system.
Ships will also be required to employ a trained forensic sexual specialist and carry rape evidence kits and anti-retro viral medication.
Cruise lines that do not conform to the new rules could be denied entry into US ports, face civil fines of up to $50,000 per violation and criminal penalties of up to $250,000 as well as potential imprisonment.
Written by Charlie Hamilton-Beaufort