Panel of Experts Appointed to Evaluate Recommendations of Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today announced it has appointed a panel of maritime and safety experts to provide an impartial assessment of the recommendations developed by the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review, launched in January 2012. This Panel of Experts will evaluate suggested policy improvements as part of our continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures by developing comprehensive best practices for industry-wide implementation and ultimately, formal submission to the International Maritime Organization, as appropriate.

“Our number one priority is the safety of passengers and crew. The launch of the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review was consistent with our industry's longstanding tradition of taking proactive measures to strengthen safety practices and procedures,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. “The impartial opinions and advice of these distinguished experts will help achieve our goal of continuous improvement and innovation in shipboard operations and safety.”

The distinguished members of the Panel of Experts are:

1. Mark Rosenker, former Chairman of the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a retired Major General, United States Air Force Reserve, and former Director of the White House Military Office.
2. Stephen Meyer, Admiral Royal Navy, retired. Former Commander of a number of Royal Navy ships, and former head of the United Kingdom Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
3. Dr. Jack Spencer, former Chief, Office of Marine Safety, United States National Transportation Safety Board. Dr. Spencer has more than 40 years of experience with the U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board. He has also been on US delegations to the IMO for 30 years.
4. Willem de Ruiter, former head of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). In 2003, Mr. de Ruiter was appointed as the first executive director of EMSA and charged with building up the organization, after a distinguished career in the Dutch government and at the European Commission.

Each panel member brings deep experience in the maritime, regulatory and accident investigation fields. The Panel is balanced geographically with equal representation from the United States and Europe.

CLIA announced the launch of the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review on January 27, 2012. The Review has included a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety. As part of the Review, in February, CLIA members instituted a new policy requiring mandatory emergency muster drills for embarking passengers prior to departure from port. In March, CLIA members also put forth recommendations to the IMO supporting enhanced reporting requirements to improve the consistency and transparency of marine casualty data. Additional best practices and policies developed through the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review will be announced and implemented on an ongoing basis.

About CLIA

The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 14,000 travel agencies and agents. For more information of CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Fan Page on Facebook and Twitter fan pages.