Cruise Ship Safety Regulations May Be Re-examined

The tragic sinking of the Costa Concordia in January triggered discussions on safety regulations of cruise ships. Photo: www.kozmedia.com

The regulations on the safety of large passenger cruise ships may be reviewed for change, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said recently following the sinking of the Costa Concordia cruise ship on 13 January.

The luxury Italian ship, with 4,200 people aboard, including three Greeks, capsized off the coast of Italy near Giglio Island after hitting rocks. Over a dozen passengers were confirmed dead while others still missing.

According to the press, IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu said the Costa Concordia accident could not be taken “lightly” and urged an examination of the safety regulations of large vessels.

“We should seriously consider the lessons to be learnt and, if necessary, re-examine the regulations on the safety of large passenger ships,” Mr. Sekimizu said.

Unofficial reports claimed that the case of reducing the total number of passengers by 10 percent, depending on the size of the cruise ship, is under consideration.