Cruise Industry Policies ACCESSIBILITY ENVIRONMENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY GAMBLING GUIDELINES MEDICAL FACILITIES OVERSIGHT PASSENGER SERVICES ACT PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY SAFETY STANDARDS SECURITY SHIPBOARD WORKPLACE CODE OF CONDUCT VESSEL SANITATION Resources BACKGROUND - MARITIME INDUSTRY INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION USEFUL LINKS USEFUL TERMS AND PHRASES SAFETY STUDIES CRUISE INDUSTRY REPORTS

Accessibility The cruise industry has long been pro-active in addressing the issues that help accommodate passengers with disabilities. The industry's primary concern is the safety and comfort of all passengers. There are numerous technical issues associated with harmonizing accessibility guidelines and internationally mandated construction and safety requirements. In particular, the international Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) sets down standards that govern all vessels engaged in international commerce. Because of the international nature of our business, the passenger cruise ship industry follows the direction of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO is responsible for establishing international standards for cruise ship safety, design and construction. CLIA was actively involved in the IMO working group that prepared passenger vessel guidelines that address design and operation features for accommodation of persons with disabilities. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has not yet implemented regulations for accessibility standards on U.S.-flag commercial vessels. The DOT has indicated that prior to promulgating a rule for commercial vessels it must assess any potential conflicts with international design, construction and operation standards for ocean-going vessels. From 1998 - 2000, CLIA representatives were active members of the Passenger Vessel Advisory Committee (PVAAC). This committee was established by the United States Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. The objective of the committee is to provide recommendations regarding accessibility onboard and onto passenger vessels. Although at this time there are no mandatory requirements governing passenger vessels, the cruise industry is continuing its pro-active efforts to accommodate and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities on CLIA member vessels. The cruise industry values each and every passenger and makes every attempt to meet passenger requests with special needs.