The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) informs it has begun certifying cruise vessel security and safety training program providers.
As part of the voluntary certification, MARAD will review training plans and supporting information for consistency with training standards established under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010, which imposes new security and safety standards on cruise ships. MARAD will issue certifications effective for five years to successful training provider applicants, and will list certified training organizations on its website.
Under the CVSSA (Public Law 111-207), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and MARAD established model training standards covering crime prevention, detection, evidence preservation and reporting of criminal activities in the international maritime environment that allow MARAD to certify security and safety training providers who provide training consistent with the model standards. Under the MARAD certification program, organizations wishing to have cruise vessel security and safety training programs certified by MARAD as consistent with the model standards may voluntarily submit programs for review. This certification program aims to assist organizations in ensuring the safety and security of cruise ship passengers traveling to and from American ports.