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Breaking News from ICV Concerning Man Overboard Detection SystemsAs the result of efforts of International Cruise Victims (ICV), requirements for cruise ship Man Overboard detection systems have been in effect since the 2010 passage of the CVSSA (Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act). Among other items, this law clearly states that all vessels are required to integrate technology that can be used for capturing images of passengers or detecting passengers who have fallen overboard, assuming the technology is available. According to ICV, until now, the cruise industry has failed to move forward with the installation of these systems. However, a recent news article appearing in the October 10, 2017, issue of Maritime Executive magazine states that "MSC (News - Alert) Cruises has developed a new video surveillance system that will allow for rapid intervention in man overboard situations. After a successful pilot test, the intelligent video capturing and analysis system, developed in conjunction with Bosch and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, is now operational on MSC Cruises' latest flagship, MSC Meraviglia." The article continues, saying, "The new MSC Cruises system consists of a comprehensive shield of intelligent optical and thermal video cameras which provide non-stop comprehensive surveillance of the relevant exterior parts of the shp. All captured video images are streamed in real-time to a Central Security Room and monitored together with all other inputs from the 1,200 high-definition closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras on board the ship." This move is precedent setting. Hereafter, the cruise industry can no longer support the excuse they have been using for the last seven years, which is to say that there are no MOB systems available. Sadly though, in that 7-year period of resistance, according to the Ross Klein report in Cruise Junkie, 189 persons have gone overboard. It comes as no surprise that ICV has publicly denounced this lack of response to the law. In an effort to explore all avenues for increasing safety and security for cruise passengers, Ken Carver, on behalf of ICV, has been appointed as a member of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (U.S.TAG) for ISO/TC8 (Ships and Marine Technology). Within this organization, a subcommittee has been established to help with the setting of the standards for MOB systems. This move now gives ICV a voice where it is truly needed. ?ICV remains deeply concerned over the egregious statistics of persons going overboard, and while we applaud the move MSC Cruises has taken, we will not stop in our efforts to continue to push for a day when all cruise ships are in compliance with all of the law. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171023006522/en/ |
