How do I report a crime on a cruise ship?

If you are a victim of a crime on a cruise ship, first and foremost contact the ship's security office or medical staff if you need medical assistance. If the crime occurs in port, while you are off the ship, contact local law enforcement officials, the cruise line and the nearest U.S. embassy.



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When a crime occurs, the FBI contacts its networks across the globe to take charge and ensure the safety of the US citizens on the ship and then preserve the crime scene for further investigations.

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Often, minor offenses will result in a person simply being remanded to their cabin with security outside to ensure they don't leave. But when serious crimes occur, the captain may feel it necessary to put the person in the brig.

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Complaints about cruises If the problem is not resolved, contact the Federal Maritime Commission by email at [email protected] or download, fill out, and mail or fax their cruise dispute services request form.

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79% of all crimes reported onboard cruise ships are sexual assaults, as per the US Department of Transportation. This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of sexual assaults on cruise ships, and serves as a powerful reminder of the need for increased safety measures to protect passengers.

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Investigating crimes on cruise ships If the victim or perpetrator of a sexual assault is an American national, and their ship sails from or to a U.S. port, then the FBI will have jurisdiction over the case. In other circumstances, it's more complicated to determine which agency—or even which country—has jurisdiction.

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Cruise ships do not have police. Instead, an onboard Security Director will oversee the ship's own dedicated security department, staffed by former federal, state and military law enforcement personnel from various countries.

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Law on a cruise ship (or any other ship) starts with the flag the ship is flying under. A ship flies the flag of the country where it's registered, and, in general, the laws onboard a ship are the laws of that country.

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The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for cruise ship safety.

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Jails are called brigs on a cruise ship and tend only to be used in serious circumstances when no other options are available. Cabin arrest is typically used before the brig is needed. Discuss this topic at our Cruise Boards > Free daily cruise updates to your inbox > Subscribe for daily cruise news on YouTube >

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Maritime Law Typically, while in international waters, a cruise ship follows the same laws of the country that it is registered to. If the ship is out to sea, under the captain's discretion, you can be detained in a separate room until the ship can dock at the next port and local law enforcement can get involved.

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The Maritime Injury Guide reports that 19 people go missing from cruise ships yearly. While that may not sound significant, it adds up to 400 people over the last 20 years. This includes accidental falls overboard, suicides, and disappearances during port visits.

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Can you cruise with a criminal record? The answer is yes, but you could be limited in terms of the particular destinations you're able to visit on your voyage. Check the rules for each country and individual port you plan to visit to be sure you comply with entry requirements.

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If you wonder whether cruise ships have jails, the answer is yes. Jails are called brigs on a cruise ship and tend only to be used in serious circumstances when no other options are available. Cabin arrest is typically used before the brig is needed.

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Rooted in maritime law and tradition, the captain holds absolute authority over the ship, cargo, and crew. Similarly, in aviation, the aircraft captain possesses ultimate responsibility and authority during flight.

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Defensive equipment from sonic boom weapons that emit piercing sounds, high pressure water jets, razor wire thrown down the side of a ship to security guards firing back at pirates, have helped cruise ships safeguard holiday makers on luxury liners for more than a decade.

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Cruise ships have a low risk of pirate hijack. Cargo ships are the primary target for pirates given their valuable load and minimal crew.

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No sneaking drugs or alcohol on board Contraband booze will be confiscated if discovered, and you might not get it back. Bring illegal drugs on board and you risk fines, disembarkation and jail time. You're not allowed to bring marijuana on a cruise, even if it's legal in your departure port or port of call.

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Do Cruise Ships Carry Guns? Cruise ship security officers do not carry guns and you will never see a gun on a cruise ship. That doesn't mean that there isn't a hidden cache of firearms locked away for emergencies. Cruise lines do not release details of their security operations for obvious reasons.

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