Something to be Proud About

The historic day last month when President Obama signed Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.)’s Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act into law is a day that The International Cruise Victims Association, Inc. (ICV) can be proud of.

The non-profit corporation formed by victims and families of victims of cruise crimes is the prime reason that the new law has finally emerged and it demonstrates that a group of victims with limited funding can come together and make changes to affect an industry. The photo here shows the ICV lobbying team (including Kendall Carver – President ) at the Capitol.

After almost 5 years of existence, this group now has members in 16 different countries with a separate chapter in Australia.

Says Kendall Carver, "Hopefully this process will serve as a model for others that become victims of crimes, so that they can join together and make a difference."

The new law will increase security, law enforcement, and accountability on cruise ships in international waters. More details are at Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine's Summary of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009.

For more information about the The International Cruise Victims Association, Inc. (ICV) visit http://www.internationalcruisevictims.org/index.html

IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE STRUGGLE FOR SAFETY AT SEA

Yesterday was an important day in the history of safety at sea for cruise passengers. USA Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-CA) joined with 385 colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, requiring cruise lines to report all crimes aboard cruise ships to both the United States Coast Guard and the FBI.

With yesterday’s passage of this critical legislation, Americans on board cruise ships are many steps closer to the safety and protection they deserve.

The measure approved today is a major victory in the fight for cruise passengers’ rights. International Cruise Victims Association (ICV) President Kendall Carver expressed his hopeful outlook as the legislation has been approved by committee in the Senate.

“Adoption of this bill," he said, "would be proof to the world that our small group of volunteers with limited funds has been able to make a difference in the safety of Americans. When the Cruise Safety legislation is signed into law, it will serve to protect Americans across the nation during what ought to be relaxing vacations.”

For more news on this important milestone visit http://www.prowsedge.com/cruises-news-ICV.html and for more details about the International Cruise Victims Association (ICV) visit http://www.internationalcruisevictims.org/

For information for cruise passengers about the issue of safety at sea, visit the Prow's Edge section on safety at sea at http://www.prowsedge.com/cruises-safety-at-sea.html for complete guide to Safety at Sea, The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009, High Seas Crimes, and Sexual Assault at sea.