DATE: April 27, 2006 22:51:21 EST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
| | | Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard |
| Press Release | Date: April 27, 2006
Contact: Angela McArdle
(202) 267-2304
|
COAST GUARD ENDORSES FIRE SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS FOLLOWING STAR PRINCESS FIREWASHINGTON - The U. S. Coast Guard has issued a safety alert endorsing recommendations to improve fire protection standards in external areas of cruise ships.
The United Kingdom’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), the lead investigating agency of the fire aboard the cruise ship Star Princess in March 2006, issued a series of recommendations to ensure that external areas of cruise ships meet fire protection standards similar to those in place for internal areas. The Interntional Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), an industry association representing the cruise industry, also made strong recommendations to its members. These recommendations will improve the already extremely high level of fire protection safety afforded to cruise ship passengers and crew.
The Coast Guard safety alert and MAIB and ICCL safety recommendations can be read online at http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/moa/docs/2-06.pdf. The recommendations include both immediate changes to improve safety procedures aboard cruise ships and changes to international treaties that govern fire safety standards at sea.
The U. S. Coast Guard and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board are participating in the investigation of the Star Princess fire. The Coast Guard regularly inspects all foreign flag vessels that call in United States ports to ensure they meet international standards for safety, including lifesaving and fire safety equipment.
The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.
|
printer friendly
