Always Obey These California Cruise Ship Safety Rules

Cruise ships enter and exit ports of call across the globe, and even those vessels that depart out of San Francisco Bay could be sailing in the waters of several foreign nations on just one trip. There is the potential for a disorganized, confusing cluster of safety laws with the international nature of cruise vacations. To streamline and standardize, members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) established a series of safety regulations on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Plus, each cruise operator sets its own standards and policies, and passengers are expected to comply.

Rules may seem like a bummer when you think they get in the way of vacation fun, but breaking them is a mistake in many ways. Violations could have you removed from the vessel, cutting your trip short. Ignoring safety rules can also lead to serious Oakland cruise ship accidents, and injuries will also ruin your adventure. Here are a few of the important ones you should always obey.

 Smoking and Vaping: Other than the designated smoking areas, smoking is banned in cabins and other spaces on the vessel. An unattended match, smoldering cigarette butt, or spark could cause a deadly explosion or fire. Plus, some cruise ship equipment is sensitive to fumes or exhaust from cigarettes, cigars, e-cigs, and vaping pens.

 Restrictions on Alcohol and Drugs: Cruise operators impose many rules about use of alcohol, such as:

• No alcohol in private rooms;
• A ban on underage consumption of alcohol;
• Giving power to bartenders and other crew members to cut off passengers who have been overserved; and,
• Zero tolerance rules about use or transporting illegal drugs. 

Rules around Water Amenities: The swimming pools, splash pads, water slides, hot tubs, and other water-based amenities are some of the most popular attractions on a cruise ship. There is a higher risk of accidents around water and slick surfaces, so cruise lines set rules about running, horseplay, games, equipment, and many others. Following these rules ensures you do not end up in the infirmary with cuts, bruises, head injuries, or broken bones from a slip and fall accident.

 Avoid Leaning Over Railings: The picturesque views inspire passengers to grab the camera, but you should never lean out over railings in your cabin or any other part of the ship. You could lose grip or stumble, especially on a ship that is traveling through unsteady waters.

Muster Drills are Mandatory: It is not likely that you have the option of breaking this rule, as cruise operators WILL force you to participate in the required muster drill. You benefit from the information presented by crew members, which offers basic instructions on what to do in the event of different types of emergencies.

 Our Oakland Cruise Ship Accidents Lawyers Will Explain Your Rights 

To learn more about your rights after suffering injuries on a cruise vacation, please contact Venardi Zurada, LLP to schedule a complimentary case assessment. We can meet with you at our offices in Oakland or Walnut Creek, CA to discuss remedies.