News, Tips & Bargains : Metal Detectors on Cruise Ships?

The Coast Guard is seeking public comment on proposals that would require cruise ships to implement passenger and luggage screening procedures similar to those used by the airlines.

This and other measures were spelled out in guidelines adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1986, after the cruise ship Achille Lauro was seized by terrorists in 1985 and an American passenger was killed. When the guidelines were adopted, the IMO asked the cruise lines to voluntarily comply with the proposals. However, “progress toward implementing the measure has slowed significantly,” the Coast Guard now says, hence the move to make the measures mandatory.

In addition to passenger and luggage screening, ships would be required to screen their cargo and meet international standards for lighting, alarms, communications systems and training ship personnel.

These are security measures “that should have been implemented years ago,” said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Mark O’Malley last week from Washington. “It’s basic . . . and we haven’t reinvented the wheel here--many of these measures are based on FAA security measures.” But Jack Estes, president of the International Council of Cruise Lines, said that “what may be appropriate for an airline, may or may not be appropriate for a cruise ship,” adding that “cost is not the issue--the issue is what can get the job done. Every line already has security procedures in effect . . . “

The Coast Guard will take comments on the proposals through June 23. For information, call (202) 267-0493.