Number of Failed Cruise Ship Health Inspections Rose in 2017

More cruise ships failed health inspections in 2017 than any year in the previous decade, MarketWatch found after analyzing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. Seventeen cruise ships failed health inspections. While this is only 17 out of 250 inspected ships, a small percentage, it is still concerning. Ships with health and safety violations put their passengers and crew members at risk in a variety of ways. If a cruise line does not improve quickly or suspend operations, it continues to subject those on board to risks that could lead to a serious medical conditions, injuries, or fatalities.

If you were harmed while aboard a cruise ship, whether you contracted a foodborne illness or were injured in a slip and fall, you should speak with A Florida cruise ship injury attorney of Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. We have decades of experience handling cruise ship cases. Call us at 877-475-2905 to schedule a free consultation.

Cuise Ship Health Inspections

Every year the CDC’s U.S. Public Health Service conducts unannounced health inspections of cruise ships as part of the Vessel Sanitation Program. Every cruise ship that carries at least 13 passengers and has a foreign itinerary is inspected at least twice each year. The inspections can occur any time a cruise ship is docked at a U.S. port.

Up to four personnel conduct a cruise ship health inspection. They look over the entire ship while giving special attention to common areas of the ship, such as the hotel, swimming pools, kitchens and eating areas, child care facilities, medical facilities, heating/air conditioning/ventilation, and potable water systems. They look for cleanliness, appropriate maintenance, whether personnel follow health and safety protocols, and whether illnesses are properly documented. Inspectors specifically check to ensure gastrointestinal illnesses (diarrhea and vomiting) are properly documented as a virus or bacteria can spread quickly on a ship.

Ships can score up to 100 points. Any score below 86 points is considered failing. Most ships remain in service while they improve conditions and wait for a random re-inspection. However, significant health and safety violations must be corrected immediately. Inspectors may recommend that a ship not sail if it cannot properly chlorinate water, keep food within safe temperatures, properly dispose of liquid and solid waste, lacks adequate cleaning and sanitizing equipment, or has an infectious disease outbreak.

2017 Failed  Inspections

Last year saw many more failed cruise ship health inspections than previous years. In 2015 and 2016, there were five or fewer failed inspections. In 2013 and 2014, there were 15 and 12 failed inspections, respectively, making 2013 the second highest failure rate since 2008.

A variety of cruise lines operated the ships with failed inspections. Carnival Cruise Lines operated five of the 17 ships and its Carnival Liberty failed an inspection in 2018, according to MarketWatch. Since then, three of the six ships and passed re-inspections. Princess Cruises, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, Compagnie Du Ponant SA, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Japan Grace, Japan Cruise Line, Inc, and Victory I Partners, Ltd., c/o Cruise Mgmt Intl Inc each had one ship fail the health inspection in 2017. Ferries Del Caribe and Oceana Cruises each had two failed ships.

Were You Injured on a Cruise Ship?

If you became sick from a norovirus or food borne illness on a cruise ship, or you were hurt in an accident, it is time to speak with a  Florida cruise ship attorney Our attorneys offer free consultations at Gerson & Schwartz, P.A., giving you an opportunity to tell your story and learn whether you have the right to file a claim against the cruise line. If you have a valid claim, we can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for more information on how we can help contact us toll free at 1-877-475-2905 or email us at info@gslawusa.com