Sen. Boxer: Train cruise ship passengers for emergencies before departure

California Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) said Thursday that the U.S. Coast Guard should train cruise ship passengers on emergency evacuation procedures before they head out to sea.

Boxer, who is chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works committee, said that after the accident of the Costa Concordia cruise liner in Italy, the U.S. Coast Guard should change its policies regarding American cruise ships.

“In light of the tragic wreck of the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia, I write to request that you immediately consider strengthening the Coast Guard’s cruise ship safety regulations to ensure that all passengers receive muster drill training prior to their departure,” Boxer wrote in a letter to Coast Guard Commandant Robert Papp.

“We must ensure that our citizens know what to do when an emergency occurs,” Boxer continued.

The Costa Concordia ran aground last week after it hit a reef off the coast of Isola del Giglio. The ship was carrying 3,200 passengers and 1,000 crew members at the time of the accident, and Italian officials have confirmed 11 passengers have died and about 30 are missing since the crash.

Boxer said current regulations allow for training of cruise ship passengers after the scheduled departure, which she said would not have helped the Costa Concordia passengers.

"As you know, the Costa Concordia ran aground off the coast of Italy just three hours after leaving the port of Civitavecchia," she wrote. "Muster drill training for the 600 passengers who boarded the ship at Civitavecchia was not scheduled until the following day. These passengers were unable to participate in a muster drill that covered safety and evacuation procedures prior to the incident."

Boxer is the latest in a line of lawmakers who have suggested changes since the Costa Concordia accident. Her colleague in the California delegation, Rep. Doris Matsui (D), has called for Congress to pass another bill about cruise ship safety. Matsui sponsored a measure that was approved last year, dubbed the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, that focused more on passenger behavior.

Additionally, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has promised to hold a hearing on the issue of cruise ship safety.

"Congress must closely examine how this incident occurred and address questions raised regarding vessel safety and operating standards and crew training requirements," Transportation Committee Chairman Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) said in a statement.

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