Friday, April 19, 2024

Do Cruise Ships Have Jails? & What Happens If You Break The Law On-Board

jails on cruise ships

The ship’s captain or senior security personnel are the ultimate authority and decide when to detain a passenger in the brig. Detaining a passenger or crew member is a decision not taken lightly. Well, I suppose having a jail on a cruise ship is necessary just in case a crime is committed. If a passenger is detained in a cruise ship jail, they will be provided with basic necessities such as food and water.

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Local authorities have clear jurisdiction if ships are at port when the problem occurs, and this is also true when cruise ships are within the waters of the country. Overall, cruise ship security measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew. Cruise lines take security very seriously and continuously work to improve their security protocols to provide a safe and enjoyable cruising experience. According to a security officer who revealed all, the brigs themselves are very basic and serve as a place for temporary confinement. The term "brig" comes from the nautical term for a jail on a vessel, and it's derived from the word "brigantine," which is a type of two-masted sailing ship formerly used to house criminals. While not every cruise ship has a jail, it's common for larger ships to have them as a safety precaution.

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They will also have a team of security personnel who report to them. For example, 50 non-sailing guests can take part in weddings aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships before the cruise sails from the port of embarkation. From joyous occasions to celebrations of life, here are some extraordinary services cruise ships offer. But there are some lesser-known accommodations available on most cruise ships.

Do cruise ships have jails?

Cruise ships attempt to minimize passenger disturbances and crime at all costs. Since the onboard jail or brig is secluded from guests, most people wonder if cruise ships have jails and how they handle crime. One of the primary security measures on cruise ships is the use of CCTV cameras. These cameras are strategically placed throughout the ship to monitor activity and identify any suspicious behavior.

The duties of a ship security officer might change, increase, or decrease, depending on the type of the ship and situation, and the type of vessel. An alternative to placing a guest in the jail of a cruise ship, is to hold the passenger in cabin arrest – where the guest would not be able to leave their cabin at all. The jails are located in the crew-only areas and guests rarely see them. The onboard jails are small and used as a place to hold guests suspected of breaking the law or those who are acting dangerously or recklessly.

The Design and Functionality of Cruise Ship Jails

The jurisdiction will depend on where the crime took place and whether the ship was in port or international waters. Once ejected from the ship the guest or crew member would then have to get home at their own expense. Your land-based health insurance is generally not accepted on board and medical service fees are charged to your sailing account. Guests are usually taken to a more secluded part of the ship and given privacy for scattering the remains. Several cruise lines allow for the scattering of cremated remains from their ships, provided the guest can produce the decedent's death and cremation certificates. Many cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Lines, Carnival and Royal Caribbean, offer weddings and wedding renewals aboard the ship or at scenic tropical locations.

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Once the cruise reaches the port, the person will be handed over to the authorities or police. People are detained in the ship’s jail or placed under cabin arrest to maintain order and safety onboard until the ship reaches a port where local authorities can take over, if necessary. The procedures for handling such incidents are governed by the cruise line’s policies, international maritime law, and the flag state under which the ship is registered. Yes, cruise ships do have jail facilities, commonly referred to as brigs.

What happens if a passenger commits a serious crime on board?

Generally, the flag state of the cruise ship has the primary investigating responsibility. But if the ship is docked at the port, the local authority will have the jurisdiction. Most vessels independently report statistics on serious crimes aboard cruise ships. They complete safety rounds around the ship and conduct security inspections on the crew cabins. People who work in guest security must have good managerial, organisational, and conflict-resolution skills. They must be constantly alert and prepared to respond to unusual incidents at any time.

A Person Committed A Severe Crime

It’s worth noting that the majority of passengers on a cruise ship are well-behaved and do not break the law. However, there are still rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure the safety of crew members and passengers on board. Every cruise ship has a small brig onboard, serving as a short-term detention place. The security staff oversees the brig which has just a few cells, similar to a police station jail.

The decision to use a jail will be the last resort and will be a decision made by the captain after liaising with his security department. They are mostly used for people who have committed a serious crime or for persons who pose a risk to themselves or others. It is important to note that cruise ships have strict policies regarding unruly behavior and public intoxication.

jails on cruise ships

Crew members receive training to manage incidents, prevent escalation, and minimize the effect on other passengers. You’ll hear an announcement alerting the crew to an emergency drill. I’ve heard announcements for fire drills, medical drills, security threats, and responding to man overboard situations. As nautical engineering evolved, the term “brig” stuck around and refers to the jail on a ship. The brig is a secure, locked room or set of rooms where individuals are temporarily held.

jails on cruise ships

However, don’t let these isolated cases discourage you from embarking on your first cruise adventure. Instead, use them as reminders to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings while onboard. Passengers need to note that maritime law can differ greatly from national laws, and therefore they should understand this before embarking on their journey.

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