In reaction to the Concordia incident and as part of continuous efforts by the cruise industry to improve its safety measures, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), who speaks on behalf of cruise lines worldwide, has announced that the industry is to embark on a Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review.

Part of the review will be a complete re-assessment of the critical operational and human factors involved in safety at sea. As cruise lines identify best practices, they will share this with other CLIA members. In appropriate cases these recommendations will also be shared with the International Maritime Organisation.

The review includes the following key components:

1. All CLIA members will conduct an internal review of their operational safety procedures and practices, including issues related to evacuation, navigation and emergency training.

2. Independent experts will be consulted wherever the need arises.

3. Members will identify and share industry policies and best practices and recommendations will then be made to the IMO for changes in the regulatory environment.

4. Members will collaborate with governments, the IMO and regulatory bodies when it comes to the implementation phase of any such regulatory changes.

While as a whole the safety record of the cruise industry is outstanding, the CLIA commits itself to investigating and understanding the factors that gave rise to the Concordia incident. The Association is conducting the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review in order to enable the industry to respond proactively and in a meaningful manner to the maritime safety issues that surfaced during and after the Concordia incident.