Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, accepts the Federal Government’s response to the Coroner’s recommendations following the inquest into the death of Mrs Dianne Brimble.
CEO Ann Sherry said today the response acknowledged the transformation of the Australian cruise industry and the effectiveness of policies and procedures implemented by Carnival Australia.
“We learned many lessons from the tragic events of 2002 and we have taken the steps necessary to ensure that what happened in 2002 never happens again,” Ms Sherry said.
“The safeguards introduced to ensure the many thousands of people who cruise on our ships do so in a safe and secure environment are now part of our standard operating procedures.
Safeguards introduced include:
- Strict policies and procedures for the responsible service of alcohol
- Zero tolerance of excessive behavior on board
- Highly trained security teams on board (at least 20 security personnel on each cruise)
- More than 500 high definition digital CCTV cameras in public areas on each ship
- Deployment of drug sniffer dogs over and above Customs and Immigration requirements
- Protocols with police in Australia and the South Pacific for the reporting and investigation of crimes and serious incidents at sea
Ms Sherry said the Attorney-General’s decision not to deploy Australian Federal Police was a sensible one that recognises the enhanced security on board cruise ships.
She said Carnival Australia would cooperatively engage with the House Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, which will consider a number of recommendations referred to it by the Government.
Media information:
Peter Taylor
Vice President Corporate Affairs
Carnival Australia
02 8424 8861/ 0434 187 584