Cruise Ship Crime and the Legal Implications

With the recent cruise ship incidents befalliing Australian passengers while in international waters, Victims' Rights Commissioner Michael O'Connell says the Federal Government should take action to ensure victims are protected under Australian laws, rather than under the laws of the country under which the ships are registered.

In an article published in the Sun Herald, and also in the feedback from a Commonwealth Public Inquiry into Cruise Ships, pressure is mounting to beef up protections for cruise ships passengers without contravening Australia's obligations under international conventions.

"Under international law of the sea, it is possible for the cruise ship's master to elect to have a criminal incident reported to the flag-nation of convenience, which include the Bahamas and Liberia," Mr O'Connell said.

"The Australian Government should explore legal and procedural remedies to protect Australian citizens, especially women, who as victims of violent crime might be required to report offences and deal with police and others in flags of convenience."

The Parliamentary Inquiry held public hearings in January and February 2013 and is yet to make a formal committee report or recommendation.

Looking for Crimes Point-in Time Legislation? Trial our pro-active and current service for free.