In the post 911 travel era, many visible and behind the scene changes have taken place to provide redundant levels of security against potential cruise ship terrorist attacks. Both high tech screening and traditional brute force security techniques are employed to keep cruise ship ports safe and secure. While at sea a host most cruise lines have highly trained professional security teams that actively patrol and monitor both passengers and crew on board a ship to keep the peace while the ship is at sea. Many security features behind the scenes are disclosed on a need to know basis, and since I don’t “need” to know, they won’t be in this article.
Port Security
Global Port Security is the first line of defense against potential terrorists. If nothing bad can reach the ship then potential threats are minimized. Many cruise ship ports are protected with more vigilance than most commercial airports. If you’re not supposed to be on the port for a specific reason then odds are you won’t get past the main gate. Employees must show valid ID, pass through metal detectors and x-ray screening to enter the port. Delivery vehicles must be scheduled and are inspected and logged for database cross checks. Passengers require valid ID and Cruise Tickets to enter the port. The days of visiting a port to see your grandmother off on her trip are over.
Passenger Security
Every passenger embarking on a Cruise Ship experiences screening processes similar to that of commercial airline checkpoints. Passengers must show valid ID and Cruise Tickets to enter the ship. Upon entering the ship every passenger is logged and photographed. These photographs are stored internally and cross referenced every time a passenger presents their Cruise Ship ID badge throughout the trip. On many cruse ships the photographs are cross referenced against terrorist databases using cutting edge facial recognition software. Cruise Ship ID badges are required to eat, make purchases, and access restricted areas aboard the ship. Passengers pass through metal detectors and their luggage is x-rayed and searched if necessary to prevent metal weapons (and illegal alcohol) from entering the ship. Each piece of luggage must have a special luggage tag indicating what passenger it belongs to.
Sea Security
Many newer cruise ships are outfitted with cutting edge security and surveillance systems. Professional non-uniformed security personnel blend in with passengers and work to keep the ship secure while it’s at sea. Behind hidden doors sophisticated surveillance systems monitor the activity of passengers and crew with cameras. Every time a passenger swipes their key card for a drink or to open a door their movement is tracked. Very little is actually known about the full extent of technology used on cruise ships but suffice it to say you and everyone else on board are being monitored to keep the peace at sea.
Hopefully this information will set you at ease next time you board a cruise ship so that you can spend your time relaxing instead of worrying about an on-board terrorist. In the rare event that you witness suspicious activity be sure to notify the ship security personnel immediately. Bon Voyage!
Learn About Counter Terrorism
Counter-Terrorism for Emergency Responders
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: Criminological Perspectives
