New SASH/CCTV laws raise maritime safety standards with surveillance on vessels.
The maritime industry is undergoing significant changes in safety standards with the implementation of the Safer Seas Act (SSA), which was enacted in December 2022. This legislation mandates the installation of video and audio surveillance systems (SASH/CCTV) on certain vessels, aiming to reduce incidents of sexual assault and harassment at sea.
The SSA, part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, outlines specific criteria for vessels that must comply. These include vessels providing overnight accommodations for 10 or more people on voyages beyond 600 miles, commercial vessels over 500 gross tons engaged in international travel, and vessels operating for 72 hours or more on waters above the Outer Continental Shelf.
For shipowners and operators, this brings both challenges and opportunities. The installation of surveillance systems is critical not only for compliance but for fostering safer onboard environments, deterring inappropriate behavior, and ensuring transparency.
Surveillance systems help provide continuous monitoring of essential areas like staterooms and passageways, promoting accountability and security. These systems also have broader benefits, such as supporting maintenance checks and optimizing operations on larger vessels.
One example of adapting to these regulations occurred with the installation of a SASH/CCTV system on the M/V Jean Anne. The project presented challenges due to technical integration and environmental constraints while the vessel was active at sea. Nevertheless, it demonstrated the industry’s ability to implement cutting-edge safety solutions in challenging conditions.
As more vessels adopt these systems, the industry must focus on meeting technical standards, training crew members, and planning installations during maintenance periods to minimize disruption. The move to implement SASH/CCTV systems goes beyond compliance; it offers the maritime sector a chance to set new safety and accountability standards, ensuring a safer and more inclusive future at sea.
(Source: The Maritime Executive)
