Passengers traveling by sea have specific rights under maritime law designed to ensure their safety, dignity, and fair treatment. These rights stem from international maritime conventions, national laws, and contractual agreements between passengers and carriers. With the growth of the cruise industry and ferry services, protecting passenger rights has become increasingly important to address issues like accidents, delays, injury, and unsatisfactory services.
Carriers are legally obligated to provide safe and seaworthy vessels, proper crew, and necessary safety equipment as per the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and other regulations.
Passengers must receive clear and timely information regarding schedules, itineraries, ticket terms, and safety procedures.
In case of injury, delay, loss of baggage, or death due to carrier negligence, passengers may claim compensation under conventions like the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea.
In emergencies such as shipwrecks or accidents, passengers have the right to receive assistance, evacuation, medical aid, and repatriation.
Discrimination on grounds of race, nationality, gender, or disability is prohibited. Passengers should be treated respectfully and provided reasonable accommodation.
Passengers can file complaints regarding service quality, safety issues, or contractual disputes with the carrier, port authorities, or relevant maritime regulatory bodies.
Carriers must issue valid tickets and receipts and ensure compliance with immigration and customs formalities for international voyages.
A passenger traveling on a cruise ship suffers an injury due to a wet and slippery deck. The ship operator failed to maintain safety measures.
This ensures passengers are protected and can receive due compensation and care.
Answer By Law4u Team
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