Did you know that the FBI investigates crimes committed onboard cruise ships?

Crimes during cruises  

The FBI focuses its investigative efforts on specified serious crimes committed within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the U.S. These crimes include but are not limited to:

• Assault with serious bodily injury
• Murder or attempt to commit murder or manslaughter
• Kidnapping
• Sexual assault 
• Robbery, theft of money or property, and/or receiving stolen property in excess of $10,000 
• Firing (starting a fire on or tampering with the vessel) 

The FBI also looks into suspicious deaths and/or missing U.S. nationals. 

FBI authority

The authority of the FBI to investigate criminal offenses and enforce laws of the U.S. on cruise ships, on other vessels on the high seas, or within the territorial waters of the U.S. depends on several factors:  

• Location of the vessel 
• Nationality of the perpetrator or victim 
• Ownership of the vessel 
• Points of embarkation and debarkation 
• Country in which the vessel is flagged 

Generally, the U.S. has jurisdiction over crimes committed on a ship if the crime occurs within the maritime jurisdiction of the United States and the vessel is owned, in whole or in part, by a U.S. person or company.  Additionally, there is jurisdiction over crimes committed by or against a U.S. national on board a foreign vessel if the crimes occurs during a voyage having a scheduled departure from or arrival in the U.S.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 was signed into law to improve passenger safety and security on a cruise ship. This was the first law to focus on the well-being of passengers aboard cruise ships.

The act takes into consideration or mandates the following:

• Hospitality standards 
• Reporting procedures/requirements 
  • Ships must report criminal activity to the closest FBI field office or legal attaché office
• Safety requirements