Raising the Bar for Maritime Safety: Implementing SASH/CCTV Systems at Sea

The maritime industry is experiencing significant changes in safety and compliance standards due to the implementation of the Safer Seas Act (SSA) in December 2022. This legislation focuses on addressing incidents of sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH). It requires the installation of video and audio surveillance systems on certain vessels to improve safety and accountability.

This legislative development brings challenges and opportunities for shipowners, operators, and maritime professionals. As vessels adjust to comply with these requirements, adopting surveillance systems is crucial to creating safer environments at sea.

Understanding the SSA and Its Impact

The SSA, which is part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, specifies the criteria for vessels that are required to install surveillance systems. These criteria include:

• Documented vessels that provide overnight accommodations for at least 10 individuals on voyages that extend 600 miles or more beyond the Boundary Line.
• Commercial vessels that are 500 g…