Table of Contents
Safer Seas Act
- Printable version of notice Safer Seas Example Notice
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Safer Seas Act Notice
What is it and what’s with these new cameras?
Why are these systems being installed?
New CCTV systems are to be installed on U.S. ARF Global and Ocean class vessels to satisfy the video and audio surveillance requirements mandated by the Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) prevention initiative outlined in the Safer Seas Act. The act requires:
Mandatory Surveillance Systems: The act requires ships to install video surveillance systems in key public areas, notably showing passageways to every stateroom (crew and science), as well as recording audio of conversations in the passageways to staterooms.
Retention and Storage of Footage: Ships must securely store video recordings for one year onboard, which allows authorities to access relevant footage in the event of an incident or complaint. If footage is used in an investigation, it must be stored by the operating institution for five years.
Access for Law Enforcement: The act specifies that footage must be made available to law enforcement agencies upon request.
Transparency and Reporting Requirements: The Safer Seas Act obligates operators to report incidents to the USCG promptly.
Who Can Access the Footage and Audio Recordings?
Onboard personnel do not have access to the recordings. Recordings are only accessed in the event of an investigation by a law enforcement agency or if compelled by a court. Neither the vessel Master, nor the vessel IT personnel have access to this data without proper authorization.
Is Big Brother watching me?
The system is NOT actively monitored by any human. The system passively records audio and video, and the files are only accessed in the event of an investigation by law enforcement. Further, the USCG states: the owner of an applicable vessel “shall ensure that access to records of video and audio surveillance is not used as part of a labor action against a crew member or employment dispute unless used in a criminal or civil action.”
What triggers an ‘incident’?
Any person onboard can report a SASH violation in accordance with documented vessel procedures. Any SASH report could trigger an investigation that may lead to footage being examined.
I want to report a sexual harassment/assult incident. How can I do that?
Follow the reporting structure as posted, reach out directly to the Designated Person Ashore, or use the phone number or email below:
Email CGISTIPS@uscg.mil which can be used by all reporting sources, including bystanders and survivors, who have access to a smart phone or the internet. Any report can be anonymous. The Coast Guard also maintains a 24/7 watch, which can field reports of sexual misconduct via the National Command Center (NCC) phone number at 202-372-2100.
If you have questions, contact your supervisor, reach out to the Designated Person Ashore or saferseas@unols.org