Cruise ships are floating cities on water, and just like cities on land, they have their own set of laws and regulations to maintain order and ensure the safety of their passengers and crew. However, with thousands of passengers and crew members on board, incidents can happen that require immediate attention, and sometimes that means detaining someone. That begs the question: do cruise ships have jails?
The answer is yes, most cruise ships do have some form of detention facility on board, commonly known as a “brig”. These facilities are typically small rooms located in the lower decks of the ship and are used to detain passengers or crew members who have broken the law or violated the ship’s rules and regulations.
But what kind of incidents would warrant a passenger or crew member being detained? The most common reasons include theft, assault, drug possession, and disorderly conduct.
Process in the brig
The process for detaining someone on a cruise ship varies depending on the severity of the offence. If the incident is minor, such as a noise complaint, the offender may simply be warned and asked to keep the noise level down. However, for more serious offences, security personnel may be called to escort the offender to the brig.
Once in the brig, the offender will be held until the ship reaches its next port of call, where they will be handed over to local authorities for further processing. In some cases, the ship’s security team may work with local law enforcement to investigate the incident and determine the appropriate course of action.
It’s worth noting that the detention facilities on cruise ships are not intended to be long-term solutions. In fact, they are typically only used for a few hours or overnight at most. However, the mere presence of a brig on board helps to deter potential offenders from breaking the law or violating the ship’s rules and regulations.
While the idea of a jail on a cruise ship may seem unusual, it is a necessary precaution to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew members on board. And while the chances of ending up in the brig during a cruise may be slim, it’s always best to follow the rules and avoid any actions that could lead to trouble with the ship’s security team. Now you can answer: do cruise ships have jails?
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FAQs
There are no police officers on cruise ships, but most vessels have small jails known as the brig, and unruly passengers could find themselves locked up if the ship's security team determines that they have violated the cruise line's code of conduct.
Do cruise ships have jails on them? ›
Usually, the cruise ship jail door is made of steel rather than iron bars and has a “Brig” sign. Modern cruise ships have jails that contain a room with a bed, shower, and toilet, all the necessary amenities a riled-up passenger needs until they're removed from the cruise ship at the relevant port.
Can you be detained on a cruise ship? ›
The ship's captain has discretion to detain a person until the ship can dock and other law enforcement agencies can get involved.
Who prosecutes crimes on cruise ships? ›
When a crime occurs, the FBI contacts its networks across the globe to take charge and ensure the safety of the US citizens on the ship and then preserve the crime scene for further investigations.
Are there armed guards on cruise ships? ›
Are there armed police on cruise ships? Yes. They have armed security, and under the ship's captain's command at sea one could say that they have 'policing powers'.
What is the most common crime on cruise ships? ›
What Is the Most Common Crime on Cruise Ships? One of the most common crimes occurring on cruise ships is sexual assault. Living in such close proximity to other passengers and crew members can create a dangerous environment for vacationers across the world.
What does jail look like on a cruise ship? ›
The brig, usually a bare-bones room with a bed and bathroom facilities, does not have iron bars like a traditional jail cell. It is used to detain guests who commit serious crimes like assault or possession of illegal substances.
Does human trafficking happen on cruise ships? ›
While hotels and motels can be especially attractive locations for all forms of human trafficking, it is also important to note that human trafficking occurs at sporting events, theme parks, on cruise ships, and in many other areas of the tourism industry.
What is illegal on a cruise ship? ›
You Can't Have Weapons and Objects that Could Be Potential Weapons. Drugs and Any Other Banned Substances Are Prohibited on Your Cruise Ship. Alcoholic Beverages Are (Mostly) Not Allowed on a Cruise Ship.
Who has jurisdiction over crimes committed on the high seas? ›
This means that the federal government has jurisdiction over all criminal offenses that are committed on the high seas, on any other waters within the jurisdiction of the United States, or on any vessel that belongs to the United States, to a United States citizen, or to a corporation, which vessel is located within ...
There are no police on a cruise ship. Everyone from passenger to crew is subject to the control of the master or captain who answers only to the cruise line. The cruise line industry has orchestrated a public campaign to mislead the vacationing public here and abroad about the risk of crime and dangers at sea.
How do cruise ships defend against pirates? ›
The anti-piracy laser device uses non-lethal laser beam to provide a visual warning to pirates and distract them temporarily. The laser device can be used during both day and night, and can be easily operated by the ship's crew. Water cannon is another non-lethal weapon which is extensively used on merchant vessels.
What happens if someone commits a crime on a cruise ship? ›
Is There a Jail Onboard? While cruise lines don't advertise their onboard policies or facilities for housing criminals, rest assured that every ship has a plan in place. It may involve house arrest in the offender's cabin with posted guards or actual incarceration in a specific cell.
How do cruise ships protect against pirates? ›
Fire hoses with tremendous water pressure can deter pirates in a boat heading to a cruise ship. Depending on the navigational capabilities of the ship, the captain can use heavy wheel movements to create enough force in the waves to ward off small pirate ships.
