What Happens to a Suspect When There Is a Crime on a Cruise Ship at Sea?
When a criminal act occurs on a cruise ship while it is at sea, several procedures come into play. This article explores the facilities available, the jurisdictional considerations, and the process of prosecution.
The Brig on a Cruise Ship
Contrary to popular belief, cruise ships possess a brig or holding cell to detain suspects. These cells are designed to be secure and are similar to those found in courthouses or small jails in suburban areas. The brig is primarily used to detain individuals until the ship reaches its next port of call or returns to its homeport.
Security and Jurisdiction
While cruise ships operate a contingent of security staff, these personnel are not actual police officers. The security team consists of ship's crew members who are trained to maintain peace and order aboard the vessel. The question of jurisdiction is particularly pertinent when the ship is at sea and beyond any national borders. In such cases, the cruise ship operates under maritime law, which may lead to the case being handled by the ship's captain or the nearest legal authority with jurisdiction.
The Process of Detention
In the event of a crime, the ship's crew will secure the suspect and hold them in the brig. The exact nature of the suspect's detention will depend on the circumstances:
If the ship is ending its voyage at a port in the suspect's home country, local authorities will take over when the vessel docks. If the ship is heading to a foreign port, the ship's master may hand over the suspect to local immigration or customs officials for deportation back to the suspect's country of citizenship. If the brig is full and the suspect cannot be detained there, they may be confined to their cabin or quarters, where they will be provided with food and beverages to sustain them until the ship reaches a friendly port or returns to the homeport.Cruise Ship Brig Details
Cruise ship brig cells are designed to be secure and functional. They are typically located in the lower decks of the ship, away from the public areas. For example, on the Carnival Magic, a “Behind the Fun” tour reveals a brig on one of the lowest decks in the crew areas. There is often also a morgue nearby, which might be deliberately placed to be in close proximity to the brig.
Examples and Real-Life Scenarios
Tim Kerr, a frequent traveler on cross-channel ferries, has witnessed several instances where people have attempted to steal from on-board duty free shops. In such cases, the police are typically called, and the suspects are held until the ship arrives at port, after which they are placed in a secure holding cell.
Dealing with Fugitives on the High Seas
If a crime involves a federal offense, suspect management becomes more complex. The individual may face significant legal challenges if they are tried in the U.S. or another country where the incident occurred. The ultimate decision regarding where to prosecute the case depends on jurisdictional laws and agreements between different nations, often leading to extradition proceedings.
Conclusion
The management of suspects on a cruise ship at sea involves a multi-step process. From the discovery of the crime to the handover of a suspect, the cruise ship's crew works within legal and operational constraints to ensure the safety and order of all passengers and crew. Understanding these procedures can help passengers appreciate the complex systems in place to maintain law and order on these floating cities.