What is the Lifespan of a Cruise Ship?
While the lifespan of a cruise ship may be longer than you think, that doesn’t mean these huge vessels last forever. Outdated cruise ships might present some safety and security concerns, even if the risk of catastrophic incidents like sinking is virtually nonexistent today. Try to extend the lifespan of a cruise ship too far, and passengers and crew might be in danger.
Some cruise ships last 25, even 30 years. Even if a cruise ship has been in use for significantly less time, it should be taken out of commission if it has major structural or engine problems that cannot be properly repaired. Older cruise ships may also have more tripping, slipping, or falling hazards if maintenance and updates aren’t prioritized. If you suffer injuries because of an outdated cruise ship that’s past its prime, you may be able to sue for compensation.
Call (305) 204-5369 for your free case review from Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind’s cruise ship accident lawyers.
How Long is a Cruise Ship’s Lifespan?
Cruise ships can often remain in operation for anywhere from 25 to 30 years or longer with proper upkeep. That doesn’t mean that all cruise ships stay in commission for that long, however, especially if they need major updates or renovations that would be too costly or impossible to make.
Even if a cruise is in the later stages of its lifespan, it should still meet all safety and inspection requirements, of which there are many. A cruise ship with any pressing safety concerns should not continue to carry passengers and knowingly endanger them.
Older cruise ships may be smaller than newer, massive vessels. Even if you go on a cruise that is 15, 20, or 25 years old, you expect it to be still in good condition and capable of safely transporting passengers and crew. It’s not your job to pass inspections and meet safety requirements, but the cruise ship company’s.
The U.S. Coast Guard inspects cruise ships under its jurisdiction approximately once a year, although inspections may occur more frequently. Our cruise ship accident lawyers may obtain and review previous inspection reports to see if the vessel has a history of any safety concerns or repairs, and how effectively it addressed those issues.
What Can Shorten a Cruise Ship’s Lifespan?
Though some cruise ships remain in operation for upwards of 20 years, that’s not a guarantee for all vessels. Many things could shorten a cruise ship’s lifespan and make it too dangerous to carry passengers on any voyage, no matter the length.
The hull of the ship and any other parts exposed to water may get corroded and wear away without proper maintenance. Corrosion can happen over time, as can wear and tear of machinery responsible for the ship’s operation. Carefully inspecting and addressing potential safety concerns is crucial, as minor issues can quickly escalate into significant problems.
Technological advancements may also take a cruise ship out of commission sooner than expected, as the navigation systems, engine, and general ship layout and design become obsolete.
Failure to meet safety regulations can also cut short a cruise ship’s operation, and for good reason. The strict regulations in place are enforced by several different agencies, like the U.S. Coast Guard and the International Maritime Organization, and a cruise ship should follow all of them, no matter its age.
What if a Cruise Ship is Beyond its Lifespan?
If a cruise ship is past its prime, passengers might be in danger. Not only could mechanical failures stall the ship’s engine and create a massive inconvenience for everyone on board, but they also pose risks to passengers’ personal safety.
A ship that is past its lifespan may have loose or corroded guardrails in some areas that easily break away and lead to falls onto lower decks or overboard. When not fatal, such falls might be paralyzing or otherwise life-altering.
Older ships might not have the surveillance systems in place that passengers expect or that the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act also requires of all ships that make port in the United States. Security systems are mandatory to deter assaults and other onboard crime, and negligent security can make a cruise ship liable for such incidents.
Engine or electrical issues in a cruise ship that has passed its lifespan create the risk of onboard fires. Scarring from thermal burns is painful and often permanent, and is just one example of the possible injuries passengers might sustain on a cruise ship that is past its prime.
Can You Sue for Injuries on an Outdated Cruise Ship?
If outdated or poorly maintained aspects of an older cruise ship injure you, you may be able to hold the cruise ship company accountable. These companies owe their passengers a duty of care to ensure that vessels are reasonably safe and as hazard-free as possible. Neglecting cruise ship maintenance or ignoring safety requirements is a breach of that duty of care.
That generally gives you a cause of action to file a personal injury lawsuit. Injury lawsuits against negligent cruise ships are subject to maritime law, meaning you may have just one year to sue. You most likely have to send a notice of a claim even sooner than that, typically within six months.
Outdated ships may have a range of safety concerns. Even broken flooring in a neglected hallway poses a significant risk to passengers, creating a major hazard for trips and falls.
Even if you are injured on a relatively new cruise ship, you may be able to sue for tripping, slipping, or any other hazards that cause you injury. You may also sue for injuries unrelated to the ship’s age or maintenance, but caused by a crew member’s negligence or intentional misconduct.
You Can Call Us for Help with Your Cruise Ship Injury Case
Call (305) 204-5369 to discuss your case for free with the cruise ship accident lawyers of Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind.
