Keeping You Healthy on the High Seas

Our inspections

We conduct public health inspections to find out how well cruise ships meet our health standards. Maintaining high public health standards can help to prevent large numbers of passengers and crew members getting sick.

Medical center

For medical centers, we review:

• Medical documents about people who said they had diarrhea or vomiting
• Medical center supplies for required specimen containers and shipping containers

We also interview:

• Medical staff, to ensure they know about VSP procedures for managing people who have diarrhea or are vomiting
• Crew members, to ensure they are well trained in VSP requirements specific to their job and that no crew members are working while they have diarrhea or are vomiting

Potable water systems

For potable water systems, we:

• Review charts and logs to see that halogen and pH levels have been correct since the last inspection.
• Inspect areas of the potable water system to ensure that the drinking water system is safe.
• Take water samples to make sure chlorine and pH levels are correct.

Galleys and dining rooms

For kitchen galleys and dining rooms, we:

• Ensure that food is being stored, prepared, and served safely.
• Check that dishwashers and other galley equipment are well maintained and in good working order.
• Interview food service employees to make sure they know safe food handling practices.
• Look at employees' health and personal hygiene.

Swimming pools and whirlpools

For swimming pools and whirlpools, we:

• Review charts and logs to make sure that the cruise ship has followed the rules of the current VSP Operations Manual.
• Take water samples to ensure chlorine and pH levels are correct.
• Interview staff to ensure they know the ship's procedure for accidents involving feces or vomit.

Housekeeping

For housekeeping, we meet with the housekeeping manager to review the outbreak prevention and management procedures, including the Outbreak Prevention and Response Plan.

We also ensure the housekeeping manager is well informed about:

• General disinfection of public areas
• Measures to prevent the spread of disease
• How to respond in case of a rise in the number of people getting sick with diarrhea or vomiting, or to an outbreak

Pest and insect management

For pest and insect management, we:

• Interview the person in charge of the plan to manage pests on the ship.
• Ensure that staff is well informed about how to manage pests on the ship.

Child activity centers

We make sure child centers are properly equipped with:

• A place for diaper changing
• Toilets
• A place for hand washing

We also ensure:

• That the toys are clean
• That staff know what to do when children are sick with diarrhea or vomiting

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)

We inspect air conditioning/heating and ventilation rooms to ensure that:

• Water is not collecting inside the units.
• Units are clean.

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Learn more about our inspections.