Carnival Cruise Lines became the first cruise line to earn a certification for its comprehensive on-board security programs from Lloyd’s Register, a leading ship classification society based in London.

            The certification recognizes Carnival for its wide-ranging efforts in developing, implementing and auditing its security operations aboard its 22-ship fleet.  

            The certification, which included an independent audit conducted by Lloyd’s Register, also acknowledges that Carnival meets or exceeds all security standards mandated by various international maritime codes and organizations, including the International Ship Port Facility Code, the Maritime Transportation Security Act, and the Standards for Training Certification and Watchkeeping.

            The certification was presented by Lloyd’s Register officials at Carnival’s annual security conference in Miami which brings together the company’s key shoreside personnel with chief security officers and staff captains, responsible for overseeing shipboard security, to participate in various security-related seminars and share best practice solutions throughout the fleet.

            Pictured here at the seminar are (from left):  Lloyd’s Register Chief Executive Officer Richard Sandler, Carnival Cruise Lines’ President and CEO Gerry Cahill, and Vice President of Surveillance and Security Robert Beh.

            Carnival shipboard security team works in tandem with the company’s shoreside security department which is made up of highly experienced former law enforcement professionals.  Carnival’s shipboard security personnel are required to have previous experience in security, military or law enforcement and receive intensive, specialized training in a wide variety of areas.

           Carnival is the world’s largest and most popular cruise line, operating 22 ships on three- to 18-day voyages throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, South America and other destinations.  The line currently has three new ships set to debut between now and 2011.