What should I do if I’m injured on a cruise
ship? This is one of the frequently asked
should you do if you are injured on a cruise
ship? Most passengers embarking on a
cruise don’t think about that question….and
for obvious reasons. Passengers going on a
cruise vacation normally think about more
pleasant things, like a ship’s destination
ports, fun activities for the kids, making sure
to pack sunscreen, camera batteries, etc.
Passengers think about cruise ship food and
exotic tropical drinks….they wonder if they
should bring along bottled water when going
ashore. A passenger might not give much
thought to emergency protocol in a shipboard
accident. It’s normal to imagine that ship’s
officers and crew are there to take care of
that emergency if it should arise. Passengers
don’t usually think in terms of, “What are the
things you should do if you are injured on a
cruise ship?”

However, it’s good to know what to do in a
cruise ship accident because if something
happens, the steps a passenger takes aboard
the vessel can preserve and protect his or her
legal rights afterwards. If you have an
accident on a cruise ship, here is what you
should do…

▪ The first thing you should do is determine if
you need first aid or other medical attention.
This should be your first priority. If a
companion is with you, ask them to summon
an immediate first aid response from a
qualified member of the ship’s crew.

▪ After your primary first-aid and medical
needs have been met, report the accident and
your injuries to the cruise ship’s security
officer or safety officer. Sit down with the
security officer and provide information about
the accident, and request a copy of the report
once it is completed. A well drafted report
should document the particulars of the
accident…date, time, location, what happed,
description of injuries, how the accident
happened, how the injuries arose, who was
present, etc.

▪ Take down names of witnesses and their
contact information. Try to include a home
address or post office box, telephone and e-
mail.

▪ Take photographs of your injuries. If there
are lacerations, punctures, stitches,
contusions, swollen ankles or wrists,
photograph them…or ask a friend to do so.

▪ Take photographs of the location of the
accident. If necessary, make a sketch of the
passageway, stairway, poolside, or other
location. Note if there are signs…or if there
are no signs. This includes “do not enter”, “do
not exit”, or “warning - automatic doors”
signs. Note the presence or absence of
handrails, non-skid surfaces or other physical
characteristics of the scene of the accident.

▪ If necessary, arrange for follow-up medical
care after you leave the cruise ship.
What Should I Do If I'm Injured on a Cruise Ship
What to do in a Cruise Ship Accident - Legal Help - What to do in a Cruise Ship Injury - Accident Legal Information
Tim Akpinar Contact Information:                

Telephone:       
E-mail:              

Street
Address:           

Mailing               
Address:           

Website:           

© February 2005 by Tim Akpinar
All Rights Reserved
The contents of this website may not
be copied or transmitted without the
prior written consent of Tim Akpinar
No one goes on a cruise
planning to have an
accident. However if an
accident does occur,
taking these measures
will protect your legal
rights as a passenger.
Good luck and have a
safe trip.
718 224 9824
t.akpinar@verizon.net

250-02 Northern Blvd - Suite 200
Little Neck, New York 11363

P.O. Box 620766
Little Neck, New York 11362

www.mycounsel.us
Injuries that arise aboard cruise ships are
not always of the physical trauma type.
There have been incidents on cruise ships
involving viruses, illness and food
poisoning. The Center for Disease Control
provides some recommendations for
prevention on this subject. Click
Cruise
Ship Illness and Disease to see some of
this advice.
Back to Cruise Ship Accidents

                                               
Back to Cruise Ship Lawyer Tim Akpinar
Although cruise ships are a common venue
for accidents, they are also a place where
Indictment for crime aboard cruise ship.