Costa takes safety steps ahead of hearing

Costa takes safety steps ahead of hearing
By admin


Costa Cruises has appointed a new safety expert in the wake of a report that saw the troubled cruise line come under fire for its handling of the Costa Concordia disaster earlier this year.

Tom Strang, formerly of Carnival Corporation’s corporate maritime safety policy group, has taken on the role of senior vice president maritime development and compliance covering Costa Cruises, AIDA and Iberocruceros.

“As well as ensuring compliance with all national and international rules and industry standards he will lead the implementation of more advanced industry practices and a safety-centric culture,” a Costa statement said.

Strang will report directly to Costa Group chief executive Michael Thamm.

Earlier this month, a report leaked to the Italian press had primarily placed blame for the Concordia’s grounding on disgraced Captain Francesco Schettino.

But the cruise line was also found at fault for insufficiently training staff in emergency procedures.

Costa had disputed the allegation in a statement which said: “The claim that the staff was unprepared for emergencies is without foundation.”

“The alleged defects in the certifications of some of the crew, in no way shared by the technical and administrative point of view, concern only a few components not key in emergency management.”

A hearing over possible charges relating to the Concordia will be held on October 15.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

airlines

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