Marine watchdogs on cruise ships

A programme designed to put marine watchdogs on cruise ships in environmentally fragile waters is facing higher-than-expected costs and may not be able to run as planned.

Alaskan citizens originally approved the Ocean Ranger programme in August 2006 to ensure large tourist vessels in their waters follow environmental regulations and other rules. The programme was meant to put U.S. Coast Guard-certified marine engineers on board the ships to observe their passage. However, it seems the cost may have been underestimated.

It’s not the first time the programme has faced problems - the ‘disclosure provision’ in the original plan drew fierce opposition from local businesses who said that it would mean they had to reveal confidential pricing information to the public. In fact, 13 Alaskan businesses filed a complaint in court recently to prevent the state from enforcing the provision because, they argue, it may violate their constitutional rights.