Whatever happened to the captain going down with the ship? In light of the Concordia disaster, one of the most disturbing parts is the decision of Captain Francesco Schettino to abandon ship with passengers still aboard. Another disturbing event is, according to transcripts, his refusal to return to the ship to lead rescue efforts when he was ordered to do so by local port officials.
While under US law, it is not a crime for the captain to abandon ship, it is a maritime tradition that the captain be the last one off a sinking ship.
Even if you can’t count on the captain of the ship, there are certain things that passengers can do to be prepared. US citizens who are traveling abroad should register with the US Department of State’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment program (STEP) at https://travelregistration.state.gov . US citizens can also register directly at US embassies or US consulates. By registering with the State Department, US passport holders can be assisted more quickly in the event of an emergency.
Before boarding a cruise ship, it is important to make copies of your passport and all of the passports in your traveling party.
If you need a visa, an expedited passport, emergency passport, passport renewal, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent. (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.