20 Proceedings Fall 2024 delivery and is the last time ACTEUR visits the vessel. If the vessel passes the exam, it can be delivered from the shipyard to the client. The ICOC is a multiday exam that tests nearly every major system. This is a massive under- taking that requires significant coordination between the shipyard, owners/operators, vessel crew, and other major stakeholders. The MSC and CSNCOE also support this comprehen- sive exam and each unit offers a unique layer of expe- rience, knowledge, and technical expertise. A typical exam is divided into three teams, and although there are considerable crossover inspection points between these teams, they are generally arranged as such: One focused primarily on topside systems like navigation and lifesav- ing, one focused on fire control systems, and one focused on machinery systems. Each team is composed of Coast Guard, shipyard, and company representatives. The Future of the Cruise Industry Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the cruise ship indus- try has responded with a renewed focus on resiliency and sustainability. Cutting-edge technology has paved the way for enhanced guest experiences and heightened safety culture while also continuing to meet environ- mentally focused regulatory initiatives. The adoption of alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas and biofuels, along with advancements in waste reduction technologies and energy-efficient design, underscores a pivotal shift to elevate guest confidence. It also aims to minimize the carbon footprint of cruise ships while protecting the marine ecosystems they explore. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven personal assistants and smart cabins equipped with voice-controlled amenities will redefine conve- nience and luxury. With all these new advancements and more on the horizon, the Coast Guard will continue to join forces with shipbuilders to ensure a focus on safety while forging a path for adherence to regulations. The industry’s proactive engagement with the Coast Guard has helped provide safe and memorable experiences at sea for years to come.6 About the authors: LT Devin Greenwell has seven years of experience as a marine inspector and was previously a Coast Guard diver. He is currently assigned as the marine safety detachment supervisor in Ketchikan, Alaska, but contrib- uted to this publication while assigned to ACTEUR. LT Sam Morrison currently lives in Brunssum, Netherlands, with his wife and son. Previously, they lived in Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Sam grew up in Colorado and has a passion for river rafting and kayak- ing when he’s not inspecting larger boats. Endnotes: 1. Global Cruise Passengers Carried and Growth Rates, 1990-2024, 2024 2. Ibid 3. Fincantieri, n.d. 4. Meyer Werft, n.d. 5. History - Chantiers de L’Atlantique, 2021 6. Strengthening Outbreak Management and Emergency Response Systems, 2016 The world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, sits at the Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain. Coast Guard photo by LT Devin Greenwell
