Most cruise ships are pretty clean, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which inspects ships to make sure they maintain proper sanitation. Of the more than 200 active cruise ships the CDC has inspected, most received a passing grade: at least an 86 on a 100-point sanitation score.
The Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) at the CDC is a guideline, operating under public health standards, that assists the cruise ship industry to prevent and control gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses on cruise ships. The VSP maintains an electronic surveillance system that tracks cases of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships under our jurisdiction.
It applies to all ships carrying more than 13 passengers, and that have an itinerary with a US port.
What is the VSP Manual?
The VSP manual contains construction and operational guidelines that reduce health risks onboard cruise ships, and promote food safety and environmental sanitation to ensure optimal public health of travellers.
What do operational guidelines cover?
VSP operational guidelines include:
· Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Surveillance
· Potable Water
· Recreational Water Facilities
· Food Management
· Integrated Pest Management
· Housekeeping
· Child Center Activity
· HVAC systems
Key areas of VSP inspections:
1. Medical Center Acute Gastroenteritis Surveillance:
· Medical records of passengers or crew who have contracted AGE
· Medical supply inventory and correct disposal of medical waste
· Training of crew on medical procedures
How can ARISCU help?
ARISCU Insights can provide advanced interactive reports on the number of passenger/crew who have contracted AGE per cruise. Trends/patterns can be identified per term/year, and forecasts made using relevant algorithms.
ARISCU’s Records Manager module can track medical supply inventories, as well as medical training of crew; and provides notifications/alerts when supplies or training are due.
2. Potable Water Systems
· Charts and logs monitor halogen and pH levels
· Water samples record chlorine and pH levels
How can ARISCU help?
ARISCU Modules, such as Risk Manager or Checklist Manager, can be configured to digitize the above recordings, making them easily accessible and easier to manage.
The above recordings can be translated into advanced Dashboards/Reports.
3. Galleys and Dining Rooms
· Food safety from storage and preparation to serving.
· Monitoring of galley equipment.
· Training of crew on food handling and personal hygiene.
How can ARISCU help?
ARISCU’s Document Manager can be used to track and ensure updated policies and procedures regarding Food Safety.
ARISCU Modules, such as Risk Manager or Checklist Manager, can be configured to digitize galley equipment recordings, making them easily accessible and easier to manage.
ARISCU Records Manager can track all crew training and notify the relevant person when training is due.
4. Swimming Pools and Whirlpools
· Charts and logs monitor VSP Operations Manual guidelines.
· Water samples record chlorine and pH levels
· Training of crew on procedure for accidents involving feces or vomit.
How can ARISCU help?
ARISCU Modules, such as Risk Manager or Checklist Manager, can be configured to digitize the above recordings, making them easily accessible and easier to manage.
Our Records Manager can track all crew training and notify the relevant person when training is due.
·ARISCU’s Incident Manager can be used to report accidents, as well as track corrective actions.
5. Housekeeping
· Review the Outbreak Prevention and Response Plan
· Disinfection procedures
· Outbreak procedures
How can ARISCU help?
ARISCU’s Document Manager can be used to track and ensure updated policies and procedures regarding Housekeeping.
ARISCU’s Incident Manager can be used to report accidents/outbreaks, as well as track corrective actions.
6. Pest and Insect Management
· Pest Control Plan
· Pest Control Procedures
· Pest Control supply inventory
How can ARISCU help?
ARISCU’s Document Manager can be used to track and ensure updated policies and procedures regarding Pest Control.
ARISCU Risk Manager or Checklist Manager, can be configured to digitize Pest Control recordings, making them easily accessible and easier to manage.
ARISCU’s Records Manager module can track pest control supply inventories and provide notifications/alerts when supplies are due.
7. Child Activity Centers
· Hygiene procedures and inventories.
· Training of crew on procedures regarding children who are sick with diarrhea or vomiting.
How can ARISCU help?
ARISCU’s Document Manager can be used to track and ensure updated policies and procedures regarding the Child Activity Cen
Our Records Manager can track all crew training and notify the relevant person when training is due.
8. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Inspect
· Air conditioning/heating and ventilation room procedures and hygiene.
How can ARISCU help?
ARISCU’s Document Manager or Risk Manager can be used to track and ensure updated policies and procedures regarding HVAC.
To pass a CDC VSP inspection, a cruise ship must score above 80. Failure to do so can result in a pause on sailing! Scores are published on the CDC VSP website, and many travellers refer to these scores before choosing a ship to sail with. ARISCU is determined to simplify processes on the ground, while presenting data on advanced reports that allow for continuous improvement, and essentially, better scores.
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