New rules could help protect cruise ship passengers from crimes at sea.

A new law could help keep passengers safer at sea and prevent some from going overboard.

Cruise passengers sometimes become victims, and in international waters, no one is making sure every crime is prosecuted or even reported.

That comes as a surprise to some passengers.

"Someone should be in charge," said passenger John Szeghalmi.

Congress has just passed a new cruise ship safety law that requires ships
to systematically report all crimes.

"We need this," said Mac McLouth, of the Canaveral Port Authority.

The law requires ships to carry rape kits and to have a trained forensic sexual assault specialist onboard every ship.

It mandates basic safety features, like peepholes in cabins, security cameras and emergency sound systems.

"I can't believe they don't have this already," said passenger Kim Kenney.

Port Canaveral-based ships have had their share of people who have gone overboard, never to be found.

The new law requires railings 42 inches high, all intended to make an important industry healthier.

"It means so much to us," McLouth said.

A new website will soon be open where passengers can check to see what, if any, crimes have been committed on board specific ships.