Lloyd's List Asks Ryan Melogy About the Newly Enacted "Safer Seas Act"

On December 22, 2022 Lloyd's List published a story about historic and recently-enacted maritime safety legislation “The Safer Seas Act.” The story was written by Tomer Raanan and titled “US lawmakers pass seafarer safety protections to combat sexual violence at sea.”

Lloyd’s List reached out to Ryan Melogy for comment on the important maritime legislation he was closely involved in drafting and promoting.

Lloyd’s List noted that the final version of the bill contained only a per day civil fine for not reporting an allegation of shipboard sexual assault, which is capped at ,000.

Melogy criticized the monetary penalties, stating: “I think the monetary penalty for noncompliance is a joke.” He noted the Senate’s earlier version included a ,000 daily penalty and drew a comparison: “Not reporting an oil spill into the marine environment is a criminal offense, and I think rape should be treated as seriously as spilling oil.”

However, Melogy emphasized the importance of new reporting requirements under 46 USC 10104, highlighting that “Nothing can change until vessel operators are required to report all allegations of shipboard sexual harassment and assault to the US Coast Guard.”

Melogy told Lloyd’s List he believes the Coast Guard reports will eventually prompt additional congressional action, stating: “I believe these reports will disturb Congress and lead to even greater changes.”