According to a Health Canada audit last fall, inspecting cruise ships for health and disease issues has been far from easy.

The inspections are financed through cost-recovery charges on the cruise lines. Yet,one of the reasons cited for the high turnover of staff is funding pressures, which have limited employment security and opportunities for training.

It seems permanent or “indeterminate” inspectors who left over the last six years have been increasingly replaced by term and contract employees worried about job security. In fact, the position of Manager of Professional Services had been occupied by five different individuals over the last four years.

Health inspection problems, combined with the recent reports of the high risk of onboard sexual assaults, not to mention oil spills from ships running aground, as well as, air pollution, and the continued flushing of sewage and other pollutants into the ocean, means the “cruise news” is indeed is worrisome for coastal dwelling British Columbians.