A morgue on a cruise ship is a facility used to store bodies of deceased passengers and crew members.
It is typically located in the lowest, coldest part of the ship, and is usually off-limits to passengers. The morgue has to be accessible to medical staff in case of an emergency, but is otherwise kept secure and out of sight.
Cruise ships have been known to experience unexpected deaths while at sea, which can create difficult situations. The bodies must be treated with respect, and require special storage until they can be returned home or cremated. Cruise ships must adhere to strict international regulations regarding the handling of remains.
The morgue on board a cruise ship usually consists of two or three deep freezers which are capable of storing several bodies at once. The temperature inside these freezers is kept just above freezing, so that decomposition can be slowed down until arrangements can be made for returning the body home.
Safety Precautions
Cruise ships take safety precautions to ensure that the morgue remains secure. It is usually locked with a keypad combination lock or access card system that only authorized personnel are able to open. All visitors must sign in and out when entering or leaving the area, and access may be limited only to medical staff.
Public Health Concerns
The presence of a morgue also presents public health concerns since dead bodies can spread diseases if not handled properly. Cruise ships take extra precautionary measures such as spraying down all surfaces with an anti-microbial solution after each use and providing protective gear for personnel entering the area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a morgue on a cruise ship serves an important purpose in providing dignified storage for deceased passengers and crew members until arrangements can be made for their return home or cremation. Safety protocols are strictly enforced in order to ensure that public health concerns are addressed properly.