CDC Vessel Sanitation Program Operations Manual 2018

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) in the 1970s as a cooperative activity with the cruise ship industry. The program assists the cruise ship industry in fulfilling its responsibility for developing and implementing comprehensive sanitation programs to minimize the risk for acute gastroenteritis. Every vessel that has a foreign itinerary and carries 13 or more passengers is subject to twice-yearly unannounced inspections and, when necessary, reinspection. 

As new information, technology, and input are received, we will continue to review and record that information and maintain a public process to keep the VSP Operations Manual current. The VSP 2018 Operations Manual continues the more than 40 years of government and industry working together to achieve a successful and cooperative program that benefits millions of travelers each year.