P-14 Implementation of the innovative, advanced digitized Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System (CVSS) to promote healthier, safer cruise tourism
Author(s):
S Llanos, L Indar, K Daniel, A Sosa, M Elsherbiny, S Kissoondan, F Mohammed
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: To describe the development, implementation,
and early performance of the advanced Caribbean Vessel
Surveillance System (CVSS) as a regional surveillance
system designed to strengthen early warning, rapid response
and harmonize reporting to public health events on vessels
in the Caribbean.
Methods: The CVSS was developed by CARPHA’s Regional Tourism and Health Program as a unified, real-time electronic surveillance platform tailored to the Caribbean context. The CVSS was revamped in 2021 to support notification of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and COVID-19 outbreaks via confidential data sharing and email-based alerts. In 2025, CVSS was upgraded to Version 2.0 with automated alert generation, customizable dashboards, standardized Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) uploads, and automated reporting. The upgraded system was piloted among five Member States (MS) to assess technical functionality, feasibility, and relevance.
Results: Between July to November 2025, there are eight MS, and a total of 60 users trained using the advanced CVSS. During this period, 533 reports submitted for 276 voyages, with a total of ten (10) alerts generated for fever and rash which were also categorized as outbreaks. These reports include 53 reports submitted for 47 voyages as historical data from 2024. The alerts occurred across multiple vessels and itineraries. All alerts were from sick crew members. CVSS 2.0 demonstrated improved efficiency through automated alerts, streamlined MDH submission, and near real-time standardized data sharing. Member States reported enhanced situational awareness and strengthened capacity for early detection and response.
Conclusion: The CVSS provides a holistic, digital, and Caribbean tailored platform that improves early warning, outbreak detection, and coordinated response for public health events on vessels. Its implementation enhances regional health security and supports safer, more resilient cruise tourism in the Caribbean as cruise tourism continues to grow.