The below statement of your submission you put to the Inquiry certain recommendations to alter the language of the Statute.

The below statement of your submission you put to the Inquiry certain recommendations to alter the language of the Statute. If these changes were made, how would this improve the Statute from a practical standpoint? In other words, what is the significance of the changes?

Statement: I would suggest that the Statute be amended to provide that it does not invalidate choice of forum or choice of law clauses in cruise ship contracts that purport to limit the liability of the shipowner, master, or agent for personal injury or death caused by negligence or fault of the owner or the owner’s employees or agents, or that purport to limit the right of a claimant for personal injury or death to a trial by a court of competent jurisdiction, unless the court finds that the choice of law or forum clause violates. The inclusion of such an amendment would have the advantage of enabling cruise ship operators to continue including choice of forum and choice of law clauses in their contracts, while at the same time ensuring that such clauses are not used to unfairly limit the legal protections afforded to passengers.