Three international cruise associations have determined the need for a new muster drill prior to a cruise ship's departure.

The Cruise Lines International Association, European Cruise Council and Passenger Shipping Association have exceeded current regulations regarding muster drills citing passenger safety as their highest priority.

The policy has been implemented effective immediately and comes after the capsizing incident involving the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy last month.

An Operational Safety Review was conducted to detail safety concerns and present new plans, such as the muster drill policy.

A muster drill involves passengers and crew running through emergency procedures before leaving port.

The new procedure involves gathering at assigned lifeboat destinations onboard and learning how to properly put on a lifejacket.

Legislation imposed by the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) currently states a muster drill must be held within 24 hours of departure.