These treaties are known as SOLAS. SOLAS stands for the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

FORBES: Read This Before Your Next Cruise

Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, known as SOLAS, there are many mandated standards for ship operators, but critics -- including U.S. lawmakers -- point to the fact that there are also many codes, guidelines and recommendations that are voluntary.

CNN: July 8, 2012 -- Updated 1911 GMT (0311 HKT)