The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has amended requirements for its ID card.

For 2009, CLIA will require travel agents to enroll in its cruise counselor certification program.

Currently, cardholders are required to complete a minimum of one training seminar, and their affiliated agency must be a CLIA member. For 2009 renewals, however, cardholders must be enrolled in, or have achieved, one of CLIA's four levels of certification.

To obtain entry-level Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) certification, agents must within two years complete a full training program, perform ship inspections, sail on a cruise and sell a minimum of 25 cabins.

CLIA said it would suspend the cards of agents who do not complete a counselor designation in the two-year period.

Agents also must complete and pass an exam for at least one CLIA training program not previously submitted prior to applying for the 2009 card.

CLIA said that "in recognition of the owners and managers of CLIA member travel agencies who manage the agency business but are not necessarily front-line sellers," each CLIA agency will be entitled to a management allocation of up to four ID cards that require only annual training.

“CLIA has an obligation to provide member benefits, including the option of obtaining a CLIA ID card," said Terry Dale, CLIA's CEO. "We also have an obligation to provide member cruise lines and other industry partners assurance that our agent partners are actively engaged in the sale of travel and are committed to professional development."