Community Guidelines launched
AECO and partners have launched new guidelines for visitors to Arctic communities, as well as a template that allows communities to develop their own tailored guidelines. More information on the project is available here, and the Community Guidelines and template can be downloaded from AECO’s website.
Sign up for the 2017 Polar Field Staff Conference
There are still places available for the AECO/IAATO Polar Field Staff Conference 2017, which takes place on October 1 – 4, 2017 in Hveragerði, Iceland. Secure your spot by signing up here.
Northwest Passage SAR TTX
AECO and several of our members participated in the 2017 Northwest Passage Search and Rescue Tabletop Exercise, organized by the Canadian Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard. The exercise involved a “Ship to Shore to South” scenario for small, medium and large cruise vessels in the High Arctic. Participants included AECO, One Ocean Expeditions, Adventure Canada, EYOS Expeditions and Quark Expeditions.
Successful Joint Arctic SAR workshop and TTX
On April 5 – 6, AECO, the Icelandic Coast Guard and JRCC Northern Norway organized the Second Joint Arctic SAR workshop and TTX in Iceland. The objective of the gathering was to strengthen dialogue, cooperation and exchange of information between the Arctic cruise industry and various Arctic SAR responders.
AECO to develop off-vessel risk assessment tool
AECO has been granted funds from the Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund to develop a tool that expedition cruise operators can use to assess vulnerability and risk for all off-vessel activities. The goal is to create a tool that combines safety risk assessment with site vulnerability assessment, while also taking into consideration the characteristics of the group undertaking the activity.
New Wildlife Guidelines in progress
A number of newly developed Wildlife Guidelines will be launched during the fall of 2017.The Guidelines will provide useful facts and information on how to behave around walrus, seals, reindeer, Arctic fox, birds, cetaceans and polar bears.
Arctic Field Staff Online Assessment coming soon
AECO is currently in the process of testing its new Field Staff Online Assessment. The Assessment will be made available to members before the end of 2017.
Developing new site specific guidelines for West-Spitsbergen
As part of a project to develop additional site specific guidelines in West-Spitsbergen, AECO will conduct site inspections of the sites Fuglehuken and Sallyhamna this July. A regulatory proposal, likely to enter into force during the 2018 season, establish site specific guidelines as a requirement for cruise vessel landings at a total of nine sites along the western coast of Spitsbergen. |
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Recognition of SAR efforts
The Canadian Coast Guard presented AECO and its members with a plaque in recognition of their participation in the Northwest Passage 2017 Table Top Exercise, and for their efforts to enhance safety of expedition and cruise vessel operations in Arctic waters. The exercise took place in Trenton, Ontario on May 16 - 17 and was organized by the Canadian and US Coast Guards.
A warm welcome to the new Executive Director of IAATO
AECO welcomes the incoming executive director of IAATO, Dr. Damon Stanwell-Smith. AECO would also take the occasion to thank current Executive Director Kim Crosbie for all her efforts to promote safe and sustainable polar tourism.
IHO observer status
In January 2017, AECO was granted observer status with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).
AECO supports HFO ban
Earlier this year, AECO signed an Arctic Commitment to phase out use of HFO in the Arctic together with a number of other companies and organizations.
Executive Committee Meeting
AECO’s Executive Committee met on January 17 – 18, 2017. Minutes from the meeting are available on the AECO member pages.
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AECO hires new Communications Manager
The AECO Secretariat has hired Edda Falk as the organization's new communications manager. Edda will be based in Oslo, Norway.
New acting Copenhagen Office Manager
Ilja Leo Lang, manager of AECO’s Copenhagen Office, will take a leave of absence from July 2017 to February 2018. During this period, he will be replaced by Ida Winther. Ida will be based in Nakskov, Denmark.
New members
AECO's membership continues to grow, and we are pleased to welcome the following new members:
Provisional members
The World of Residensea
Arctic Sailing Escape
Arctic Explorers
Scenic Cruises
Affiliate members
Viking Ice Consultancy
Tailor-made Journeys
Cruise Iceland
Puffin Program
So far 90 Puffins have flown to new owners. September is the last chance to earn Puffins, and the winner of the Puffin Program will be announced during AECO’s Annual Meeting in October 2017.
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