leagal aspects of the whale watching.pdf - International Fund for ...

than 5 knots) and maintain this speed until
well clear.
• Let cetaceans approach you. If cetaceans do
choose to approach the vessel or bow-ride,
you should maintain a steady speed without
changing course. Refrain from altering course
to approach them and remember that they
may choose not to bow-ride.
• You should move away slowly if you notice
any signs of disturbance, such as erratic
changes in speed and direction or lengthy
periods underwater.
• Refrain from driving through, or between,
groups of cetaceans.
• You should avoid cetaceans with young.
• You should try to allow a clear escape route
for cetaceans.
Try to plan routes and timetables so there are no more
than two boats within 1km of cetaceans. In areas of
heavy traffic or in enclosed waters the duration and
number of trips should be limited.
• You should consider fitting propeller guards to
minimise the risk of injury to cetaceans.
Maintain propellers to avoid unnecessary
noise disturbance. Where possible, use boats
with low engine noise.
• Be aware of, and attempt to minimise, other
possible sources of noise disturbance.
• For the sake of their safety and the health of
the cetaceans, passengers and crew should
refrain from swimming with, touching or
feeding cetaceans.
• Where possible, the crew of a vessel should
include a person who is able to inform the
public about the natural history and
conservation requirements of cetaceans.
44 Legal Aspects of Whale Watching
• Remember that is an offence to dispose of
sewage, fuel, oil or litter at sea.
Compliance with the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea has priority over these
guidelines at all times.
6 These guidelines are to be distributed by the UK Depatment of the Environment, Transport and the Regions as a fly-sheet inserted in a folder
which will contain examples of existing local codes of conduct.