Participation in a satellite vessel tracking system, replacing open lifeboats with enclosed ones and compliance with the International Maritime Organization's guidelines for operating in polar waters are all actions cruise ships sailing in Antarctica will take to improve marine safety.
At a meeting of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators in Providence, R.I., last month, IAATO said its 43 members approved these new operating procedures, some which will be mandated and others encouraged.
IAATO said the statement of actions to enhance marine safety followed the report by the government of Liberia on the 2007 sinking of the Explorer cruise ship.
"When the Liberian flag-state report on GAP Adventures' Explorer was released, our marine committee was tasked with assessing what specific advice could be put in place as industry best practice prior to the upcoming 2009-2010 season," Steve Wellmeier, executive director of IAATO, said in a statement. "We believe these recommended changes to the standard operating procedures of our members, as well as changes in our bylaws and further actions to be taken, reflect our commitment to safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to Antarctica."
Members also approved a change that strengthens the experience requirements for bridge officers on ships in Antarctica; they must now have a captain or appointed ice pilot with Antarctic experience.
IAATO also said that it has created a group to investigate methods to further reduce tourism's carbon footprint on the White Continent and to raise awareness among passengers of its implications.
The changes come along with news that visits to Antarctica dropped 17% this past season, to 38,200 visitors from the peak 2007-2008 number of 46,265.