At BIMCO we believe seafarer training could significantly reduce the likelihood of whale strikes by equipping seafarers with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to prevent such incidents – as well as becoming more aware of the importance of preventing whale strikes to support both conservation efforts but to ensure safety of the ship and those on board. We are joining with ORCA to offer members access to a comprehensive programme designed to educate seafarers about the impact of ship strike on whales, and help to signpost opportunities for reducing the risk of collision.
Costs
Fees are inclusive of a 20% discount offered to BIMCO members.
0-50 Trainees: 2,080 Euros per course
51-150 Trainees: 3,440 Euros per course
151-300 Trainees: 4,960 Euros per course
301-500 Trainees: 6,400 Euros per course
501+ Trainees: POA
Overview
Across the ocean, there are numerous areas where ships and cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) co-exist and with this comes the risk that the two will literally collide. Whilst most cetacean populations shrank during the industrial whaling era there have been promising signs of recovery for many since the global moratorium on hunting large whales in 1986. This has seen some species including Southern right whales and humpback whales increase at rapid rate but others such as North Atlantic right whales and western North Pacific gray whales each number just a few hundred animals. In parallel, shipping has seen significant growth – with more ships, bigger ships and faster ships traversing the ocean. We now have a situation where ship strikes (collisions between ships and whales) occur throughout the world’s oceans, where ship strikes are increasing and where they are hampering the recovery of certain endangered whale species.
There are three primarily conservation measures that are typically used to protect cetaceans from ship strikes. Firstly, re-routing ships away from areas of importance for those cetaceans (such as breeding, feeding or migratory routes)- this simply reduces the chance of the whale and ship being in the same place and the same time. Secondly, asking ships to slow down- this can reduce the risk of a strike somewhat but primarily reduces the risk of any strike being lethal. Thirdly, seafarer awareness at training- well-trained seafarers are better equipped to prevent whale strikes and to respond effectively if such unfortunate incidents do occur.
This is an online course delivered by an external organisation – ORCA. We are happy to be partnering with ORCA to provide 20% discount to BIMCO member companies.
What will you learn?
This online programme includes:
- An overview of ship strike and the impact that it can have on different marine mammal species
- A summary of the species at highest risk of ship strike, including information on identifying them and understanding their different behaviours
- An outline of best practice measures for reducing the risk of collision, including guidance to help seafarers make decisions when they encounter whales
- An overview of management measures in place in key ship strike hotspots, including IMO-mandated restrictions and key considerations when navigating through areas with management measures in place.
Course certification
A certificate is issued on completion of a post-course assessment.
Contact
Please contact info@orca.org.uk for more details or visit ORCA | Seafarers