ABSTRACT
Long distances, limited connectivity, lower temperatures, as well as unpredictable weather and ice conditions, all contribute to making the Arctic a region where people need to come prepared. Expedition-style vessels are smaller than conventional cruise ships, typically carrying somewhere between 150 to 200 passengers. These vessels generally are ice-classed and have crews with many years of experience operating in polar environments. When planning and carrying out these voyages, safety is the number one priority. Safety and marine preparedness are priorities for the Arctic expedition cruise industry. The vast majority of operators in this segment are part of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), and many efforts to enhance preparedness are channelled through this organization. A vessel of opportunity can be defined as a vessel close enough to aid a vessel in distress. AECO’s long-standing practice of working with search and rescue entities has demonstrated that this kind of co-operation benefits both industry and responders.
