WSC update their Whale Chart - making it now an even more vital global...

WSC update their Whale Chart - making it now an even more vital global navigational aid to protect whales 

Published: 24 October 2024

The World Shipping Council have launched the second edition of the WSC Whale Chart: A global voyage planning aid to protect whales which is recommended for use by all BIMCO members to reduce the likelihood of ship strikes and the impact of underwater radiated noise.

The WSC Whale Chart was first published in November 2024 and provides a global survey of whale conservation measures that apply to the merchant shipping fleet. In most cases, these governmental measures are designed to prevent vessel strikes and underwater radiated noise that impact marine life.

Some key changes in the second edition of the chart include:

Additional governmental measures, including cross-jurisdictional measures such as: U.S.-Canada coordination in the Salish Sea, IMO Recommendatory two-way routing measures and precautionary areas established in the Bering Sea and Bering Strait, Costa Rica, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Arctic region

Port authority measures: includes measures endorsed or sponsored by port authorities, including in São Sebastião (Brazil) and New York/New Jersey (U.S.)

Underwater noise: clarifies the inclusion of underwater radiated noise measures (and not just vessel strike measures)

Combining the chart with whale strike training

Using the whale chart in conjunction with seafarer training is likely to yield the best results. As such BIMCO members are reminded that discounted access to ORCA training course are available to those who wish to offer training to their seafarers on avoiding whale strikes. The innovative online course provides:

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.

For more information please contact ORCA directly via info@orca.org.uk or visit their website here – and don’t forget to let them know you are BIMCO members.

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