Whale Watching Coalition of Washington Member

Clipper Navigation Inc, operators of the Victoria Clipper, supports the actions taken by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to list the Southern Resident Pods of Orca Whales as endangered.

Clipper Navigation, Inc. is an active member of the Whale Watching Coalition of Washington, which has established guidelines for operators’ actions when sharing the water with the Orcas. Clipper, along with the rest of the whale watching industry, has been proactive in developing and adhering to self-regulating guidelines, beyond those mandated by NOAA the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

We are dedicated to working in cooperation with government agencies in both the United States and Canada, as well as with non-governmental and industry organizations, by carrying out the conservation plan designed to provide the greatest protection possible to Puget Sound’s whale
population.

Whale and Marine Wildlife Watching Guidelines

Victoria Clipper is a member of the Whale Watching Coalition of Washington and follows these recommended guidelines for viewing marine wildlife.

Whale Watching

• Be cautious and courteous – approach areas of known or suspected marine mammal activity with extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure.
• Reduce speed to less than seven knots when within 400 meters of the nearest whale. Avoid abrupt course changes.
• Avoid approaching closer than 200 meters to any whale.
• Stop immediately and allow the whales to pass if the vessel is unexpectedly within 100 meters.
• Avoid approaching whales from the front or from behind. Always approach and depart whales from the side, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whales.
• Keep clear of the whales’ path and avoid positioning within the 400 meter area in the path of the whales.
• Stay on the offshore side of the whales when they are traveling close to shore. Remain at least 200 meters offshore at all times.
• Limit viewing time to a recommended maximum of 30 minutes.
• Do not swim with or feed whales.

Porpoises and Dolphins

• Observe all guidelines for watching whales.
• Do not drive through groups of porpoises or dolphins for the purpose of bow-riding.
• Reduce speed gradually and avoid sudden course changes, should dolphins or porpoises choose to ride the bow wave of vessel.

Seals, Sea Lions and Birds on Land

• Avoid approaching closer than 100 meters to any marine mammals or birds.
• Slow down and reduce your wake/wash and noise levels.
• Pay attention and back away at the first sign of disturbance or agitation.
• Be cautious and quiet when around haul-outs and bird colonies, especially during breeding, nesting and pupping seasons (generally May to September).
• Do not swim with or feed any marine mammals or birds.