Responsible Travel Philosophy
Antarctica Conservation
At One Ocean Expeditions, we view the world as one large ocean containing a series of large islands. So it stands to reason that our actions in one part of the ocean will trickle down and have an effect in another part. This is the best way to think about the polar ecosystem of Antarctica. We are committed to run an operation that is a model to the world in terms of ecological sensitivity. We are steadfastly committed to minimizing our impact on the areas we visit.
It is to this end that we have developed a commitment to environmental conservation in Antarctica that looks at all aspects of our operation and works to minimize our impact on both the geographic and marine environment. The One Ocean Expeditions team is steadfastly committed to the environment and sustainability. We even have renowned wildlife conservationists on our staff who have been instrumental in mobilizing some of the world’s most notable organizations to better protect Antarctica. Conservation is in our blood, and we take our impact on the environment seriously.
Our eco-conscious approach means we travel to remote and pristine destinations differently than others in the industry. We are proud to operate using world class standards and procedures that are a model to other expedition companies. Our goal is to allow guests to experience these fragile regions while minimizing any potentially harmful impact on wildlife and natural habitats. After all, we want to leave it how we found it.
We are committed to run an operation that is a model to the world in terms of ecological sensitivity. We are steadfastly committed to minimizing our impact on the areas we visit.
Our Antarctic Ships
Fuel Type — Our vessel burns Marine Gas Oil (MGO) – a clean burning fuel with a low emission factor, it is considerably more expensive than heavy fuel oil (HFO). MGO is a distillate fuel and in the unlikely event of a spill, MGO will remain on the surface and breakdown rapidly from UV and wave action, rather than settling to the ocean floor and taking decades to breakdown.
Waste Management — Our vessel conforms to all international regulations/ policies governing disposal of waste at sea. Most garbage is kept onboard and disposed of in port. An effort is made throughout our onboard program to minimize the excess of waste onboard the vessel.
Zodiac™ Engines — Our inflatable boats are powered by low-emission, four stroke outboard engines.
Onboard Daily Program — We print select copies of our onboard daily program to post in public areas throughout the ship, instead of printing and delivering one to every cabin or passenger. This way, we reduce our potential paper and ink cartridge waste onboard the ship.
Reducing Emissions
Itinerary Planning — We believe it is unnecessary for the vessel to motor from one landing site to the next at full speed. By adapting our sail plan to allow for a more leisurely transit from one site to the next, we gain the flexibility to view wildlife along the way, stay at a site longer if the day is exceptional and reduce our fuel consumption/emissions at the same time.
Management Travel — As a management team, we have made an effort to reduce our international travel where possible (videoconferencing helps greatly). For any necessary travel by management, we purchase carbon offsets to offset the required emissions.
Office-Related Emissions — With ample natural light and windows that allow for a cross breeze in summer, our main office uses little in the way of electrical lighting and is not equipped with an air conditioner. We can proudly say that no member of our management team drives to work. At year-end, an audit of our office-related emissions will be undertaken and carbon offset credits will be purchased to neutralize these emissions.
Carbon Offsetting — We have been offering clients the opportunity to offset carbon emissions associated with the expedition they embark on since 2009. Our longstanding partnership with MyClimate/Planetair is one where the 'Gold Standard' offset program offered to our clients exceeds the high profile requirements of today's carbon critique. This is a voluntary initiative much like the programs offered by most major airlines and participation and further information is available onboard the vessel.
Responsible Policies
Gift Shop — We research the origin of the items in our gift shop and take into consideration the manufacturing and working conditions, types of material used and distance of required transportation.
Cuisine — Our menus are planned to take advantage of local products where possible (e.g. Argentinean beef, Argentinean and Chilean wines). Seafood products are purchased based on the sustainability and management of the fishery for each species and comply with our internal guidelines, which mirror those of the MSC, and Audubon Society.
Promotional / Pre-departure Material / Shipboard Literature — We are committed to print all of our promotional, pre-departure and shipboard literature through printing companies who demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship. From the choice of paper, to the chemicals in the ink, to the workplace environmental practices, we have selected printers that match our own environmental commitment.
Antarctic Site Management
Antarctic Site Visit Management IAATO — As a full and voting member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), One Ocean Expeditions supports and follows all established guidelines and recommendations for tour operators and visitors to Antarctica.
Education / Staff Training / Accreditation — Each tour operator has a responsibility to educate their staff and guests; however we have gone beyond the industry standard and developed a comprehensive staff training and accreditation program that keeps our staff on the leading edge of the industry, on everything from safety to environmental sustainability.
Whale-watching Guidelines — Under-billed as a whale watching destination, the Antarctic Peninsula is host to an incredible variety of whales during the austral summer. We follow specific guidelines while enjoying magnificent encounters with these whales and work to improve these guidelines as we go.
