Safety on Arctic Waters

Avoid using Zodiacs and dinghies near icebergs and glaciers
In a number of incidents zodiacs, dinghies and other small vessels have been used to bring tourists close to icebergs and glaciers in Greenland. Greenland Tourism & Business Council, The National Tourist Board of Greenland, must stress that such excursions may endanger the lives of passengers and crew.
 

An example not to follow: Cruising at Ilulissat Icefjord far too close to huge icebergs

Over the past few years there have been several incidents in which icebergs and calving glaciers - and their resulting tidal waves have caused boats like the above mentioned to capsize. Such tidal waves and crushing chunks of ice represent a threat to the safety of both foreign and local vessels.

Parts of the following report may also apply to Greenland. It is entitled "How close should boats come to the fronts of Svalbard’s calving glaciers?" and published by Jack Kohler of the Norwegian Polar Institute.

The two main conclusions are:
• At the level of individual events, calving is a random process. It is impossible to predict precisely when calving may occur, how large a block will be created, or how it will enter the water.
• 200 m is a safe minimum distance, with a good margin for safety, for avoiding both direct hits and the largest waves.

Exercise caution when sailing near icebergs
We therefore strongly urge sailing operators the following precautions:

In general, exercise pertinent precaution when sailing near glaciers and keep a MINIMUM distance of 200 meters, preferably more. Regardless of the vessel type - including cruise ships - remain at a safe distance from icebergs and glacies. Icebergs can suddenly and without prior indications fall apart or flip over. Likewise, glaciers occasionally calve huge chunks of ice into the sea.

Within the last years - and especially near Ilulissat Icefjord - locals have witnessed cruise ship vessels that have approached big icebergs far too close for photo opportunities and to impress passengers aboard.

We must strongly warn all commanders against such kind of navigation near the icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord. Not keeping a minimum safe distance of 200 meters may endanger the lives of passengers and crew onboard.

Zodiac Sightseeing that could have turned out disastrous

Furthermore, we recommend NOT to use Zodiacs or dinghies to take passengers close to the ice on sea excursions. Please take advantage of local excursion operators as these are familiar with local conditions and are fully safety certified by appropriate authorities. 

This will also be beneficial to the local communities and to the overall image of cruise tourism in Greenland as being an economically viable industry for the locals.

The beautiful, but treacherous ice
Seen from a distance the forces of nature are astonishing, but being in a vessel too close to the ice can turn out disastrous when sudden and unforeseen events unfold.

For cruise vessels AND tour operators that despite these messages intend to continue the above-mentioned practices, we urge that passengers be duly notified of the inherent risks.

Special rules apply for Ilulissat Icefjord
Please notice, that the Government of Greenland has issued a statutory order of preservation as of July the 1st 2007, which regulate sailing and cruising with tourists at Ilulissat Icefjord. These rules are available for download here. If in doubt, please contact your shipping agent in Greenland for further instructions. Not respecting the law is punishable by fine.