Maritime Operations Committee

1. Focus on issues related to maritime operations, specifically those pertaining to regulation, safety, and sustainability.
2. Work with the AECO Secretariat to ensure members are aware of, informed about and prepared to respond to restrictions and/or opportunities for the efficient and effective operations of their vessels.
3. Identify and prioritize issues within AECO’s objectives related to maritime operations – regulatory, administrative, sustainability and safety – that affect the ability of AECO members to operate their vessels efficiently and effectively.
4. Develop comprehensive strategies for effective management of issues.
5. Collaborate with the AECO Secretariat and Executive Committee to develop recommendations that align with AECO’s values, vision, and guidelines, which can then be presented to members for their consideration.
6. Research and share best practices in safe and effective maritime operations, facilitating implementation across AECO membership. 
7. Identify and address operational issues concerning member activities in areas with specified restrictions or operational expectations regarding maritime operations.
8. Foster collaborative relationships with maritime authorities (including but not limited to regulators, class society, IMO/Flag State) to remain familiar with current and proposed standards that impact effective and safe maritime operations.
9. Assist the AECO Secretariat in responding, where appropriate, to proposals put forward by regulators, IMO, etc., that could impact members’ maritime operations.

1. The committee will be comprised of no less than five (5) and no more than eight (8) members, who, together, should have a range of experience in maritime issues (operations, administration, regulations) of large vessels, yachts, and small boats.
2. Committee members are expected to attend and actively engage in meetings and to take on tasks throughout the year to further the efforts of the committee.

Tasks assigned to the Maritime Operations Committee:

• Support the Environmental Stewardship Committee in developing new guidelines on underwater noise. The guidelines should be based on:
  • Scientific research (including AECO’s ongoing studies) International regulations and best practices (e.g., IMO) National regulations and guidelines.
• Develop a Mariners Guide for new navigational crew.
• Develop new questions for the Mariners Assessment.
• Provide support and expertise to the Environmental Stewardship Committee in its task of developing a reporting scheme for the 2026 season. This scheme will facilitate emission analysis while minimizing reporting requirements for members.

Leoni Dickerhoff, Martime Operations Generalist