When a mishap occurs during an expedition—whether it’s a missed procedure, equipment failure, or a near-miss—it might feel easier to move on quietly. But in the expedition cruise industry, where operations take place in remote and sensitive environments, these moments hold significant value.

“The main purpose of incident reporting is not to assign blame or get anyone in trouble,” says “By openly sharing what went wrong or almost went wrong we turn individual experiences into industry-wide knowledge,” says Melissa Nacke, Head of Operations at AECO’s secretariat.

Incident reports document what happened, when, and how it was handled. Over time, they form a reliable record that helps identify systemic issues and recurring risks.

“Without incident reports, we’re operating with an incomplete picture,” says Melissa Nacke. “These reports help us understand what’s really happening in the field. Without them we risk overlooking critical insights.”

“When one operator documents an incident, it gives everyone else a chance to learn from it.”

Melissa Nacke, Head of Operations, AECO

Preventing repeat incidents

Incident reporting is not just a best practice within AECO. It’s a formal requirement. Reports play a vital role in compliance with AECO’s standards and guidelines, ensuring that operators uphold the principles of transparency and continuous improvement that underpin our membership.

“One of the greatest strengths of AECO’s reporting framework is its ability to facilitate learning across the industry. When one operator documents an incident, it gives everyone else a chance to learn from it,” Melissa Nacke explains.”

This collective learning allows the membership to review trends and proactively adjust guidelines before incidents are repeated elsewhere.

The cost of silence

When incidents go unreported, the consequences can be serious. Risks remain hidden, patterns go unnoticed, and opportunities for intervention are missed.

“If we only become aware of an incident through external sources, like the media, it can be too late for meaningful damage control. Lack of reporting doesn’t just expose organizations to greater operational and reputational risks; it also undermines the trust and transparency that’s foundational to being a member of AECO.”

No such thing as “too small” to report

Even minor incidents—or near-misses—can reveal valuable insights.

“They are just as valuable to report as major ones,” Melissa Nacke emphasizes. “If something almost went wrong, that’s a signal we need to pay attention to. Often, the lessons learned from minor incidents are the ones that prevent larger, costlier, and more dangerous events.”

Importantly, what may be considered a “mishap” does not only relate to accidents, safety risks, non-compliance with guidelines, or obvious “incidents.” It can also be something as simple as someone being upset with the presence or behavior of tourists—nothing that the operator was able to foresee.

“It’s not even in conflict with our guidelines. But it is an incident, as it may have consequences for the industry.”

Can you share an example where an incident report led to meaningful change?

“Yes. Earlier incidents involving zodiac operations have underscored the importance of stronger safety measures and led to significant improvements across the membership. Together, members agreed to develop new operational guidelines for small boat operations. A key change is that all staff or crew hired as small boat drivers must now hold a valid national or international boating certificate or license from a recognized professional boating authority.”

Last update: 07. September 2026