Best Practices for Passenger-only Ferries

In response to growing interest in increasing passenger-only ferry capacity in Washington, Quiet Sound developed best practices for operating in Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat. These recommendations were informed by current practices of Washington passenger-only ferry operators, operators in different parts of the globe, and best available science. 

Our guidance follows five recommendations: 

1. Know the rules: Understand regulations and learn about whale behavior. 
2. Have a plan: Define and implement operational measures to reduce underwater noise impact and strike risk. 
3. Be whale aware: Report whale sightings, improve whale detection capabilities, and receive whale alerts. 
4. Assess your impact: Understand your fleet’s noise signature and relevant quieting measures (operational or technological). 
5. Design for the future: Prioritize underwater radiated noise reduction in vessel design and retrofits. 

Read the full best practices report here.